The Realme C25 and Nokia G20 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Realme C25 prioritizes processing power for a smoother user experience, while the Nokia G20 aims for longevity and a clean software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G70 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, delivers noticeably better performance than the Nokia G20’s Helio G35, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding apps. While the Nokia G20 offers a slightly cleaner software experience, the performance gap is too significant to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Water Blue, Water Gray | Glacier, Night |
| Models | RMX3193, RMX3191 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C25
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G70)
- Faster 18W charging
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially more bloatware
- Software update support may be shorter than Nokia
Nokia G20
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Guaranteed software updates (Nokia's strength)
- Potentially better long-term software support
- Slower processor (Helio G35)
- Slow 10W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The Realme C25’s stronger processor could potentially drive a slightly smoother UI experience, even on a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme C25’s superior processing power allows for faster image processing and potentially better noise reduction. It’s reasonable to assume Realme’s image processing algorithms are more sophisticated, given their focus on camera features in other devices. The Nokia G20 likely prioritizes simplicity and accuracy, but will struggle with complex scenes or low-light conditions compared to the C25.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C25’s MediaTek Helio G70, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Nokia G20’s Helio G35. The G35 utilizes 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the G70 provide a substantial performance boost in single-core tasks and are more efficient, leading to better sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Realme C25. The G35’s reliance on only A53 cores will result in noticeable lag when handling demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 12nm chipsets, suggesting comparable power efficiency. However, the Realme C25’s 18W charging significantly outperforms the Nokia G20’s 10W charging. This means the C25 can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging is a clear advantage for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Realme C25 is also a useful feature absent on the Nokia G20.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C25 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and generally snappier performance. It’s ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and don’t mind a slightly more customized Android experience. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value a clean, near-stock Android experience, prioritize software update guarantees, and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing. The G20 is best suited for users who prioritize simplicity and longevity over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G70 in the Realme C25 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings. However, don't expect a consistently high frame rate. The Nokia G20’s Helio G35 will struggle with these titles, likely requiring very low settings and still experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ How important is the software update guarantee on the Nokia G20?
Nokia is known for providing reliable software updates, including security patches, for its devices. This is a significant advantage for users concerned about security and long-term software support. While the Realme C25 may receive updates, they are typically less frequent and for a shorter duration.
❓ Does the Realme C25's 18W charging make a huge difference in real-world use?
Yes, the 18W charging on the Realme C25 is a substantial improvement over the Nokia G20’s 10W charging. It can reduce charging times by over an hour, making it much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
