The Realme C25 and Samsung Galaxy M12 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme C25 prioritizes raw processing power with its Helio G70, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 focuses on efficiency with the Exynos 850. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy M12 is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency compared to the Realme C25’s 12nm Helio G70, translating to longer battery life and less thermal throttling during extended use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2021, April 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, April 30 |
| 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) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.7 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 212 g (7.48 oz) |
| 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, (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 | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, (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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Water Blue, Water Gray | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | RMX3193, RMX3191 | SM-M127F, SM-M127F/DSN, SM-M127N |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Realme C25
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short tasks.
- Faster wired charging (18W vs 15W).
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm process).
- Likely more thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
Samsung Galaxy M12
- More power-efficient chipset (8nm process).
- Better thermal management.
- Longer battery life.
- Consistent performance under load.
- Slower wired charging (15W).
- CPU cores are less powerful individually.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and neither supports high refresh rates. The display is a functional component, not a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, with both devices relying on multiple sensors to offer versatility. Without specific sensor size details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and low resolution. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung’s software generally leaning towards more saturated colors and enhanced contrast. The primary sensor quality will be the most important factor, but without detailed specs, it’s a tie.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C25’s MediaTek Helio G70 (MT6769V/CB) features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This configuration aims for peak performance. However, the 12nm manufacturing process is less efficient. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy M12’s Exynos 850 utilizes eight Cortex-A55 cores, all clocked at 2.0 GHz, but is fabricated on an 8nm process. This smaller node translates to significantly improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation. While the G70 has faster individual cores, the Exynos 850’s consistent performance and thermal management give it an edge in sustained workloads. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM information suggests both likely use LPDDR4x, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
The Realme C25 supports 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy M12 offers 15W. While the Realme C25 has a faster charging rate on paper, the Exynos 850’s superior efficiency means the M12 will likely offer longer real-world battery life. The 8nm process consumes less power, offsetting the slower charging speed. Users prioritizing all-day usage will benefit more from the M12’s efficiency, while those needing a quick top-up might slightly prefer the C25’s 18W charging, but the difference won't be dramatic.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C25 if you frequently engage in graphically demanding tasks like mobile gaming and need the slightly higher CPU clock speeds for short bursts of performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M12 if you prioritize all-day battery life, consistent performance across a wider range of tasks, and a more efficient processor that minimizes heat buildup. The M12 is ideal for everyday users, media consumption, and light multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy M12 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is designed for efficiency, and its 8nm process significantly reduces heat generation. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat during typical gaming sessions. You may experience some throttling after extended play, but it will be less severe than on the Realme C25’s Helio G70.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Realme C25 and Samsung Galaxy M12 are largely marketing features. The small sensor size and low resolution result in images lacking detail and clarity. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M12 handle PUBG Mobile at 60fps with smooth graphics?
The Exynos 850 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps with smooth graphics settings may be challenging. You'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or even low to maintain a playable frame rate. The Realme C25 might offer slightly higher frame rates at the same settings, but will likely experience more significant frame drops during intense action.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme C25 with the included charger?
While the Realme C25 supports 18W charging, the included charger may be a 10W unit. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Samsung Galaxy M12 with its 15W charging will take a similar amount of time, around 2.7 to 3.2 hours.
