The Realme C15 and Oppo A31 represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, subtle differences in their core components, specifically the chipset, can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C15 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar CPU core configuration, the Helio G35 chipset in the C15 offers a modest performance advantage over the Helio P35 in the Oppo A31, making it better suited for light gaming and multitasking. The 18W charging is also a plus.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 28 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| 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 MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| 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, 128GB 6GB 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Seagull Silver | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | RMX2180 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 490 EUR |
Realme C15
- Slightly better performance with Helio G35
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better gaming experience
- Limited detailed specifications available
- Camera performance likely similar to Oppo A31
Oppo A31
- Potentially refined software experience with ColorOS
- Competitive price point
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Helio P35 chipset offers less performance
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Oppo provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut coverage suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over vibrant visuals.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. Both are expected to feature a multi-camera setup, but the primary sensor resolution is not specified. The inclusion of 2MP macro and depth sensors is almost guaranteed, but these offer limited practical value. Image quality will heavily rely on Mediatek's image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset. The Helio G35 in the Realme C15 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will likely be minimal in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be a challenge for both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Realme C15 features the Mediatek Helio G35, while the Oppo A31 uses the Helio P35. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). However, the 'G' in Helio G35 signifies a gaming-focused optimization, suggesting a slightly higher GPU clock speed and potentially improved image signal processing. While the CPU cores are identical, the G35's GPU will provide a marginal boost in graphics performance, benefiting light gaming and smoother UI transitions. The impact is unlikely to be dramatic, but noticeable in demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, typical battery sizes for phones in this price range are between 4000mAh and 5000mAh. The Realme C15 boasts 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Oppo A31, which likely supports standard 10W charging. This translates to faster charging times, reducing downtime and improving usability. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed of the C15 provides a tangible benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C15 if you prioritize slightly better performance for casual gaming and smoother multitasking, and appreciate the faster 18W charging. This phone is ideal for students or users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks. Buy the Oppo A31 if you prefer a potentially more refined software experience (Oppo's ColorOS is known for its features) and are less concerned with pushing the phone's processing limits. It's a solid choice for basic communication and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C15 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 is gaming-focused, don't expect flagship-level performance. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty will likely be playable at low to medium settings with a stable frame rate. Higher settings may result in noticeable lag and stuttering. The Oppo A31 will struggle even more with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C15 with the 18W charger?
Assuming a 5000mAh battery (a common size for this segment), a full charge from 0% to 100% with the 18W charger should take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Oppo A31, with its likely 10W charging, will take considerably longer – potentially 4 to 5 hours.
❓ Is the difference between the Helio G35 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference will be minimal. However, when multitasking or launching demanding apps, the Realme C15 with the Helio G35 will feel slightly snappier and more responsive. The Oppo A31 may exhibit occasional lag or slowdowns.
