The Realme C12 and Narzo 20A are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer large batteries and affordable price tags, but which one delivers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 20A edges out the C12 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 665 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and smoother multitasking. While the C12 boasts a slightly larger battery, the Narzo 20A's efficiency and processing power make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.4 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 480p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | RMX2189 | RMX2050 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.63 W/kg (body) |
Realme C12
- Massive 5000mAh battery
- Affordable price
- Triple camera system
- Underpowered chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic display
Realme Narzo 20A
- More powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Ultra-wide camera lens
- Good value for money
- Slightly better performance
- Smaller battery than C12 (though efficiency is better)
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. However, the Narzo 20A's display might exhibit slightly better color accuracy due to the Snapdragon chipset's better image processing capabilities. The C12's display is perfectly serviceable, but not a standout feature.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C12 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), while the Narzo 20A has a quad-camera setup (13MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth). While megapixels aren't everything, the Narzo 20A's ultra-wide lens provides more versatility. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Narzo 20A's image processing tends to produce slightly more vibrant and detailed photos.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 20A truly shines. The Snapdragon 665 is significantly more powerful than the Helio G35. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Narzo 20A. The C12 can feel sluggish at times, especially when handling demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The Realme C12 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the Narzo 20A's 6000mAh. However, the Narzo 20A's more efficient Snapdragon chipset often results in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
The Realme C12 is a good option for users prioritizing maximum battery life above all else and who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. The Realme Narzo 20A is ideal for those seeking a more responsive and capable device for everyday use, including moderate gaming and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 20A is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset. The C12 will struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Does the Realme C12 have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region for the Realme C12. Check the specific model you're purchasing to confirm.
