Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30s and Xiaomi Redmi A1 are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and generally better performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks. However, Realme's design might appeal to some.
| 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, September 14 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 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 | 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | 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, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, (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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | RMX3690 | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Sleek and modern design
- Higher megapixel main camera (potentially better detail in good light)
- Clean Android experience
- Less powerful processor
- Performance can feel sluggish
- Basic camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Slightly better performance due to chipset
- Good battery life
- Generally reliable MIUI software
- Design is less premium
- Camera performance is average
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, so don't expect vibrant visuals. The Redmi A1 might have a slightly better panel due to Xiaomi's generally tighter quality control, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C30s boasts a 50MP main camera, while the Redmi A1 features a 13MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Realme C30s *might* produce slightly more detailed images in good lighting conditions. However, both cameras struggle in low light, producing noisy and grainy photos. Video recording capabilities are basic on both.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1 takes a slight lead. The Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, despite being a quad-core processor, generally outperforms the Realme C30s' Octa-core Cortex-A55. The A22's 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother app loading and slightly better multitasking on the Redmi A1.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours. Battery optimization will be key to maximizing longevity on either device.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30s is ideal for users prioritizing a clean design and basic functionality. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple device for calls and messaging. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is better suited for users who need a bit more performance for light gaming or multitasking, offering a slightly more responsive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset, although neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ What Android version do these phones ship with?
Both phones ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-end hardware. Expect updates to be limited.
