The Realme C33 and its 2023 iteration are both contenders in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. While they share a core chipset, subtle differences in design, features, and software could sway your decision. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 and C33 2023 are remarkably similar. The 2023 model often features minor software updates and potentially slightly improved camera processing. Ultimately, the choice hinges on price and availability, with the cheaper option generally being the better buy unless specific software features are crucial.
| 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, September 06 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 12 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 12, Realme UI S | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| 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 | Unspecified | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX3624 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme C33
- Affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display
- Sufficient storage options
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Plastic build
- Unisoc chipset
Realme C33 2023
- Slightly newer software
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Large battery
- Decent display
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Plastic build
- Unisoc chipset
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.5-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect similar viewing experiences, though the 2023 model *might* have slightly improved color accuracy due to software calibration. Differences are likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C33 usually has a 50MP main camera and a 2MP monochrome sensor. The 2023 version *may* have improved image processing algorithms, resulting in slightly better low-light performance and more vibrant colors. Front camera specs are generally similar (8MP).
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612, performance is virtually identical on both devices. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks, but don't expect to play demanding games at high settings. The 2023 model *could* benefit from minor software optimizations, leading to slightly smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices typically pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Realme C33 is ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a basic device for calls, texts, and light social media. The Realme C33 2023 is a good choice for those seeking a slightly newer software experience and potentially minor camera improvements, provided the price difference isn't significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C33 2023 worth the extra money?
It depends. If you value slightly newer software and potentially better camera performance, and the price difference is small, then yes. Otherwise, the original Realme C33 offers excellent value.
❓ What chipset do both phones use?
Both the Realme C33 and Realme C33 2023 utilize the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset.
