The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Philips PH1 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the PH1 versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers significantly better performance and smoother multitasking compared to the Philips PH1’s Unisoc Tiger T310. While the PH1 may offer a slightly simpler software experience, the Redmi 10C’s performance advantage justifies the small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 20. Released 2021, December 20 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.5 x 9.5 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~247 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android OS | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
3 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4700 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | S701, Xenium S701 | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Philips PH1
- Potentially simpler, less cluttered software experience.
- Compact size may appeal to users who prefer smaller phones.
- Lower price point (potentially).
- Significantly weaker performance due to the Unisoc Tiger T310.
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter battery life.
- No fast charging support.
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 680.
- More efficient chipset for better battery life.
- 18W fast charging support.
- Larger display for a more immersive experience.
- Larger size may not be ideal for all users.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive (though optimized).
- Potentially slightly higher price.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Details on panel technology (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are missing, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution. The Redmi 10C’s larger screen size (6.71 inches vs. the PH1’s 6.08 inches) will provide a more immersive viewing experience. However, without knowing the peak brightness or color accuracy of either display, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The Redmi 10C’s larger size may also impact one-handed usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 10C’s camera system is likely to benefit from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to Unisoc’s offerings. The Redmi 10C’s larger sensor size (if present) would also contribute to better low-light performance. It’s safe to assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, which often delivers limited real-world value.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 10C pulls decisively ahead. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, fabricated on a 6nm process, is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680’s octa-core configuration (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) provides a substantial advantage over the PH1’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The architectural differences are key: Kryo cores are designed for sustained performance, while the Cortex-A75 in the PH1 is more suited for short bursts. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi 10C. The 6nm process also means the Snapdragon 680 will generate less heat, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10C includes 18W wired charging, a feature absent from the Philips PH1’s specifications. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency will likely result in comparable or even better battery life on the Redmi 10C, despite potentially having a smaller battery. The 18W charging on the Redmi 10C will also allow for faster top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Philips PH1 if you prioritize a minimalist software experience and are primarily using the phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. You'll need to be patient with app loading times and multitasking. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you want a phone that can handle more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and smoother overall operation. The Snapdragon 680 provides a noticeable performance boost for everyday use and offers better future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Philips PH1 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is a very basic processor. While it can handle these apps, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or loading content. The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 will provide a much smoother experience with these and other commonly used applications.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 10C support gaming, and if so, what kind of performance can I expect?
The Redmi 10C can handle casual gaming, but don’t expect to run demanding titles like PUBG Mobile at high settings. You’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve playable performance. The Snapdragon 680’s GPU is significantly more capable than the one found in the Philips PH1, allowing for a more enjoyable gaming experience, albeit still limited.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 10C a significant advantage?
Yes, it is. The Philips PH1 lacks any specified fast charging support, meaning it will take considerably longer to fully charge the battery. 18W charging on the Redmi 10C will allow you to quickly top up the battery when needed, minimizing downtime.
