Realme C2 2020 vs. Infinix Smart 4c: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The Realme C2 2020 and Infinix Smart 4c represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on the core performance differences stemming from their respective MediaTek chipsets.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Realme C2 2020 is the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c, making it more suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme C2 2020 Infinix Smart 4c
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2019, November. Released 2019, November2019, November. Released 2019, December
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in)167 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight166 g (5.86 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3-
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 LiteAndroid 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens8 MP Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm5 MP
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type4000 mAh, non-removable4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsDiamond Black, Diamond BlueMidnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple
Models-X653C
PriceAbout 100 EUR-

Realme C2 2020

  • Faster Octa-Core Processor: Provides smoother multitasking and app performance.
  • Better Gaming Performance: The Helio P22's GPU offers a more playable experience.
  • Potentially Better Camera Processing: The P22's ISP may offer slight image quality improvements.

  • Potentially Shorter Battery Life: More powerful processor consumes more power.
  • Likely Higher Price: The performance advantage comes at a cost.

Infinix Smart 4c

  • Lower Price: The most affordable option for basic smartphone functionality.
  • Longer Battery Life (Light Use): The Helio A22 is more power-efficient.
  • Simpler User Experience: Less processing power means fewer potential software hiccups.

  • Slow Performance: Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
  • Limited Gaming Capabilities: Not suitable for anything beyond very basic games.
  • Basic Camera Quality: Expect average results in good lighting.

Display Comparison

Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it's reasonable to assume similar visual experiences. The focus here isn't on display quality, but on the underlying performance driving the UI rendered on those displays.

Camera Comparison

Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, given the target market, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P22 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will be marginal.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2 2020’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Infinix Smart 4c’s Helio A22 (MT6761), which employs a quad-core CPU, also based on Cortex-A53 cores at the same 2.0 GHz clock speed. While both use the same core architecture, the doubling of cores in the P22 translates to significantly improved multitasking and overall responsiveness. The P22’s more powerful GPU also provides a better, though still limited, gaming experience. The A22 is geared towards extremely basic operation, while the P22 offers a more fluid experience.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities aren't provided, the less demanding Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c will likely result in longer battery life *under light use*. However, the more powerful Helio P22 in the Realme C2 2020 will complete tasks faster, potentially reducing overall screen-on time and mitigating some of the battery life difference. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to ship with basic 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme C2 2020 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and messaging – if you occasionally browse social media, use multiple apps simultaneously, or enjoy casual gaming. Buy the Infinix Smart 4c if your primary need is a very affordable device for essential communication and you prioritize maximizing battery life over performance, and are comfortable with a slower user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Realme C2 2020 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C2 2020's Helio P22 chipset with its octa-core CPU is capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer the same experience as a flagship device, it provides a usable and reasonably smooth experience for these common apps.
❓ Is the Infinix Smart 4c suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Infinix Smart 4c is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like making calls and sending text messages. Its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for these essential functions, and its lower power consumption will contribute to longer battery life for standby and talk time.
❓ Can I play PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
Playing PUBG Mobile on either device is not recommended. While you might be able to launch the game, the Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c will struggle immensely, and even the Helio P22 in the Realme C2 2020 will likely deliver a very choppy and frustrating experience, even on the lowest graphics settings.
❓ Which phone is better for running WhatsApp and other messaging apps?
The Realme C2 2020 will provide a smoother experience with WhatsApp and other messaging apps due to its more powerful processor. The extra cores allow for quicker app loading and switching, and better handling of background processes like message syncing.