The Realme C15 and Nokia G20 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, suggesting similar performance capabilities. However, key differences in charging speed and brand philosophy create a distinct choice for budget-conscious consumers. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C15 emerges as the better value. While both phones share the same Helio G35 processor, the C15’s 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Nokia G20’s slower 10W charging. This faster charging, combined with a typically more aggressive pricing strategy, makes the C15 the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 28 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| 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) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Seagull Silver | Glacier, Night |
| Models | RMX2180 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C15
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially more aggressive pricing
- Realme UI often offers performance optimizations
- Realme UI can be more bloated with pre-installed apps
- Software update support may be shorter than Nokia
Nokia G20
- Cleaner Android experience with fewer pre-installed apps
- Nokia’s reputation for durability and build quality
- Potentially longer software support
- Significantly slower 10W charging
- Performance may be slightly less optimized than Realme
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. The real-world difference in display quality will likely be minimal, focusing on color calibration and viewing angles, which are difficult to assess without direct comparison. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both devices, consistent with their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing to enhance image quality. The Helio G35’s ISP capabilities are limited, so don’t expect flagship-level results. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the provided data doesn’t specify sensor sizes or lens apertures. It’s probable that both include a primary sensor, a depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. The quality of the primary sensor will be the most important factor, but without specific details, it’s difficult to determine which phone has an advantage. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
Both the Realme C15 and Nokia G20 are powered by the Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two. The GPU performance will also be the same. However, Realme often optimizes its software for performance, potentially leading to a slightly smoother experience in everyday tasks. Thermal management is unlikely to be a major concern with this chipset, as it's designed for efficiency rather than raw power. RAM configurations will be a key differentiator, but are not specified in the provided data.
Battery Life
Both devices will offer all-day battery life given the efficient Helio G35 chipset and likely large battery capacities (typical for this segment). However, the key difference lies in charging speed. The Realme C15’s 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Nokia G20’s 10W wired charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and making the C15 more convenient for users who need to top up their battery quickly. While the Nokia G20 might have a slightly larger battery capacity, the slower charging speed negates much of that advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C15 if you prioritize quick charging and a generally more performance-focused experience within the budget segment. Its 18W charging is a significant advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value a cleaner Android experience, potentially longer software support (a Nokia strength), and prefer a brand known for durability and a more minimalist approach to software customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile on these phones?
The Helio G35 is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates for a smooth experience. Both phones will offer a similar gaming experience due to the identical chipset.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and the Android version on the Nokia G20?
Realme UI is a heavily customized Android skin with numerous features and pre-installed apps. The Nokia G20, on the other hand, aims for a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. This means the Nokia G20 will feel cleaner and more responsive out of the box, while Realme UI offers more customization options.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia G20 really that much slower in real-world use?
Yes, 10W charging is significantly slower than 18W. Expect the Nokia G20 to take several hours to fully charge, while the Realme C15 can reach a full charge in around 2-3 hours. This difference is noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery during the day.
