Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Realme C2 2020 and Realme C33 2023 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 2023 edges out the C2 2020 thanks to its more modern chipset, improved CPU architecture, and slightly better overall performance. While the C2 remains a viable option, the C33 offers a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| 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) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 Lite | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Diamond Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme C2 2020
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent build quality
- Outdated chipset
- Basic camera performance
- HD+ display
Realme C33 2023
- Improved performance (Unisoc T612)
- Better camera system (50MP)
- Modern design
- 10W Charging
- Slightly more expensive than C2
- Charging speed could be faster
Display Comparison
The Realme C2 2020 typically features a 6.5-inch HD+ display. The Realme C33 2023 boasts a similar 6.5-inch display, but often with a slightly improved resolution and potentially better color accuracy. Both offer adequate viewing experiences for their price range, but the C33 has a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C2 2020 usually has a dual-camera setup (13MP + 2MP). The Realme C33 2023 typically features a more versatile triple-camera system (50MP + 2MP + 2MP). While megapixels aren't everything, the C33's higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses generally result in better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Both phones offer basic selfie cameras.
Performance
Here's where the C33 shines. The C2's Mediatek Helio P22 is a decent performer for basic tasks, but the C33's Unisoc Tiger T612, with its dual Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness, especially when multitasking or using slightly more demanding apps. The C33's CPU architecture is more efficient.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer large batteries (around 5000mAh). Battery life is generally comparable, providing a full day of moderate use. The C2 might have a slight edge due to the less power-hungry chipset, but the difference is minimal.
Buying Guide
The Realme C2 2020 is a good choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. The Realme C33 2023 is ideal for those seeking a smoother user experience, slightly better performance for everyday tasks, and a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C33 worth the extra money compared to the C2?
Yes, the C33 offers a noticeable performance upgrade and a better camera, making it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day. The C2 might have a slight edge due to its less demanding chipset, but the difference is minimal.
