The Realme C2s and Nokia 2.3 represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. Both phones aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Realme C2s emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia 2.3’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2019, December 05. Released 2019, December 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7 mm (6.21 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black | Cyan Green, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | - | TA-1211, TA-1214, TA-1206, TA-1209 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Realme C2s
- Faster Octa-Core Processor
- Better Multitasking Capabilities
- More Responsive User Experience
- Potentially Slightly Lower Battery Life
- May be harder to find software updates
Nokia 2.3
- Clean Android Experience
- Guaranteed Software Updates (Nokia's Strength)
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Slower Quad-Core Processor
- Limited Multitasking Performance
- Less Responsive User Interface
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs regarding resolution, brightness, and color gamut are unavailable. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Without specific data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; display quality will likely be similar.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is missing, but it's safe to assume both will rely on relatively low-resolution sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the sensor's small size and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light. Without specific sensor details, a definitive camera winner cannot be determined.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2s utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, employing Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia 2.3, conversely, is powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor also clocked at 2.0 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. While both use the same core architecture, the doubling of cores in the P22 translates to significantly improved multitasking and overall responsiveness. The P22 can handle more simultaneous processes without noticeable slowdown, making it better suited for running multiple apps or switching between them. The A22 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with heavier workloads. This difference is crucial for users who demand more than just phone calls and text messages.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the budget nature of these devices, both are likely to feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio P22 in the Realme C2s is slightly more power-hungry due to its higher performance, but this difference is unlikely to be substantial. Charging wattage is also unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient processor architecture of the P22 might offer a slight edge in sustained use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2s if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic communication – if you plan to use social media frequently, browse the web with multiple tabs open, or occasionally play casual games. Buy the Nokia 2.3 if your primary need is a simple, reliable device for calls, texts, and essential apps, and you prioritize a clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates (a Nokia strength, even at this price point).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C2s handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C2s's Helio P22 chipset with its octa-core CPU is well-equipped to handle everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. The extra cores provide headroom for multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps more seamlessly than the Nokia 2.3.
❓ Is the Nokia 2.3 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Nokia 2.3 excels as a basic communication device. Its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and running essential apps. Furthermore, Nokia's commitment to software updates ensures the phone remains secure and functional for longer, even with limited processing power.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Helio A22 in the Nokia 2.3 will struggle significantly, even at the lowest settings. The Realme C2s's Helio P22 might allow for playable frame rates at the lowest settings, but expect significant lag and graphical compromises. These phones are not designed for gaming.
