The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C25 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and connectivity features, making the choice less straightforward than it appears. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Realme C25’s Helio G70, and crucially, adds 5G connectivity. While both offer similar charging speeds, the Redmi 10 5G’s future-proofing makes it the better long-term investment.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Water Blue, Water Gray | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | RMX3193, RMX3191 | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Realme C25
- Potentially lower price point
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Less powerful Helio G70 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Less efficient 12nm process
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Smoother multitasking and gaming performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- No reverse wireless charging
- Potentially slightly lower battery life (depending on capacity)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over an immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is likely standard for budget devices, leaning towards vibrant but not necessarily color-accurate profiles.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses (likely including a depth sensor and potentially a macro lens). The image processing capabilities will likely differ, with Xiaomi’s software generally leaning towards more saturated and contrast-rich images. The Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful chipset could potentially enable faster image processing and better low-light performance, but this is speculative without further data. The presence of 5G also allows for faster uploads of photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme C25’s Helio G70 (12nm). The 7nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially more sustained performance. The Dimensity 700’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also represents a step up from the Helio G70’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi 10 5G. The inclusion of 5G connectivity on the Redmi 10 5G is a major advantage for users in areas with 5G coverage.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 10 5G could translate to slightly better real-world battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Realme C25. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Realme C25 is a niche feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices, but its limited output makes it slow for charging larger devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C25 if you primarily need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Its lower price point makes it attractive for first-time smartphone buyers or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you want a more capable device that can handle moderate gaming, streaming, and benefit from faster download speeds with 5G networks. The Dimensity 700 offers a smoother experience and better longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10 5G’s Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it’s a significant improvement over the Helio G70 in the Realme C25, offering a smoother and more consistent experience.
❓ How much faster are download speeds on the Redmi 10 5G compared to 4G on the Realme C25?
Download speeds on the Redmi 10 5G with 5G connectivity can be significantly faster – potentially 10x or more – than 4G speeds on the Realme C25, *depending on network availability and carrier*. This translates to quicker app downloads, faster streaming, and a more responsive online experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones fast charging?
18W charging is considered moderate fast charging. It won't be as quick as the charging speeds found on higher-end devices, but it will still charge the phones considerably faster than standard 5W charging. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours.
