Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30s and Samsung Galaxy A04 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A04 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Realme C30s might appeal to those prioritizing a cleaner Android experience.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 14 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI Go | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | RMX3690 | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Clean Android experience
- Large battery
- Affordable price
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A04
- More powerful chipset
- Samsung brand recognition
- Slightly better display
- More bloatware
- Basic camera
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, but the Galaxy A04 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology. Resolution is likely similar, around 720 x 1600 pixels, offering adequate clarity for everyday use. The A04 might have a slightly more modern design.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally similar, with both phones likely featuring a 13MP main camera. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung's image processing is generally considered slightly better, but both will struggle in low-light conditions. Expect basic selfie cameras on both devices.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04's Mediatek Helio P35 chipset is noticeably more powerful than the Realme C30s' Cortex-A55 CPU. The A04's octa-core configuration with higher clock speeds translates to smoother multitasking and better app responsiveness. The C30s will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the A04's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance. The Realme C30s' 10W charging is slower than what some competitors offer.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C30s? Users prioritizing a near-stock Android experience and a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04? Those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking, social media, and occasional light gaming, and who value the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A04's Helio P35 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance compared to the Realme C30s.
❓ Is the Realme C30s worth buying if I only need a basic phone?
Yes, the Realme C30s is a viable option if your needs are limited to calls, texts, and very light browsing. However, the A04 offers more future-proofing.
