Realme's Narzo 10A and the 2023 refresh of the C33 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences between the MediaTek Helio G70-powered Narzo 10A and the Unisoc Tiger T612-equipped C33 2023, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained performance in demanding apps and light gaming, the Realme Narzo 10A emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G70 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offers a noticeable advantage over the C33's Unisoc Tiger T612. However, the C33 2023 remains a viable option for basic tasks and users on a very tight budget.
| 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, 8, 38, 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, May 11. Released 2020, May 22 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | So Blue, So White | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX2020 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme Narzo 10A
- More powerful Helio G70 chipset for better performance.
- Faster CPU clock speeds for smoother multitasking.
- Potentially better gaming experience due to the GPU in the Helio G70.
- Older model, potentially harder to find new.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
Realme C33 2023
- Newer model, potentially better software support.
- Unisoc T612 offers good power efficiency.
- Competitive price point.
- Slower CPU clock speeds compared to the Narzo 10A.
- Less powerful GPU for gaming.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but we can infer similar performance. The focus here is on chipset performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones likely featuring a primary sensor paired with depth and macro lenses (the latter often of limited utility). Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to assess image quality. Image processing will play a significant role, and Realme's software optimizations could mitigate some hardware limitations. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 10A’s MediaTek Helio G70 features a dual-cluster configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture provides a performance boost for demanding tasks. The Realme C33 2023 utilizes the Unisoc Tiger T612, also an octa-core processor, but with slightly lower Cortex-A75 clock speeds of 1.8 GHz, and Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.8 GHz. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speed on the A75 cores of the Helio G70 translates to faster single-core performance, impacting app launch times and overall responsiveness. The C33's T612 prioritizes efficiency, potentially offering slightly better battery life during less intensive use.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. While the Narzo 10A's battery capacity is not specified, Realme typically equips its budget phones with 5000mAh batteries. The C33 2023 also likely features a 5000mAh battery. The Unisoc T612’s efficiency might offer a slight edge in standby time, but the Helio G70’s performance advantage could offset this during active use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10A if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic social media and calls – think occasional gaming, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if your primary needs are limited to essential communication, light web browsing, and you prioritize a newer device within an extremely constrained budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of running these apps without significant issues. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag when switching between multiple apps compared to the Narzo 10A. The C33 2023 is best suited for light usage.
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 10A a good choice for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G70 in the Narzo 10A offers a better gaming experience than the C33 2023. While you won't be able to max out the graphics settings, you should be able to play PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones from 0%?
With both phones supporting only 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Does the Realme C33 2023 have any features that the Narzo 10A lacks?
Being a newer device, the Realme C33 2023 likely benefits from a more recent version of Realme UI, potentially offering a slightly more refined software experience and potentially longer software support. However, this is dependent on Realme's update policies.
