Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone? The Realme C25Y and C12 are popular contenders. Both offer impressive features for their price point, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C25Y edges out the C12 thanks to its faster chipset, improved charging speed, and generally more modern features. While the C12 remains a solid budget option, the C25Y provides a better overall experience for most users.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 16 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI R | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@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, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme C25Y
- Faster Chipset (Unisoc T610)
- 18W Fast Charging
- Slightly more modern design
- Generally smoother performance
- May have slightly less RAM in some configurations
- Camera performance not significantly better than C12
Realme C12
- Very Affordable
- Large 5000mAh Battery
- Decent display for the price
- Slower Chipset (Helio G35)
- 10W Slow Charging
- Less responsive performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. However, the C25Y might have slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to potentially newer panel technology, though this is difficult to confirm without direct testing.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C12 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), while the C25Y often has a similar configuration. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the C25Y's image processing might be slightly improved. Low-light performance is likely to be similar on both devices.
Performance
The Realme C25Y's Unisoc T610 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the C12's Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the C25Y. The C12 is adequate for basic tasks but can struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the C25Y's 18W fast charging support is a significant advantage over the C12's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C25Y? Users prioritizing performance, faster charging, and a slightly more modern design. Who should buy the Realme C12? Those seeking a very affordable option and are less concerned with top-tier performance or charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C25Y worth the extra money compared to the C12?
Yes, if performance and faster charging are important to you. The C25Y offers a noticeably better user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. However, the C25Y charges significantly faster.
