The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme C11 and Nokia 3.4 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with Realme prioritizing a slightly more powerful (on paper) processor, while Nokia focuses on a more refined software experience and a different chipset architecture. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and a smoother software experience, the Nokia 3.4 emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, offers a more efficient and generally more responsive experience than the Realme C11’s MediaTek Helio G35, despite the latter’s slightly higher clock speeds.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Pepper Grey | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | RMX2185 | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Realme C11
- Potentially lower price point
- Higher CPU clock speeds (on paper)
- May appeal to users prioritizing raw processing power, even if less efficient
- Less efficient MediaTek Helio G35 chipset
- Potentially less smooth user experience
- Software experience may be less refined
Nokia 3.4
- More efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Cleaner Android One software experience
- Better single-core performance for app responsiveness
- Slightly higher price point
- Lower CPU clock speeds (compared to Realme C11)
- May not be ideal for demanding gaming
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. While specific details like brightness and color gamut are unavailable, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and neither supports high refresh rates. The display experience will likely be similar on both devices, leaning towards functional rather than immersive.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are unlikely to excel in photography. Details on camera sensors are limited, but given the price point, expect basic image quality. The focus should be on adequate performance in good lighting conditions. The Realme C11 likely includes a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses (the latter often being of limited utility). The Nokia 3.4’s camera setup is similarly expected to be basic. Image processing will likely be a key differentiator, with Nokia’s software potentially offering more natural-looking results, while Realme’s might lean towards more saturated colors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C11’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia 3.4, however, utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the Helio G35 has higher peak clock speeds, the Snapdragon 460’s Cortex-A73 cores are architecturally superior, offering better single-core performance – crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 11nm process of the Snapdragon 460 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. This translates to a smoother experience for multitasking and moderately demanding apps on the Nokia 3.4.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both are likely in the 5000mAh range, common for budget smartphones. The Snapdragon 460’s superior power efficiency in the Nokia 3.4 could translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, despite potentially similar capacity. The 11nm process allows for more efficient power management, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C11 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to tolerate occasional performance hiccups. It’s suitable for users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and very light social media browsing. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you value a more consistent user experience, a cleaner Android One software implementation, and a chipset known for better power efficiency, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 struggle with multitasking compared to the Nokia 3.4?
Yes, the Realme C11’s Helio G35, while having higher clock speeds, utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores across most of its configuration. The Nokia 3.4’s Snapdragon 460, with its Cortex-A73 cores, provides a noticeable improvement in multitasking performance, allowing for smoother switching between apps and less lag.
❓ Is the Android One software on the Nokia 3.4 a significant advantage?
Absolutely. Android One guarantees a clean, bloatware-free experience with timely security updates and a guaranteed upgrade path. This contrasts with Realme’s UI, which, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and a less consistent update schedule. For users prioritizing a streamlined and secure experience, Android One is a major benefit.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at higher settings. You’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience. The Snapdragon 460 in the Nokia 3.4 might offer slightly more stable performance, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
