Realme Narzo 30A vs Xiaomi Redmi 10C: The Ultimate Budget Battle

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Narzo 30A and Xiaomi Redmi 10C are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down every aspect to help you make the right choice.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi 10C edges out the Narzo 30A thanks to its more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset, resulting in better performance and battery life. While the Narzo 30A has reverse charging, the Redmi 10C's overall package is more appealing for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme Narzo 30A Xiaomi Redmi 10C
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, February 242022, March 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 05Available. Released 2022, March 23
Body
Dimensions164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in)169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 610
OSAndroid 10, Realme UIAndroid 11, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panorama-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired
Type6000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsLaser Black, Laser BlueGraphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green
ModelsRMX3171220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL
PriceAbout 450 EUR£ 99.00 / € 109.86
SAR1.37 W/kg (head)     1.10 W/kg (body)0.96 W/kg (head)     1.02 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.57 W/kg (head)     0.96 W/kg (body)

Realme Narzo 30A

  • Slightly larger screen
  • Reverse wired charging
  • Affordable price

  • Less efficient chipset
  • Lower performance
  • Mediocre camera

Xiaomi Redmi 10C

  • More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 680)
  • Better performance
  • Improved battery life
  • Higher resolution main camera

  • No reverse charging
  • Design may be less appealing to some

Display Comparison

The Narzo 30A features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, while the Redmi 10C boasts a 6.53-inch IPS LCD. Both offer HD+ resolution. The Redmi 10C's slightly larger screen and potentially better color accuracy (typical of Xiaomi) give it a slight edge, though the difference is minimal.

Camera Comparison

The Narzo 30A has a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), while the Redmi 10C features a dual camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth). While megapixel count isn't everything, the Redmi 10C's 50MP sensor generally captures more detailed images, especially in good lighting. Both phones offer decent selfie cameras.

Performance

Here's where the Redmi 10C shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is significantly more efficient than the Helio G85 (12nm) in the Narzo 30A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Redmi 10C. The Narzo 30A is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery. However, the Redmi 10C's more efficient chipset allows it to deliver longer battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from both, but the Redmi 10C will likely last longer.

Buying Guide

The Realme Narzo 30A is a good option for users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly larger screen. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is ideal for those seeking better performance, improved efficiency, and a more modern design, especially if gaming or multitasking are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset.
❓ Can the Realme Narzo 30A charge other devices?
Yes, the Realme Narzo 30A supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides good software updates, but both brands have varying update schedules. It's best to check recent user reviews for the latest information.