The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C71 and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The C71 emphasizes extended battery life and rapid charging, while the Redmi 10 5G leans on a more established chipset and broader 5G band support. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery and fast charging, the Realme C71 emerges as the winner. Its 65:46h endurance and 45W charging significantly outperform the Redmi 10 5G. However, users needing slightly more processing power for demanding apps or gaming should consider the Redmi 10 5G.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 02 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 02 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.9 x 7.8 mm (6.53 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 725 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, Realme UI 6.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.88", PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0" | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| 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 | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Lily (Forest Owl), Lily White (White Swan), Green, White | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | RMX5303 | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | € 84.69 / $ 113.38 / £ 118.99 / ₹ 6,874 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| 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)
- Ultra-fast 45W charging (C71 model)
- 6W reverse wired charging
- Less powerful chipset compared to Redmi 10 5G
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software optimization
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Potentially better app compatibility
- Established chipset with wider 5G band support
- Shorter battery life
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but practicality. While specific display specs are missing, the Realme C71's value proposition doesn't hinge on screen quality, suggesting a standard implementation. The Redmi 10 5G likely follows suit, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium display features.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, with both phones targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it's safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13-50MP range. The Redmi 10 5G may benefit from MediaTek’s image signal processor (ISP), potentially offering slightly better image processing. However, the prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features and won't significantly impact image quality. Focus should be on real-world samples to assess actual performance.
Performance
The chipset is where the core difference lies. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Realme C71’s Unisoc T7250 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more efficient 7nm fabrication, and its Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) are clocked higher and architecturally superior to the C71’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x1.8 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Redmi 10 5G, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive tasks. However, the Unisoc T7250’s efficiency might contribute to the C71’s superior battery life.
Battery Life
The Realme C71 dominates in battery endurance. Its reported 65:46h endurance is a significant leap over what's typically seen in this price range. This is likely a combination of the Unisoc T7250’s efficiency and a well-optimized software experience. Furthermore, the C71’s 45W charging (on the C71 model, not the P3 Lite) is substantially faster than the Redmi 10 5G’s 18W charging. The C71 can reach 50% charge in just 36 minutes, while the Redmi 10 5G will take considerably longer. The C71 also offers 6W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Redmi 10 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C71 if you need exceptional battery life, prioritize fast charging, and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like social media, calls, and streaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you prefer a more established chipset with potentially better app compatibility, and occasionally engage in light gaming or require broader 5G network support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T7250 in the Realme C71 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T7250 is capable of running these games, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Dimensity 700 in the Redmi 10 5G offers a more comfortable gaming experience, but both phones are not designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How does the 45W charging on the Realme C71 compare to the 18W charging on the Redmi 10 5G in real-world usage?
The 45W charging on the Realme C71 is significantly faster. It can charge from 0-50% in approximately 36 minutes, while the Redmi 10 5G will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This makes the C71 ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi 10 5G more reliable or compatible with more carriers than the Realme C71?
The MediaTek Dimensity 700 generally has broader 5G band support than Unisoc chipsets. This means the Redmi 10 5G may be compatible with more 5G networks depending on your region and carrier. Check compatibility with your carrier before purchasing.
❓ What is the difference between the C71 model with 45W charging and the P3 Lite model with 15W charging?
The primary difference is the charging speed. The standard Realme C71 supports 45W wired charging, allowing for significantly faster top-ups. The P3 Lite variant is limited to 15W charging, resulting in a much slower charging experience. Ensure you are purchasing the correct model if fast charging is a priority.
