The Samsung Galaxy M01 and the Realme C11 (2021) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost. However, they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches, particularly in their core processing units. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more efficient processor, the Samsung Galaxy M01 emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, built on a 12nm process, offers a performance edge over the Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter's newer Cortex-A55 cores. The difference isn't massive, but it's noticeable in everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 02. Released 2020, June 02 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 70.9 x 9.8 mm (5.81 x 2.79 x 0.39 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.6 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | SM-M015G, SM-M015F, SM-M015G/DS, SM-M015F/DS | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M01
- More responsive performance due to the Snapdragon 439.
- Established Qualcomm chipset with wider software support.
- Potentially better thermal management due to the 12nm process.
- Lacks reverse wired charging.
- Display specifications are unknown, likely basic.
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging for accessories.
- Potentially longer battery life due to the Unisoc chip's efficiency.
- More modern Cortex-A55 cores.
- Slower overall performance compared to the Snapdragon 439.
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The lack of specified display details (resolution, brightness) suggests both prioritize cost savings over visual fidelity. However, the Realme C11 (2021) benefits from a slightly more modern processor which *could* translate to better image processing for display output, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it's safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The Realme C11 (2021) may have a slight edge due to potential software optimizations within Realme UI, but the fundamental hardware limitations will be the primary constraint. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M01’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) utilizes a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95GHz and 1.45GHz. This is an older architecture, but the 12nm manufacturing process offers better power efficiency than the Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Unisoc chip features Cortex-A55 cores, which are more efficient *per core* than the A53, but the larger process node and potentially less optimized design likely result in lower overall performance. The A55 cores are clocked lower, at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz, further indicating a focus on power saving rather than raw speed. Users engaging in multitasking or light gaming will likely experience smoother operation on the M01.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for entry-level smartphones. The Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and, crucially, reverse wired charging. This allows it to function as a power bank for accessories like wireless earbuds. The Samsung Galaxy M01’s charging speed is unspecified, but likely also around 10W. The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower power consumption *could* translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, but this advantage may be offset by a smaller battery capacity in the M01 (unspecified).
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 if you need a phone that feels a bit snappier for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, and if you value a more established chipset architecture. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize reverse wired charging for topping up accessories and are willing to accept slightly slower performance in exchange for potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry Unisoc chip, and if you need the convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Realme C11 (2021) can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A processor may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or switching between apps quickly. The experience won't be as smooth as on devices with more powerful chipsets.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M01 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy M01 is not ideal for demanding mobile games. The Snapdragon 439 can handle basic games, but expect low frame rates and graphical settings on more intensive titles. It's best suited for casual gaming.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically ship with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Samsung generally provides more consistent software updates than Realme, particularly for its budget devices. While neither phone is guaranteed to receive major Android version updates, the Galaxy M01 is more likely to receive security patches and minor software improvements.
