The Realme C2 2020 and Motorola Moto E7i Power represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take different approaches. The C2, released in 2020, relies on Mediatek's Helio P22, while the E7i Power opts for the newer, but less powerful, Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the better choice. While the Realme C2 2020 boasts a slightly more powerful CPU on paper, the E7i Power’s more efficient Unisoc chipset and 10W charging provide a more consistent and reliable user experience, particularly regarding battery life. The E7i Power is the more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 380 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 Lite | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Diamond Blue | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | - | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Realme C2 2020
- Potentially higher CPU performance for demanding tasks.
- Older device may be available at a lower price.
- May have slightly better camera image processing (speculation).
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life.
- Older architecture may feel sluggish in some scenarios.
- Likely lacks modern software features and updates.
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life.
- Modern chipset architecture (Cortex-A55).
- 10W charging provides reliable overnight charging.
- Potentially better software support (depending on Motorola’s update policy).
- Lower CPU clock speed may limit performance in some apps.
- Less powerful GPU for gaming.
- Camera performance may be slightly inferior in challenging lighting.
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for its display prowess. Specific display specs are unavailable for both, but given their price points, we can assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The Realme C2 2020, being older, may exhibit slightly wider viewing angles due to potential panel refinements over time. However, the E7i Power’s newer chipset *might* offer slightly better image processing for display output, though this is unlikely to be a significant difference. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on camera sensors are scarce, but both likely feature a primary sensor paired with a depth or macro lens. Given the focus on cost reduction, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Unisoc SC9863A’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely less sophisticated than the Helio P22’s, potentially resulting in less dynamic range and more noise in photos taken with the E7i Power. However, the difference will be minimal in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2 2020’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Motorola Moto E7i Power uses the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with a heterogeneous octa-core configuration: four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. While the C2’s CPU clock speed is higher, the A55 architecture in the E7i Power is more efficient. The larger 28nm node of the Unisoc chip means it will consume more power for the same task, but the A55 cores are designed to deliver better performance-per-watt than the older A53 cores. This translates to smoother performance in everyday tasks on the E7i Power, despite the lower clock speeds. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the C2 might offer a slight edge in graphically demanding titles.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E7i Power’s 10W charging is a key differentiator. While the battery capacity is not specified, Motorola’s ‘Power’ branding suggests a larger battery than the C2. The Unisoc SC9863A’s more efficient architecture contributes to longer battery life, even with a potentially smaller capacity. The Realme C2 2020, with its more power-hungry Helio P22, will likely require more frequent charging. The 10W charging on the E7i Power, while slow by modern standards, is sufficient to provide a full charge overnight, ensuring all-day usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2 2020 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for light multitasking and occasional gaming, and are willing to accept potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you value long-lasting battery life, consistent performance for basic tasks, and a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means sacrificing some peak processing power. The E7i Power is ideal for users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc SC9863A is perfectly capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. While it’s not a powerhouse, the Cortex-A55 cores are designed for efficiency and provide a smooth experience for these common tasks. The E7i Power is optimized for these core functionalities.
❓ Is the Realme C2 2020 a good choice for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Realme C2 2020 can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops. The Helio P22 is not a gaming-focused chipset. The E7i Power will offer a similar, if not slightly worse, gaming experience due to its less powerful GPU.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto E7i Power with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, the Motorola Moto E7i Power will likely take between 3 to 4 hours to fully charge from 0%. While slow compared to fast charging technologies, it’s sufficient for overnight charging, ensuring the phone is ready to go in the morning.
