The Realme C2s and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both aim for affordability, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on where each phone excels and where it falls short.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C2s is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers substantially better performance than the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the C2s offers a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB 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 |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Realme C2s
- Significantly faster processor (Helio P22)
- More efficient 12nm process for better battery life
- Smoother user experience for everyday tasks
- Likely limited storage options
- Basic camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Samsung brand recognition
- Extremely affordable price point
- Potentially lighter weight due to simpler hardware
- Slow and laggy performance (MT6739)
- Inefficient 28nm process leads to shorter battery life
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, the focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly, and the C2s has a clear advantage. The A01 Core's weaker GPU will struggle more with even basic UI animations.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is scarce. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. However, the C2s’ more powerful processor will allow for faster image processing and potentially better results. The A01 Core’s limited processing power will likely result in slower capture times and less effective noise reduction. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler rather than genuine photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2s’ Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) is an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process, offering a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The 12nm process translates to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing the Helio P22 to sustain higher clock speeds for longer. The C2s’ 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores also outperform the A01 Core’s 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This difference is palpable in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the C2s’ more efficient chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A01 Core. The 28nm process of the MT6739 is inherently less power-efficient, meaning the A01 Core will drain its battery faster under similar usage conditions. Charging wattage is also unknown, but faster charging is less critical than overall efficiency in this price bracket.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2s if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting. Its superior processor makes it suitable for light social media browsing, WhatsApp, and occasional gaming. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if your primary need is a very inexpensive device for essential communication and you prioritize Samsung’s brand recognition above all else. Be prepared for noticeable lag and limitations with demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 processor is quite limited. While it can run these apps, you’ll likely experience noticeable lag when scrolling, loading content, or switching between apps. The Realme C2s will provide a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Realme C2s a good option for playing mobile games?
The Realme C2s is not a gaming phone, but it’s significantly better suited for light gaming than the A01 Core. You’ll be able to play less demanding games, but don’t expect high frame rates or smooth performance in graphically intensive titles. The A01 Core will struggle even with basic games.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither phone is likely to support fast charging. Both target the ultra-budget market, and fast charging technology is typically reserved for more expensive devices. Expect several hours for a full charge on both models.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
Samsung generally provides more consistent software updates, even for its budget devices, compared to Realme. However, the A01 Core is an older model, so its update lifespan is likely nearing its end. Expect limited or no major Android version updates for either phone.
