The Realme C3i and Nokia C210 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, they take different approaches to achieving this. The C3i leverages MediaTek’s Helio G70, focusing on gaming potential, while the C210 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, prioritizing efficiency and a smoother overall experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a refined software experience, the Nokia C210 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, offers a more balanced and efficient performance profile than the Realme C3i’s Helio G70, despite the latter’s slightly higher clock speeds. However, gamers on a tight budget might find the C3i’s G70 marginally more appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 24. Released 2020, July 03 | 2023, August 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 159.5 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 167.8 g (5.93 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~273 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | - | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Yes |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Gray |
| Models | RMX2027, RMX2020 | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 192223 (v8)
GeekBench: 1262 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme C3i
- Slightly more powerful GPU for casual gaming
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio G70 offers burst performance
- Less power-efficient chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Slower charging (10W)
Nokia C210
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 662
- Smoother overall user experience
- Better sustained performance
- Slightly less GPU power than the C3i
- May be slightly more expensive
- Charging speed likely similar to C3i
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels. The Nokia C210’s Snapdragon 662 ISP likely supports slightly better image processing for display output, potentially resulting in more accurate color reproduction. However, without specific display specs, the difference will be minimal for most users. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The Snapdragon 662’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Realme C3i’s G70 also has a capable ISP, but the 11nm process of the Snapdragon 662 allows for more efficient image processing, potentially reducing noise and improving dynamic range. Expect both to struggle with low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C3i’s MediaTek Helio G70 (12nm) features a dual-cluster configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Nokia C210’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) employs 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. While the C3i’s A75 cores have a slight clock speed advantage, the Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process provides superior power efficiency. This translates to less heat generation and more sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture is also generally more optimized for everyday tasks, resulting in a smoother user experience. The G70 prioritizes burst performance, potentially leading to noticeable throttling during prolonged gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical of the budget segment (around 4000-5000mAh). However, the Nokia C210’s Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency will translate to significantly longer battery life in real-world usage. The Realme C3i’s 10W charging is slow by modern standards, while the C210’s charging speed is unspecified but likely similar. The efficiency advantage of the Snapdragon 662 means users will spend less time tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3i if you need a phone primarily for casual gaming and don't mind potential thermal throttling during extended sessions. Its Helio G70 chipset offers a slight edge in raw GPU power. Buy the Nokia C210 if you prefer a smoother, more consistent user experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication, and value a more efficient chipset that manages battery life effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C3i overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G70, while capable, is built on a 12nm process. This means it generates more heat under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 662. Expect some thermal throttling, which will reduce performance after approximately 30-45 minutes of demanding games like PUBG Mobile.
❓ Is the Nokia C210 a good choice for someone who primarily uses social media and messaging apps?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 662 is optimized for everyday tasks. Its power efficiency ensures smooth scrolling, quick app launches, and excellent battery life, making it ideal for social media, messaging, and web browsing.
❓ Does the Realme C3i support fast charging?
No, the Realme C3i only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 2.5 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking?
The Nokia C210 is better suited for multitasking. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture and efficient power management allow it to handle multiple apps running in the background more smoothly than the Realme C3i’s Helio G70.
