The Realme C series is known for offering incredible value in the budget smartphone market. The Realme C31 and C33 are two contenders vying for your attention. But with seemingly identical specs, which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 edges out the C31 primarily due to design refinements and potentially software updates. While the core chipset is the same, the C33 offers a slightly more polished experience. Both are solid budget options, but the C33 represents a small upgrade.
| 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 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, September 12 |
| 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 8.3 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) | 187 g (6.60 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, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 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, f/2.2, 27mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX3501 | RMX3624 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme C31
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Basic performance
- Slow charging
- Average camera
Realme C33
- Slightly improved design
- Potentially better camera (50MP)
- Possible software updates
- Good battery life
- Still basic performance
- Slow charging
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution of 1600 x 720 (HD+). The C33 may have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, though this is often subtle in this price range. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C31 typically has a 13MP main camera, while the C33 often boasts a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the C33 should offer better detail in well-lit conditions. Both likely have similar ultrawide and depth sensors. Expect decent, but not exceptional, image quality.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612, performance will be adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. The C33 *might* have slightly better thermal management due to potential design tweaks, preventing throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times for both devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is a good choice for users on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality. The Realme C33 is better suited for those who want a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software support, even if the core performance is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 a good processor?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is adequate for basic tasks but not ideal for demanding games or apps. It's a common choice for budget smartphones.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Realme C33 is likely to receive slightly longer software support and updates compared to the C31, although both are budget devices and updates may be limited.
