The Realme C17 and Oppo A54s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches under the hood. The Realme C17 leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 460, while the Oppo A54s opts for MediaTek's Helio G35. This comparison will dissect the implications of these chipset choices and determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and potentially better long-term software support, the Realme C17 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, offers a slight edge in efficiency and overall responsiveness compared to the Oppo A54s' 12nm Helio G35.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 | 2021, October 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| 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 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Lake Green | Pearl Blue, Space Silver, Crystal Black |
| Models | RMX2101 | CPH2273 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Realme C17
- More efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Potentially better thermal management
- 18W fast charging
- Lower CPU clock speeds compared to Oppo A54s
- Likely standard LCD display
Oppo A54s
- Higher CPU clock speeds for potentially faster app launches
- Competitive price point
- MediaTek's power efficiency features
- Less efficient 12nm Helio G35 chipset
- Potential for more thermal throttling
- Likely standard LCD display
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on chipsets, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, prioritizing affordability over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, leaning towards warmer tones to appeal to a broader audience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera supplemented by auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). The image processing capabilities will be crucial. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipsets generally offer more robust ISP (Image Signal Processor) features, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Realme C17’s photos. The Oppo A54s will likely rely heavily on software algorithms to compensate for any limitations in its ISP.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C17’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) benefits from a more modern fabrication process than the Oppo A54s’ MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores, split into 1.8GHz and 1.6GHz clusters, are architecturally more efficient than the Helio G35’s Cortex-A53 configuration, clocked at 2.3GHz and 1.8GHz. The higher clock speed of the Helio G35 doesn't necessarily translate to better real-world performance; the Snapdragon 460’s architecture and process node provide a more balanced experience. This means the Realme C17 will likely exhibit less thermal throttling during sustained tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Realme C17’s 18W charging is a slight advantage over what is typical for the Oppo A54s, potentially offering faster top-ups. However, the more efficient Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C17 could translate to longer real-world battery life, even with a similarly sized battery, due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C17 if you need a phone that handles everyday tasks smoothly and offers a more efficient processor for longer battery life during moderate use. Buy the Oppo A54s if you prioritize a slightly higher clocked CPU for potentially quicker app launches, but are willing to accept potentially shorter battery life and a less refined chipset architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 in the Oppo A54s struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 is an entry-level gaming chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C17 will offer a similar experience, but potentially with slightly better thermal management.
❓ Does the Realme C17 offer better software update support compared to the Oppo A54s?
Realme generally provides more consistent software updates and a clearer upgrade path compared to Oppo, particularly in the budget segment. While both brands utilize Android, Realme's commitment to timely security patches and feature updates is typically stronger. This could translate to a longer usable lifespan for the Realme C17.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio G35 and Snapdragon 460 noticeable in everyday use?
While the Helio G35 has a higher peak clock speed, the Snapdragon 460's more efficient architecture and process node minimize the impact of this difference in real-world scenarios. You're unlikely to notice a significant difference in app launch times or general responsiveness. The Snapdragon 460 prioritizes sustained performance over short bursts of speed.
