Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C31 and C30s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C31 edges out the C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both offer decent battery life and basic camera capabilities, the C31's superior processor makes it the more future-proof choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 25 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| 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 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Silver, Dark Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | RMX3501 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C31
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Decent battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera features
- HD+ display resolution
Realme C30s
- Very affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight and compact design
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera features
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the C31 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more advanced chipset. Panel type is likely IPS for both, offering decent viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the C31's more powerful processor might allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect basic features like portrait mode and HDR.
Performance
This is where the C31 has a clear advantage. The Unisoc Tiger T612 with its Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the C30s' all-Cortex-A55 CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better responsiveness on the C31. The C30s will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a slightly smoother experience for multitasking and basic gaming. The Realme C30s is a good option for those primarily focused on essential communication, media consumption, and a very budget-friendly price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C31 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the C31 will handle lighter games more smoothly.
❓ Is the Realme C30s worth buying if I only need a basic phone?
Yes, the Realme C30s is a great option if you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic apps. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users.
