Realme C3 vs Samsung Galaxy A11: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Realme C3 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A11. While the A11 offers 15W charging, the C3’s more powerful processor makes it the better all-around choice for most.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme C3 (3 cameras) | Samsung Galaxy A11 |
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 19. Released 2020, February 20 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Realme C3 (3 cameras)
- More powerful Helio G70 processor
- Potentially better thermal management
- Likely superior image processing
- Slower 10W charging
- Less recognizable brand (potentially)
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Faster 15W charging
- Familiar Samsung One UI
- Established brand reputation
- Less powerful Snapdragon 450 processor
- Potentially lower performance under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing, but given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic usability. The absence of high refresh rates or HDR support is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over a premium aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature multiple rear cameras, but the specifics are crucial. While both have 3 cameras, the quality will vary. Without detailed sensor information, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Helio G70’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced than the Snapdragon 450’s, potentially resulting in better image processing and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the G70 allows for faster image capture and more sophisticated algorithms. It's reasonable to assume the Realme C3 will deliver slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C3’s MediaTek Helio G70 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is significantly more capable than the Samsung Galaxy A11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) with its octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G70 provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio G70 is also more efficient than the 14nm Snapdragon 450, potentially leading to better thermal management under sustained load. This means the C3 is more likely to maintain peak performance for longer periods during gaming or intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme C3 features 10W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A11 supports 15W wired charging. While the A11 has a faster charging rate, the efficiency of the Helio G70 in the C3 might offset this advantage. The actual 0-100% charging time will depend on battery capacity (which is not provided), but the A11 will likely charge slightly faster. However, the overall battery life will depend on usage patterns and the power efficiency of the respective chipsets. The 12nm process of the Helio G70 could contribute to longer battery life during moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and light gaming without significant lag. Its Helio G70 chipset offers a smoother experience for multitasking and media consumption. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prioritize a familiar Samsung user interface and slightly faster charging, and your usage primarily revolves around basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media.