The Realme C2s and Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dives deep into the differences between the MediaTek Helio P22 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro is the better choice. While the Realme C2s offers a functional experience, the Snapdragon 439’s architecture and 18W charging provide a noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and convenience, justifying the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Realme C2s
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Octa-core processor
- Less efficient processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely less responsive UI
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Faster Snapdragon 439 processor
- 18W fast charging
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not offer significant camera improvements
- Still an entry-level device
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display prowess. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but rather on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, as maximizing screen real estate isn’t a priority at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a standout feature on either device. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the focus is likely on basic image capture for social media. Both phones likely include a primary camera and a depth sensor. The Redmi 8A Pro’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally improved image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2s utilizes the MediaTek Helio P22, an octa-core processor with all cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, based on the Cortex-A53 architecture. The Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, also an octa-core processor, but with a more nuanced configuration: four cores at 1.95 GHz and four at 1.45 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. While the Helio P22 boasts a higher peak clock speed, the Snapdragon 439’s architecture, and Qualcomm’s optimizations, generally translate to better sustained performance and more efficient power management. This means the Redmi 8A Pro is likely to handle multitasking and slightly more demanding apps with greater ease. The Snapdragon 439 also benefits from Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU, offering a more capable graphics experience than the PowerVR GE8320 found in the Helio P22.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Redmi 8A Pro supports 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely 10W or 15W charging on the Realme C2s. This translates to considerably faster charging times, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. The Redmi 8A Pro also features 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the C2s.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2s if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on the absolute tightest budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially when multitasking, and value the convenience of faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups. The Redmi 8A Pro is also a better fit for users who occasionally play mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8A Pro handle PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 439 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not designed for high-end gaming, but it's capable of casual PUBG sessions.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.95 GHz) noticeable in everyday use?
While the Realme C2s has a slightly higher peak clock speed, the Snapdragon 439’s architecture and optimizations are more impactful in real-world performance. The difference in clock speed is unlikely to be noticeable during typical tasks like browsing, social media, or messaging.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi 8A Pro compared to the C2s?
The Redmi 8A Pro’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours, compared to potentially 3.5-4 hours for the Realme C2s with its likely 10W or 15W charging.
❓ Does the Redmi 8A Pro's reverse charging feature work with any device?
Yes, the Redmi 8A Pro’s 2.5W reverse charging works with any device that charges via micro-USB. However, it’s a very slow charging method and is best suited for emergencies or topping up small devices like wireless earbuds.
