The Realme C3i and Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The C3i prioritizes processing power with its Helio G70 chipset, while the Redmi 8A Dual focuses on offering a faster charging experience and a familiar MIUI software experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and app responsiveness, the Realme C3i is the better choice thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G70 chipset. However, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual appeals to those who value faster charging speeds and the convenience of reverse wireless charging, making it a solid option for users who prioritize battery flexibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 2020, February 11. Released 2020, February 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | - | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frozen Blue, Blazing Red | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey |
| Models | RMX2027, RMX2020 | M2001C3K3I |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 192223 (v8)
GeekBench: 1262 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme C3i
- Significantly more powerful Helio G70 chipset
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially improved image processing
- Slower 10W charging
- Lacks reverse charging capability
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Convenient 2.5W reverse wired charging
- Familiar MIUI software experience
- Less powerful Snapdragon 439 chipset
- Slower app loading and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Redmi 8A Dual's display is likely optimized for power efficiency, while the C3i's display is likely tuned for basic readability. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature dual-camera setups, but the specifics are crucial. The Redmi 8A Dual's 'Dual' designation implies a secondary depth sensor, likely paired with a main sensor. The C3i's camera configuration is unknown, but it's reasonable to assume a similar setup. Image quality will largely depend on the main sensor's resolution and aperture, which are not provided. However, the Helio G70's image signal processor (ISP) likely offers better image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 439's, potentially resulting in slightly better photos from the C3i, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the Redmi 8A Dual is unlikely to provide significant benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C3i’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm). The G70 features a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, offering significantly better single-core and multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 439 relies solely on Cortex-A53 cores, resulting in slower app loading times and less fluid multitasking. This translates to a more responsive experience on the C3i, particularly noticeable in gaming and demanding applications. The G70's GPU will also provide a better gaming experience. While both are 12nm, the architectural improvements in the G70 are key.
Battery Life
The Redmi 8A Dual’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Realme C3i’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-up times, crucial for users who are frequently on the go. The Redmi 8A Dual also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the C3i. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the Redmi 8A Dual effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C3i if you frequently play mobile games, use demanding apps, or simply want a smoother overall user experience. Its Helio G70 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi 8A Dual. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual if you prioritize battery convenience, needing faster charging and the ability to top up other devices with its reverse wired charging feature. It's also a good fit for users already invested in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C3i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G70 chipset in the Realme C3i is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's a significant improvement over the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8A Dual, which would struggle with higher settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is considerably faster than the Realme C3i's 10W charging.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Redmi 8A Dual useful for everyday use?
The 2.5W reverse charging is best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It's not powerful enough to significantly charge a smartphone, but it's a convenient feature to have in a pinch.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses social media and messaging apps?
Both phones are adequate for social media and messaging. However, the Realme C3i's faster processor will result in snappier app loading and smoother scrolling, providing a more enjoyable experience overall.
