The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C15, a veteran of this space, faces off against the newer vivo Y200+, which aims to disrupt with a more modern chipset and faster charging. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y200+ is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers significantly better performance and efficiency than the Realme C15’s Helio G35. The 44W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing recharge times.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 28 | 2025, January 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, January 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 165.7 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1608 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.68 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 14, OriginOS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 44W wired, 50% in 36 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Marine Blue, Seagull Silver | Dark Gray, Green, Apricot |
| Models | RMX2180 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme C15
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Proven reliability (established model)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated Helio G35 chipset
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely inferior performance in demanding tasks
vivo Y200+
- Modern Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset (4nm)
- Fast 44W charging with reverse wired charging
- Improved performance and efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Newer model – long-term software support is uncertain
- Potentially less brand recognition than Realme
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is unlikely to be a major differentiator. Bezels are expected to be relatively thick on both models, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is more advanced, offering better image processing capabilities, noise reduction, and dynamic range. The Realme C15 will likely struggle in low-light conditions compared to the Y200+.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C15’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) uses older Cortex-A53 cores, optimized for efficiency but lacking in raw power. The vivo Y200+’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade. Its Cortex-A78 cores provide a noticeable performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 4nm fabrication process also translates to better thermal management and improved battery life. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences are critical; the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the vivo Y200+’s 44W charging is a significant advantage. The advertised 50% charge in 36 minutes drastically reduces downtime. The Realme C15’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. Even if the C15 has a slightly larger battery, the Y200+’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience. The Y200+ also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the C15.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C15 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize a proven track record over raw performance. Buy the vivo Y200+ if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, enjoy faster charging, and appreciate a more modern chipset that will likely receive longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the vivo Y200+ handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a significant step up from the Helio G35. It should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don't expect a consistently smooth experience at the highest graphical settings.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the vivo Y200+ compared to the Realme C15’s 18W charging in real-world use?
The 44W charging on the Y200+ will dramatically reduce charging times. While a full 0-100% time isn't specified, the advertised 50% in 36 minutes suggests a complete charge will take around 70-80 minutes. The Realme C15’s 18W charging will likely take over 2 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the vivo Y200+ support software updates for a long period?
vivo's software update policy for the Y series is not as consistent as brands like Samsung or Google. While it will likely receive security patches for a reasonable period, major Android version updates are less guaranteed. The Realme C15, being an older device, is likely nearing the end of its software support lifecycle.
