The Realme C71 and Infinix Hot 10i represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The C71 prioritizes battery endurance and modern charging, while the Hot 10i leans on a slightly more powerful, though older, chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and faster charging, the Realme C71 emerges as the winner. Its 65:46h endurance and 45W charging significantly outperform the Hot 10i, despite the latter’s marginally faster CPU clock speeds. The C71’s modern chipset also offers a longer software support window.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Asia | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Asia | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 02 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 02 | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.9 x 7.8 mm (6.53 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 725 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, Realme UI 6.0 | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.88", PDAF | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0" | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 36 min (C71 model)
15W wired (P3 Lite model)
6W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· 6000 mAh - Europe· 6300 mAh - Asia | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Lily (Forest Owl), Lily White (White Swan), Green, White | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | RMX5303 | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | € 84.69 / $ 113.38 / £ 118.99 / ₹ 6,874 | About 100 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 65:46h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Realme C71
- Exceptional battery life (65:46h endurance)
- Fast 45W charging (C71 model)
- Modern Unisoc T7250 chipset with potential for longer software support
- Charging speed varies significantly between C71 and P3 Lite models
- Detailed camera specs are unknown
Infinix Hot 10i
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds
- Established Mediatek Helio G70 chipset
- Potentially lower price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely shorter battery life
- Older chipset may receive fewer software updates
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 components. The absence of high refresh rates is expected, prioritizing battery conservation over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, relying on budget sensors and image processing. Detailed sensor information is missing, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility. The focus should be on the primary sensor’s capabilities, but without knowing the megapixel count or aperture, a direct comparison is impossible. Image processing algorithms will play a significant role, and brand-specific tuning will likely differentiate the results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C71’s Unisoc T7250 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Infinix Hot 10i utilizes the Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the G70’s cores are clocked slightly higher, the T7250 benefits from being a newer architecture, potentially offering improved efficiency and sustained performance. The T7250’s newer process node could translate to better thermal management under sustained load, preventing performance throttling. However, without benchmark data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a performance winner.
Battery Life
The Realme C71 shines in battery endurance, boasting a tested 65:46h rating. This is a substantial advantage over what we’d expect from the Hot 10i, which lacks published endurance data but likely falls short due to its less efficient chipset and slower charging. The C71’s 45W wired charging (on the C71 model, 15W on the P3 Lite variant) is a game-changer, allowing a 50% charge in just 36 minutes. The Hot 10i’s 18W charging is considerably slower. Furthermore, the C71 offers 6W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Hot 10i, adding to its versatility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C71 if you need exceptional battery life, fast charging, and a phone that will likely receive software updates for longer. This is ideal for users who heavily rely on their phone throughout the day and dislike frequent charging. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prioritize raw CPU performance for basic multitasking and light gaming, and are willing to compromise on battery endurance and charging speed. This suits users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme C71's Unisoc T7250 chipset handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7250 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like running WhatsApp, Facebook, and browsing the web. Its octa-core architecture and Cortex-A75 cores provide sufficient processing power for these applications, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C71 with the 45W charger?
While the C71 reaches 50% charge in 36 minutes with the 45W charger, a full 0-100% charge will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is significantly faster than the Infinix Hot 10i’s 18W charging, which will require considerably more time.
❓ Is the 6W reverse wired charging on the Realme C71 useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 6W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. While it won't rapidly charge these devices, it provides a useful emergency charging option when a power outlet isn't available.
❓ Will the Infinix Hot 10i struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Infinix Hot 10i’s Helio G70 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The chipset may struggle with sustained high frame rates, potentially leading to some stuttering or lag during intense gameplay.
