Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C20A and C30s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C20A boasts a slightly more powerful chipset and reverse charging, offering a performance edge. However, the C30s often presents a more modern design and potentially better software experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: performance or aesthetics.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 11 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% 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 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, (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 | 5.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iron Grey, Lake Blue | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C20A
- More powerful chipset (Helio G35)
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Dual camera setup
- Older design
- Potentially less refined software
- May lack some modern features
Realme C30s
- Modern design
- Potentially better software experience
- Higher resolution main camera (50MP)
- Lightweight and compact
- Less powerful chipset
- No reverse charging
- May struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. The C30s might have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy, but this is often subtle in this price range. Expect similar viewing angles and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
The C20A likely has a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the C30s may feature a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the C30s could potentially capture more detailed images in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be similar on both.
Performance
The Realme C20A's Mediatek Helio G35 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the C30s' CPU. The G35 includes a GPU that's generally more capable for basic gaming and multitasking. The C30s might feel slightly sluggish with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a large battery capacity, likely around 5000mAh. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate usage. The C20A's reverse charging feature is a unique advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C20A? Users prioritizing performance and needing reverse charging capabilities. Who should buy the Realme C30s? Those seeking a more contemporary design and potentially a smoother software experience, even with slightly reduced processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C20A is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G35 chipset and dedicated GPU.
❓ Can the Realme C20A charge other devices?
Yes, the Realme C20A features reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices with a USB cable.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
The Realme C30s potentially has a better camera due to its higher resolution 50MP main sensor, although image quality also depends on software processing.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
It's difficult to say definitively, but the Realme C30s, being a newer model, *might* receive slightly longer software support.