The Realme C series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two popular contenders are the Realme C25Y and the Realme C25. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C25 edges out the C25Y thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio G70 chipset and the added benefit of 5W reverse charging. While the C25Y offers a modern design, the C25's performance and extra feature give it a slight advantage 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 | 2021, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2021, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 209 g (7.37 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 (~81.6% 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) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI R | 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 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 | 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray | Water Blue, Water Gray |
| Models | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 | RMX3193, RMX3191 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) |
Realme C25Y
- Modern design
- Smooth UI experience for basic tasks
- 50MP Main Camera
- Less powerful chipset
- No reverse charging
- Performance can lag with demanding apps
Realme C25
- More powerful Helio G70 chipset
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Slightly better camera performance
- Older design
- May lack some of the latest software features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Realme C25 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly older, more refined panel technology. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C25 typically features a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the C25Y has a triple camera setup (50MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro). While megapixel counts are important, image processing plays a crucial role. The C25's camera tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable on both devices.
Performance
The Realme C25 boasts the MediaTek Helio G70 chipset, which generally provides better performance than the Unisoc T610 found in the C25Y. The Helio G70's Cortex-A75 cores are clocked slightly higher, and it has a more mature GPU. Expect smoother gaming and faster app loading times on the C25. The C25Y is adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent all-day battery life. However, the Realme C25 has a unique advantage: 5W reverse wired charging. This allows you to use your C25 to charge other devices, a handy feature for emergencies.
Buying Guide
The Realme C25Y is a good choice for users prioritizing a modern design and a smooth experience for basic tasks like social media and browsing. The Realme C25 is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for gaming or multitasking and appreciate the convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C25Y good for gaming?
The Realme C25Y is adequate for casual games, but it may struggle with more demanding titles. The Realme C25 offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone's battery to charge other devices, like earbuds or another phone, using a cable.
