The Realme C3i and Samsung Galaxy M01 Core represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C3i is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s aging MT6739, making it significantly more capable for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While both phones are entry-level, the C3i offers a more future-proof experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 24. Released 2020, July 03 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| 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, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | - | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | RMX2027, RMX2020 | SM-M013F, SM-M013F/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.86 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 192223 (v8)
GeekBench: 1262 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme C3i
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- May receive fewer software updates than Samsung
- Build quality may be less premium
Samsung Galaxy M01 Core
- Potentially longer software support from Samsung
- Simpler user experience for basic users
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Very slow processor struggles with modern apps
- Less efficient chipset leads to shorter battery life
- Poor performance for gaming and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing for both, but given their price points, expect basic IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in processing power to drive the display; the C3i’s Helio G70 will handle UI animations and video playback more fluidly. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is expected to be basic on both, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both phones likely feature basic sensors. Details are scarce, but both will likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor. The C3i’s more powerful processor will aid in image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, don't expect flagship-level image quality from either device. The focus should be on capturing usable photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C3i’s Mediatek Helio G70, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.7 GHz. This is a substantial leap over the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, fabricated on a much older 28nm process. The Helio G70’s architecture allows for significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 28nm process of the MT6739 also implies higher power consumption for similar tasks, impacting battery life. The C3i is demonstrably better suited for running modern apps and handling demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, though specific numbers are unavailable. However, the Realme C3i’s more efficient 12nm Helio G70 chipset will translate to longer battery life compared to the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s power-hungry 28nm MT6739. While both support 10W charging, the C3i will likely reach a full charge faster due to its more efficient power management. The C3i’s ability to handle tasks more efficiently also means less battery drain during usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3i if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic communication – streaming video, social media, and casual gaming will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer software support from Samsung's ecosystem, despite the performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the M01 Core’s MT6739 processor is quite limited. While it can run these apps, expect noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially with multiple apps open. The Realme C3i will provide a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Realme C3i suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme C3i can handle light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or maximum graphics settings. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile will likely require significant graphics compromises to achieve playable frame rates. The M01 Core is not well-suited for these games at all.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The Realme C3i runs Realme UI, based on Android, which offers more customization options and features. The M01 Core runs Samsung’s One UI Core, a streamlined version of One UI designed for lower-end devices. Samsung generally provides longer software support, but the C3i’s more powerful processor will handle software updates more smoothly.
❓ Does the Realme C3i support fast charging?
No, both the Realme C3i and Samsung Galaxy M01 Core support only 10W wired charging. While not fast by today’s standards, the C3i’s more efficient chipset will likely reach a full charge slightly faster due to lower power draw during charging.
