The smartphone landscape has shifted dramatically since the Panasonic Eluga I7’s 2019 release. Now, the Realme C33 enters the fray as a modern, budget-focused device. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two phones, focusing on how the newer chipset and design impact real-world performance and value for today’s user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Realme C33 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset delivers significantly improved performance over the Eluga I7’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for multitasking, modern apps, and even light gaming. While charging is slow at 10W, the overall experience is a substantial upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 148.8 x 70.9 x 9.3 mm (5.86 x 2.79 x 0.37 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio with RDS | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 9990 INR | About 110 EUR |
Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019)
- Potentially lower price (due to age)
- Simple, straightforward user experience
- May be more readily repairable due to simpler design
- Outdated processor and performance
- Likely limited software support
- Inferior camera capabilities
Realme C33 2023
- Significantly faster processor
- More modern software and features
- Improved camera system
- Slow 10W charging
- Entry-level performance may still struggle with demanding tasks
- Build quality may be primarily plastic
Display Comparison
The Panasonic Eluga I7’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its 2019 release, it likely features a standard LCD panel with a 720p resolution. The Realme C33, while also utilizing an LCD, benefits from a more modern design and potentially improved color calibration. The lack of information on the Eluga I7’s brightness makes direct comparison difficult, but the C33’s display is adequate for indoor use. Neither device is expected to offer high peak brightness or advanced features like HDR support.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Eluga I7 are scarce. The Realme C33’s camera system, while not flagship-level, offers a more modern experience. While the primary sensor resolution isn't specified, the C33 likely features a more capable main sensor than the Eluga I7, given the advancements in camera technology over the past four years. The inclusion of a dedicated depth sensor on the C33 allows for better portrait mode effects. It's important to note that the prevalence of 2MP macro sensors on both devices suggests limited utility for detailed close-up photography.
Performance
This is where the Realme C33 truly shines. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor is significantly outmatched by the Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612. The T612’s octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial boost in multi-core performance, enabling smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The 12nm process node of the T612 also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to the likely older process node used in the Eluga I7. Users will notice a dramatic difference in responsiveness when switching between apps or browsing the web.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Eluga I7 is unknown. The Realme C33’s battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Unisoc T612’s efficiency should provide a full day of moderate use. However, the 10W wired charging is a significant drawback. Expect a lengthy charge time from 0-100%, potentially exceeding 3 hours. The Eluga I7’s charging speed is also likely slow, but without specific data, a direct comparison is difficult. The Realme C33’s modern power management features may offset the slower charging to some extent.
Buying Guide
Buy the Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and very light web browsing – and are constrained by an extremely tight budget. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better app performance, and a more modern feature set, even if it means sacrificing some battery charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 handle popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube without significant lag. The octa-core processor and improved architecture provide a much smoother experience compared to the Panasonic Eluga I7’s older quad-core processor.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 a major inconvenience?
Yes, the 10W charging is a notable drawback. It will take considerably longer to fully charge the Realme C33 compared to phones with faster charging capabilities. Plan to charge it overnight or during extended periods of inactivity. While the Unisoc T612 is power-efficient, the slow charging remains a significant limitation.
❓ Can the Realme C33 play mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme C33 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates. The Unisoc Tiger T612 is not a gaming powerhouse, so expect some compromises in visual fidelity to maintain playable performance. The Eluga I7 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Realme C33 compared to the Panasonic Eluga I7?
The Realme C33 will receive significantly longer software support than the Panasonic Eluga I7. As a 2019 device, the Eluga I7 has likely reached the end of its software update cycle. Realme typically provides at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches for its devices, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date user experience.
