The Realme C25 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches: the Realme C25 prioritizes a balanced feature set, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G aggressively pushes 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor into a low-cost package. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Realme C25’s Helio G70, and the inclusion of 5G connectivity future-proofs the device. While battery life is comparable, the Poco’s processing power makes it more versatile for demanding tasks.
| 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, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
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, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Water Blue, Water Gray | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | RMX3193, RMX3191 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Realme C25
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging offers limited convenience.
- Reliable performance for basic tasks.
- Affordable price point.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Poco M3 Pro 5G.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
- Limited future-proofing.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700).
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Better thermal efficiency.
- No reverse wired charging.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Realme C25.
- Similar battery life to the Realme C25 despite more powerful processor.
Display Comparison
Both phones offer a similar display experience, with the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasting a measured peak brightness of 536 nits and a 1475:1 contrast ratio. While the Realme C25’s display specifications aren’t explicitly provided, it’s likely to be in the same ballpark. The key difference lies in potential panel quality and color accuracy, where the Poco’s measured data suggests a slightly more vibrant and detailed image. Both share the same 1475:1 contrast ratio, indicating similar black levels and overall image pop.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but lack detailed specifications in the provided data. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on similar sensor technology. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 chipset likely provides superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of information on sensor size and aperture makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the chipset advantage favors the Poco.
Performance
The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Realme C25’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G70’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Realme C25 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the Poco M3 Pro 5G offers a more responsive and future-proof experience.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C25 and Poco M3 Pro 5G share an endurance rating of 121 hours, and both support 18W wired charging. This suggests comparable battery life in real-world usage. While the Realme C25 offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the Poco M3 Pro 5G, its practical utility is limited. The similar charging wattage and endurance ratings mean battery performance won’t be a deciding factor for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C25 if you prioritize a consistently reliable experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and don't anticipate heavy gaming or intensive app usage. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, value 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and appreciate a noticeable performance boost for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 5G connectivity actually make a difference in real-world use?
The benefit of 5G depends heavily on network availability in your area. If you live in a city with robust 5G coverage, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. However, if 5G is limited or unavailable, the advantage is minimal. The Poco M3 Pro 5G future-proofs your investment, ensuring you’re ready when 5G becomes more widespread.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio G70 and Dimensity 700 noticeable for everyday apps?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, when launching multiple apps, switching between them, or playing graphically demanding games, the Dimensity 700’s superior processing power will result in a smoother and more responsive experience. The Poco M3 Pro 5G will feel noticeably faster and more capable.
❓ How does the Realme C25 handle gaming compared to the Poco M3 Pro 5G?
The Realme C25 can handle casual gaming, but will struggle with more demanding titles at higher settings. The Helio G70’s GPU is less powerful than the one integrated into the Dimensity 700. The Poco M3 Pro 5G will provide a significantly better gaming experience, allowing for higher frame rates and more detailed graphics.
