The Realme C20 and Oppo A12e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset and overall design. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Realme C20 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, offers a performance advantage over the Oppo A12e’s older Snapdragon 450, despite both utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. While battery life is comparable, the C20’s slightly newer architecture provides a more fluid user experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 19 | 2020, April 03. Released 2020, April 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.15 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 8.1 (Oreo), ColorOS 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, 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/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Gray, Cool Blue | Red, Dark Purple |
| Models | RMX3063, RMX3061 | CPH1853 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C20
- More modern and efficient Helio G35 chipset
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Specific display specs are unknown
- Camera performance likely limited
Oppo A12e
- Established brand reputation (Oppo)
- Reliable Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Older 14nm Snapdragon 450 is less efficient
- Performance lags behind the Realme C20
Display Comparison
Neither the Realme C20 nor the Oppo A12e are display champions. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given their price points, both likely feature basic LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a larger overall footprint. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C20’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) boasts an octa-core configuration with a split core design – four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Oppo A12e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) which features eight Cortex-A53 cores all running at 1.8 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G35 is more efficient than the 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450, potentially leading to better thermal management and slightly improved sustained performance. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds on the G35 and the process node advantage give the Realme C20 an edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. The Snapdragon 450, while reliable, is an older architecture.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities (specific mAh not provided), and both support 10W wired charging. The Realme C20 also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. Real-world battery life will likely be comparable, offering a full day of use for light users. The more efficient Helio G35 in the C20 *may* translate to slightly longer screen-on time, but the difference will likely be marginal. The 10W charging speed on both devices is slow by modern standards, requiring several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C20 if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a slightly more responsive experience and appreciate a newer chipset. Buy the Oppo A12e if you prioritize a well-established brand reputation and are primarily focused on essential communication features like calls and messaging, and aren't concerned with demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C20 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C20’s Helio G35 chipset is sufficient for running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. While it won’t offer a blazing-fast experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Oppo A12e still a viable option in 2024?
The Snapdragon 450 is an older chipset, and while it remains functional for basic tasks, it’s showing its age. It will struggle with more demanding apps and multitasking. If you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very light use, it’s acceptable, but the Realme C20 offers a more future-proof experience.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Both phones will struggle to run PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates. While you might be able to launch the game, expect significant lag and stuttering, even on the lowest graphics settings. These phones are not designed for gaming.
