The Realme C20 and Micromax In 1b occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, a space where incremental improvements matter. Both devices surprisingly share the same Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, making a direct hardware comparison less insightful than examining software, brand reputation, and potential long-term support. This analysis dives deep to uncover where each phone differentiates itself.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing brand recognition and potentially faster software updates, the Realme C20 edges out the Micromax In 1b. However, the In 1b offers a compelling alternative for those seeking to support a resurgent Indian brand, with functionally identical performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 19 | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Gray, Cool Blue | Blue, Purple, Green |
| Models | RMX3063, RMX3061 | E6523, E7533 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Realme C20
- Established brand reputation (Realme)
- Potentially faster software updates
- Wider service network
- May include more pre-installed bloatware
- Software experience may be less refined than stock Android
Micromax In 1b
- Supports an Indian brand
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Competitive pricing
- Less predictable software update schedule
- Smaller service network compared to Realme
Display Comparison
Both the Realme C20 and Micromax In 1b lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with a 720p+ resolution. The user experience will likely be similar, with neither device offering exceptional brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be noticeable, typical of this segment. Without further data, a definitive winner is impossible to declare.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor, but the sensor sizes and apertures are unknown. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Realme’s algorithms typically prioritizing vibrant colors and sharpening, while Micromax may opt for a more natural look. Without specific sensor information, judging camera quality is speculative, but the Helio G35’s ISP limitations will constrain overall image quality on both devices.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. The CPU configuration – 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 – is identical. This means performance in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming will be virtually indistinguishable. The Helio G35 isn't a powerhouse, but it's adequate for basic smartphone functions. Thermal management will likely be similar, with neither device prone to significant overheating under moderate loads. RAM configurations, not provided, will heavily influence multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both devices support 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging. The battery capacity is not specified, but typical for this segment is around 4000-5000 mAh. A 10W charger will result in a relatively slow charge time – expect over 3 hours for a full charge. Reverse wired charging, while a novelty, is limited by the low wattage and will only provide a trickle charge to other devices. Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C20 if you need a phone from a globally recognized brand with a more established software update track record and a wider service network. Buy the Micromax In 1b if you prefer supporting an Indian manufacturer actively rebuilding its presence in the market and appreciate a potentially cleaner software experience, though update frequency may be less predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G35 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G35 is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ Does either phone support VoWiFi (WiFi Calling)?
The provided data doesn't specify VoWiFi support. However, given the target market and chipset capabilities, it's likely that both phones *may* support VoWiFi, but this will depend on carrier compatibility and software implementation. Check with your carrier for confirmation.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
The Realme C20 likely runs Realme UI based on Android Go Edition, optimized for lower-end hardware. The Micromax In 1b likely runs a near-stock Android experience. Update frequency is a concern; Realme generally provides more consistent updates than smaller brands like Micromax, but neither phone is guaranteed long-term software support.
