Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme C25Y and C33 2023 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C25Y edges out the C33 2023 thanks to its faster charging and slightly better overall performance. While the C33 2023 boasts a refreshed design and potentially improved camera software, the C25Y's charging speed and chipset give it a slight advantage for everyday use.
| 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 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 187 g (6.60 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI R | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| 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 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (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, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme C25Y
- Faster 18W Charging
- Slightly better chipset performance
- Generally more readily available
- Good battery life
- Design is a bit dated
- Camera performance is average
- Limited storage options
Realme C33 2023
- Refreshed design
- Potentially improved camera software
- Sleeker build
- Available in more color options
- Slower 10W Charging
- Potentially slightly lower performance
- May be harder to find
- Similar camera hardware to C25Y
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The C33 2023 might have a slightly improved panel based on design updates, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
The C33 2023 is expected to have a slightly improved camera setup, potentially with software enhancements. Both phones likely feature a primary 50MP camera, but the C33 2023 might have better image processing. Low-light performance will be a weak point on both devices.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc T610/T612 chipset with the same CPU configuration, the T612 in the C33 2023 *may* offer slightly improved efficiency and thermal management. However, real-world performance differences will likely be minimal. Expect adequate performance for basic apps and multitasking, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
The C25Y typically has a 5000mAh battery, while the C33 2023 also likely features a 5000mAh battery. However, the C25Y's 18W charging support is a significant advantage over the C33 2023's 10W charging. This means the C25Y will charge considerably faster.
Buying Guide
The Realme C25Y is ideal for users prioritizing faster charging and a smoother experience for basic tasks. The Realme C33 2023 is a good choice for those who value aesthetics and a potentially improved camera experience, even if it means slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C33 2023 worth the upgrade from the C25Y?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a refreshed design and potentially better camera software, the C33 2023 might be worth it. However, the C25Y's faster charging is a significant advantage.
❓ Which chipset is better, the Unisoc T610 or T612?
The T612 is a slightly newer chipset and *may* offer minor improvements in efficiency, but the performance difference in real-world usage will be minimal.
