The Realme C2 (2020) and C11 (2021) represent Realme's commitment to the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance, efficiency, or longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C2 (2020) emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, provides a more efficient and generally faster experience than the Unisoc SC9863A in the C11, despite the C11's newer Cortex-A55 cores. The C11's 10W charging is a notable drawback.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 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 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Diamond Blue | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | - | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Realme C2 2020
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially lower price (depending on current deals)
- Older chipset architecture
- Likely lacks fast charging
- May receive fewer software updates
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Newer Cortex-A55 cores
- Potentially longer software support
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Likely lower overall performance
- Slower 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are not provided, but given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The focus here is on chipset performance, not display fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw meaningful conclusions. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. However, the quality of the image processing and sensor size will be the determining factors, and without that data, it's difficult to declare a winner. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This older architecture benefits from a smaller manufacturing process, generally leading to better power efficiency. The Realme C11 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm), an octa-core processor with a split configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the Cortex-A55 is a more modern architecture, the significantly larger 28nm process node negates much of that advantage. The Helio P22 will likely deliver smoother performance in demanding applications and multitasking, despite the older core design. The C11's split core configuration suggests a focus on power saving, but at the cost of sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme C11’s inclusion of 10W wired charging, and reverse wired charging, is a significant advantage. The C2 likely lacks fast charging capabilities. While a larger battery capacity on the C2 could offset the slower charging, the C11’s reverse charging functionality provides added versatility for users who frequently use accessories like wireless earbuds or portable speakers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2 (2020) if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and if you value a more efficient chipset. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize reverse wired charging for topping up accessories and are willing to accept a slight performance trade-off for potentially longer software support, given its later release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, the larger 28nm process node may result in noticeable slowdowns when multitasking or using these apps extensively. The Realme C2’s Helio P22 is likely to provide a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C11 actually useful?
Yes, the reverse charging feature can be quite useful for users who frequently use Bluetooth accessories like wireless earbuds or portable speakers. It allows you to top up these devices using the C11’s battery without needing a separate charger, making it convenient for travel or on-the-go use.
❓ Which phone is better for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle casual games, but the Realme C2’s Helio P22 will likely provide a more consistent frame rate and less lag, especially during more visually demanding moments in these games. The Unisoc SC9863A might experience occasional stutters.
