The Realme C series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme C25Y and the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition. Both aim to provide excellent value, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition edges out the C25Y thanks to its superior Snapdragon 460 chipset, offering noticeably better performance and efficiency. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the C15's processor makes it the more compelling choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, October 28. Released 2020, October 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Adreno 610 |
| 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 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 HD |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray | Power Silver, Power Blue |
| Models | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 | RMX2195 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
Realme C25Y
- Slightly newer design
- Large 6.5-inch display
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Unisoc T610 chipset performance
- Can feel sluggish at times
- Average camera performance
Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset (better performance)
- Efficient processor
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Smooth multitasking
- Older design
- May be harder to find new
- Average camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch display, typically with an HD+ resolution. The C25Y might have a slightly more modern design around the screen. However, the core display technology is likely similar, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Expect decent color reproduction but not exceptional brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 13MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be average on both devices. Software processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
This is where the C15 Qualcomm Edition shines. The Snapdragon 460 is generally more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc T610. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better experience with light gaming on the C15. The C25Y can feel a bit sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both devices boast a large 6000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Real-world usage will vary, but expect similar battery performance from both phones. The Snapdragon 460's efficiency might give the C15 a slight edge in longevity.
Buying Guide
The Realme C25Y is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly newer design and a larger screen, and who are on a very tight budget. The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience and better overall performance, even if it means a slightly older design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones offer decent cameras for the price, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Image quality is comparable in good lighting.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have a 6000mAh battery and offer excellent battery life, but the C15's more efficient processor might give it a slight edge.
