Choosing a budget smartphone can be tricky. The Realme Q2i and Realme C12 are both contenders, offering attractive features at affordable prices. But which one truly delivers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q2i is the clear winner, boasting a significantly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and a generally smoother user experience. While the Realme C12 offers a larger battery, the Q2i's performance advantage 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 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 | 189.5 g (6.70 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | - | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme Q2i
- Superior Performance (Dimensity 720)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Better Image Processing
- Sleek Design (Generally)
- Potentially slightly smaller battery than C12
- May be slightly more expensive
Realme C12
- Longer Battery Life (Potentially)
- Affordable Price
- Larger Main Camera Sensor (Potentially)
- Underpowered Processor (Helio G35)
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Laggy Performance with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.5-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. The Q2i might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but overall, display quality will be comparable. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C12 typically features a higher resolution main camera (likely 13MP vs Q2i's 13MP), but the Q2i's more powerful processor allows for better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Both phones likely include ultrawide and macro lenses. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions from both.
Performance
This is where the Q2i shines. The Dimensity 720 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the Q2i. The C12 will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme C12 typically has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) compared to the Q2i (5000mAh). While both offer all-day battery life, the C12 might edge out the Q2i in terms of longevity, especially with heavy usage. However, the Q2i's 18W charging is significantly faster than the C12's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme Q2i? Users prioritizing performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. Who should buy the Realme C12? Those primarily focused on maximizing battery life and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q2i worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 720 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G35, making the Q2i a much smoother and more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme C12 likely has slightly better battery life due to its optimized power management and potentially larger battery capacity, but both offer all-day usage.
