The Realme C series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition and the Realme C12. Both aim to offer great value, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition edges out the C12 thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 460 chipset and faster charging. While the C12 offers a slightly larger battery, the C15's performance boost makes 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, October 28. Released 2020, October 29 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0, (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 HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Silver, Power Blue | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | RMX2195 | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 460)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Slightly Better Image Processing
- Larger Battery (6000mAh)
- Slightly less RAM in some configurations
- Potentially less battery life under extreme usage compared to C12
Realme C12
- Slightly Larger Battery (5000mAh)
- Quad-Camera Setup (more lenses)
- Slower Processor (Helio G35)
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Can feel sluggish at times
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the size and resolution are similar, the C15 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference is likely minimal in real-world usage. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C12 boasts a quad-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro + 2MP B&W), while the C15 has a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP portrait + 2MP macro). While the C12 has more lenses, the C15's superior chipset often results in better image processing and slightly improved low-light performance. Both offer decent image quality for the price, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
This is where the C15 truly shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 is noticeably faster and more efficient than the MediaTek Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a better overall user experience on the C15. The C12 can feel sluggish at times, especially when handling demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The Realme C12 has a slightly larger 5000mAh battery compared to the C15's 6000mAh. However, the C15's more efficient chipset helps offset this difference. Both phones should easily last a full day on a single charge, but the C12 might offer slightly longer battery life under heavy usage.
Buying Guide
The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging, even on a budget. The Realme C12 is a good option for those who prioritize maximum battery life above all else and are less concerned with processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better frame rates.
❓ Does the Realme C12 support fast charging?
No, the Realme C12 only supports 10W wired charging, which is considerably slower than the C15's 18W charging.
