Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30s and Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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 A2+ edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both have similar charging speeds, the Redmi A2+'s improved processor makes it the slightly better choice for most users.
| 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 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| 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 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI Go | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| 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, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | RMX3690 | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Clean and simple UI
- Decent main camera
- Affordable price
- Underpowered processor
- Slow charging
- Basic features
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Better performance thanks to Helio G36
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Good battery life
- Basic design
- HD+ display quality is average
- 10W charging is slow
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
The Realme C30s typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Redmi A2+ also boasts a 50MP main camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both struggle in low light. Expect decent selfies from the front-facing cameras on both devices. Overall, camera performance is comparable, leaning slightly towards the Redmi A2+ due to better image processing.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A2+ takes a clear lead. The Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Realme C30s's Cortex-A55 CPU. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Redmi A2+. The C30s is adequate for basic tasks but can feel sluggish under heavier load.
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 draw, with both offering similar endurance.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30s is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, simple interface and basic functionality. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device for calls and messaging. The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is better suited for users who want a bit more performance for social media, browsing, and light gaming, without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi A2+ will handle light games more smoothly.
❓ Do these phones have NFC?
Neither the Realme C30s nor the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ typically include NFC for contactless payments. Always check the specific model variant you are purchasing to confirm.
