Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Realme C30 and Xiaomi Redmi A1 are two popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU. While both offer basic functionality, the C30 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks. Both are excellent choices for those prioritizing affordability.
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| 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 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | RMX3581, RMX3623 | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Octa-core CPU
- Generally smoother performance
- Often includes a design with a textured back
- Camera performance is basic
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Extremely affordable
- Clean and simple MIUI interface
- Decent battery life
- Reliable brand reputation
- Less powerful chipset
- Quad-core CPU
- Basic camera
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, but adequate for everyday use. The Realme C30 might have a slightly better panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Realme C30 often has an 8MP main camera. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but both struggle in low light. Don't expect flagship-level photography from either device.
Performance
Here's where the Realme C30 takes a lead. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with an octa-core CPU (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) generally outperforms the Redmi A1's Mediatek Helio A22 (Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). Expect smoother app loading and slightly better responsiveness on the C30.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are similar at 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30 is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for light multitasking and occasional gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is a great option for those primarily focused on calls, texts, and basic apps, prioritizing simplicity and affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30 is generally better for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 has a slightly higher resolution main camera, but overall image quality is comparable in good lighting.
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the Realme C30 nor the Xiaomi Redmi A1 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
