The Realme C25 and Infinix Hot 10 Play represent the fiercely competitive sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features and acceptable performance without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for everyday users and casual gamers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Hot 10 Play’s Helio G25, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. While the Infinix offers competitive pricing, the Realme’s superior processing power justifies the slight 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 |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2021, January 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 171.8 x 78 x 8.9 mm (6.76 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10 (Go edition), XOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF (International model)
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF (India model)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Water Blue, Water Gray | Aegean Blue, Morandi Green, Obsidian Black, Purple |
| Models | RMX3193, RMX3191 | X688C, X688B, MZ-Infinix X688C |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | ₹ 8,709 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | Rp 1,570,000 |
Realme C25
- Superior processor (Helio G70) for better performance
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better build quality due to slightly higher price
- May be slightly more expensive than the Infinix Hot 10 Play
- Specific display specs are unknown
Infinix Hot 10 Play
- More affordable price point
- Available in multiple storage/RAM configurations (32GB/2GB, 64GB/4GB)
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Slower processor (Helio G25) limits performance
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially lower build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Realme C25’s slightly higher price point *suggests* a potentially better-quality panel, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over an immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. The absence of detailed camera specs necessitates caution. However, the Realme C25’s slightly higher price *could* indicate a marginally better primary sensor. Both devices likely include a standard macro lens (often 2MP) which offers limited practical benefit due to low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will be the key differentiator, and Realme’s software optimizations may provide a slight edge in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C25’s Mediatek Helio G70, with its octa-core configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, significantly outperforms the Infinix Hot 10 Play’s Helio G25 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the G70 are architecturally superior to the A53 cores in the G25, offering better single-core performance – crucial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. This translates to a more fluid user experience on the Realme C25, especially when multitasking. The G70 also has a more capable GPU, providing a better gaming experience, even if limited to lower settings.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for all-day use with moderate usage. The Realme C25’s 18W charging is a significant advantage over the Infinix Hot 10 Play’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging on the Realme C25 effectively mitigates any potential difference in battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C25 if you prioritize smoother performance for apps, moderate gaming, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between applications or enjoy playing less demanding mobile games. Buy the Infinix Hot 10 Play if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 10 Play struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Infinix Hot 10 Play can run these apps, the Helio G25 processor may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or switching between apps quickly. It's best suited for users who primarily use one app at a time.
❓ Can the Realme C25 handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme C25, with its Helio G70 chipset, can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to play on lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a dedicated gaming phone, but it offers a playable experience.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Infinix Hot 10 Play with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charger, the Infinix Hot 10 Play will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Does the Realme C25 support reverse charging, and what does that mean?
Yes, the Realme C25 supports 5W reverse wired charging. This allows you to use the phone as a power bank to charge other devices, like wireless earbuds or another phone, using a USB cable. However, the charging speed is slow.
