Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme Narzo 30A and Realme C12 are popular contenders, offering a range of features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 30A takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and multitasking. While the C12 boasts a larger battery, the Narzo 30A's overall package makes it the better choice for most users.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 24 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Laser Black, Laser Blue | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | RMX3171 | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme Narzo 30A
- More powerful processor (Helio G85)
- Reverse charging capability
- Slightly better display brightness (likely)
- Good value for performance
- Camera may not be as versatile as the C12
- Design might be less appealing to some
Realme C12
- Larger battery capacity (5000mAh)
- Potentially better portrait mode camera
- Affordable price
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio G35)
- Slower performance
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and color reproduction for their price range. However, the Narzo 30A might have slightly better brightness due to its panel technology (likely IPS vs. TN for the C12, though confirmation is difficult). Resolution is similar, so visual clarity is comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C12 generally has a more versatile camera setup, often featuring a higher resolution main sensor (typically 13MP vs. 13MP on the Narzo 30A) and potentially a depth sensor for better portrait mode. The Narzo 30A's camera is still capable, but the C12 might offer slightly better image quality in certain scenarios, especially with portrait shots. Both phones offer a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 30A truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G35 in the C12. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly improved gaming performance on the Narzo 30A. The C12 will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme C12 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the Narzo 30A's 6000mAh. While the C12 has a larger capacity, the Narzo 30A's more efficient chipset can result in similar or even slightly better real-world battery life due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 30A is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming capabilities. It's a great option for students or anyone needing a responsive phone for everyday tasks. The Realme C12 is best suited for users who heavily prioritize battery life and are less concerned with raw processing power. It's a solid choice for basic usage and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 30A good for gaming?
Yes, the Narzo 30A's Helio G85 chipset makes it a decent option for casual and even some mid-range mobile gaming. It's significantly better than the C12 for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the Realme C12 has a larger battery capacity, the Narzo 30A's more efficient chipset can result in comparable or even slightly better real-world battery life.
