Realme C33 vs Oppo A57s: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The Realme C33 and Oppo A57s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme C33 prioritizes a newer chipset architecture, while the Oppo A57s focuses on significantly faster charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and convenience, the Oppo A57s is the better choice thanks to its 33W charging, completing a full charge in just 69 minutes. However, the Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612 offers a potentially smoother experience for moderately demanding tasks due to its more modern Cortex-A75 cores.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme C33 Oppo A57s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, September 062022, August 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 12Available. Released 2022, September 12
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)163.8 x 75 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
 -IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12, Realme UI SAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired, 100% in 69 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night SeaStarry Black, Sky Blue
ModelsRMX3624CPH2385
PriceAbout 110 EUR-

Realme C33

  • More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores)
  • Potentially smoother multitasking
  • Likely more efficient chipset

  • Significantly slower 10W charging
  • Longer charging times
  • May not be ideal for heavy gaming

Oppo A57s

  • 33W fast charging (69-minute full charge)
  • Convenient for users on the go
  • Faster charging offsets potential performance deficit

  • Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53 cores)
  • Potentially less responsive multitasking
  • May struggle with demanding apps

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable, but the focus here is on internal performance. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones likely featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and dynamic range. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant improvements in image quality and should be considered a marketing feature rather than a practical tool.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture, while still 12nm, offers a performance advantage over the Oppo A57s’ MediaTek Helio G35. The Helio G35 relies on four older Cortex-A53 cores clocked higher at 2.3 GHz, alongside another four Cortex-A53 cores. While the higher clock speed *sounds* better, the A75 cores in the Realme C33 are significantly more efficient and capable per clock cycle. This translates to better responsiveness in multitasking and smoother performance in moderately demanding apps. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the Realme C33 should offer a slightly more stable experience.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment). However, the Oppo A57s’ 33W charging is a game-changer. Completing a full charge in 69 minutes is significantly faster than the Realme C33’s 10W charging, which will take considerably longer. This difference in charging speed directly impacts usability, allowing the Oppo A57s to quickly recover from heavy usage, while the Realme C33 requires more planning around charging cycles.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme C33 if you need a phone that can handle everyday tasks with reasonable efficiency and you aren't concerned about rapid charging. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Oppo A57s if you value fast charging above all else, frequently find yourself needing to quickly replenish battery life, and prefer a phone that spends less time tethered to a wall outlet. This is the better option for users on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G35 in the Oppo A57s struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 is an entry-level chipset. While PUBG Mobile may be playable at lower settings, expect frame drops and potential lag, especially during intense action. The Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612 might offer a slightly more stable experience, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Oppo A57s compared to the 10W charging on the Realme C33 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Oppo A57s can go from 0-100% in approximately 69 minutes. The Realme C33, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 3 hours to achieve a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the Oppo A57s during short breaks, while the Realme C33 requires a much longer charging commitment.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras in this price range often produce images with limited detail and poor dynamic range. They are primarily a marketing feature and won't significantly enhance your photography experience. The main camera will deliver far superior results.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who frequently uses social media and messaging apps?
Both phones are adequate for these tasks. However, the Realme C33’s more efficient chipset might provide a slightly smoother experience when switching between multiple social media apps. The Oppo A57s’ faster charging is also beneficial if you’re a heavy social media user who drains battery quickly.