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+'s quad-core processor provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks. Both offer similar charging speeds and basic camera capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 14 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | RMX3690 | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Clean and simple UI
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Slightly better performance
- Good battery life
- Competitive price
- Basic camera performance
- Plastic build quality
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. Color accuracy is typical for this price range, leaning towards slightly oversaturated hues. Neither display stands out significantly, making it a draw.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable on both devices. Both feature a 13MP main camera and a front-facing camera (likely 5MP). Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Neither phone excels in photography, but they're adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1+ gains an advantage. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, while still entry-level, boasts a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, compared to the C30s' octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to slightly snappier performance in everyday tasks and a more responsive feel. The Redmi A1+ handles basic apps and multitasking a bit better.
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. Battery life is a strong point for both devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30s is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, simple interface and basic functionality. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is better suited for users who want a slightly more responsive experience and a bit more processing power for light multitasking and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ generally offers slightly better performance due to its quad-core processor, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
❓ Are the cameras any good?
Neither phone has exceptional cameras. They are adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect high-quality images.