The Realme C30 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price. However, beneath the similar price tags lie significant differences in their core components, particularly the chipset, which dictates the overall user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C30 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25, especially in multitasking and app loading. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the C30’s superior processing power makes it the more responsive and capable device.
| 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, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| 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 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | RMX3581, RMX3623 | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Superior CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores)
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Likely similar display quality to Redmi 10A
- 10W charging is slow
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- Very affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Less powerful MediaTek Helio G25 chipset
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53 cores)
- Potential for lag with multiple apps open
Display Comparison
Neither the Realme C30 nor the Xiaomi Redmi 10A are display champions. Both are expected to feature basic LCD panels, likely with 720p+ resolution. Detailed display specs like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are unavailable, but given the price point, users should expect limited viewing angles and moderate color accuracy. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Both are likely to feature a primary camera (resolution unspecified) and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The Redmi 10A sometimes includes a 2MP macro camera, but its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will be minimal, resulting in photos that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. Don't expect advanced features like night mode or HDR to significantly improve image quality. The primary differentiator will likely be the image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset, but detailed ISP specifications are unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C30’s Unisoc Tiger T612 utilizes a combination of Cortex-A75 (1.8 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz) cores, offering a more modern and efficient architecture. This contrasts with the Redmi 10A’s MediaTek Helio G25, which employs four Cortex-A53 (2.0 GHz) cores and four more Cortex-A53 (1.5 GHz) cores. While the Helio G25 has a slightly higher clock speed on its primary cores, the older A53 architecture is less efficient and delivers lower performance per clock cycle. The C30’s A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. Both phones likely feature limited RAM configurations (2GB or 3GB), further emphasizing the importance of chipset efficiency.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C30 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Both are expected to have battery capacities around 5000mAh. This combination suggests a full charge will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use (calls, texts, light browsing). The more efficient Unisoc Tiger T612 in the C30 *may* translate to slightly longer battery life under heavy load, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C30 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks. The C30 is ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and need a phone that doesn’t feel sluggish. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if your primary need is a simple, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you’re less concerned with demanding applications or multitasking. The Redmi 10A is a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C30 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 is more than capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost that ensures a smoother experience compared to the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25, especially when multitasking between apps.
❓ Is the Redmi 10A a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A excels as a basic communication device. Its Helio G25 chipset is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using essential apps. If your smartphone needs are limited to these core functions, the Redmi 10A offers a reliable and affordable solution.
❓ Can either of these phones handle light gaming?
Light gaming is possible on both devices, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Realme C30's Unisoc Tiger T612 will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU, allowing for playable frame rates in less demanding titles. However, both phones will struggle with graphically intensive games.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Both the Realme C30 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Given the limited storage, we recommend using a microSD card to expand storage capacity, especially if you plan to store photos, videos, or download apps.
