Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30 and C30s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 generally edges out the C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612) offering better overall performance. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the C30's CPU provides a smoother user 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 186 g (6.56 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, (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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | RMX3581, RMX3623 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C30
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially better image processing
- Good battery life
- Basic camera quality
- 10W charging is slow
- Plastic build quality
Realme C30s
- Very affordable
- Good battery life
- Decent for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera quality
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both the Realme C30 and C30s feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Brightness levels are typical for budget phones, so outdoor visibility can be challenging in direct sunlight. The C30 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its chipset's capabilities, but the difference is negligible.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C30 typically features a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the C30s often has a 50MP main camera and a VGA depth sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions for both, but don't expect flagship-level results. Low-light performance is weak on both devices. The C30 might offer slightly better image processing due to its chipset.
Performance
This is where the Realme C30 pulls ahead. The C30's Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost compared to the C30s' Cortex-A55-only CPU. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive feel overall. The C30s will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours. Expect similar battery performance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly smoother experience for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Realme C30s is a good option for those seeking a very budget-friendly device primarily for calls, texts, and essential apps, and potentially a slightly improved camera (though differences are minimal).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Realme C30 and C30s?
The main difference lies in the chipset. The C30 has a Unisoc Tiger T612, offering better performance, while the C30s uses a less powerful Cortex-A55 only CPU. Camera specs are also slightly different.
❓ Which Realme C30 model has better battery life?
Both the Realme C30 and C30s have a 5000mAh battery and offer similar all-day battery life with moderate usage.
