The Ulefone Note 7 and Realme C51s represent distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Note 7, leveraging an older chipset, aims for affordability, while the C51s introduces a newer processor and notably faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and convenience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C51s is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Ulefone Note 7’s Mediatek MT6580, and the 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime. While the Note 7 may be cheaper, the C51s offers a significantly improved user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.5 g (6.28 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP
2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 374 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Twilight | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | Q345 | RMX3765 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
Ulefone Note 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May have a slightly longer battery life due to less power-hungry processor (depending on battery capacity)
- Significantly slower processor
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Inferior multitasking performance
Realme C51s
- Faster and more efficient Unisoc Tiger T612 processor
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Likely better camera image processing
- Potentially higher price
- May have a smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Unisoc chipset may have less software support than Mediatek
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Realme C51s, being a newer device, may benefit from improved color calibration and viewing angles. The Ulefone Note 7, relying on older technology, may exhibit narrower viewing angles and less accurate color reproduction. Expect both to prioritize cost-effectiveness over display quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C51s, being a newer model, likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Ulefone Note 7’s camera will likely produce images with less detail and more visible noise, especially in low-light conditions. It's probable both devices include low-resolution auxiliary cameras (e.g., 2MP depth sensors) that offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) offering a substantial advantage over the Ulefone Note 7’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a larger 28nm node. The T612’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the additional cores enhance multitasking capabilities. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life despite the increased processing power. The MT6580 in the Note 7 will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
While battery capacities aren’t specified, the Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is a game-changer. The ability to charge from 0-50% in just 28 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Ulefone Note 7, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. Even if the Note 7 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the C51s’ faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience. The efficiency gains from the 12nm Unisoc chip may also contribute to comparable or better real-world battery life on the C51s.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Realme C51s if you value a smoother, more responsive experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of rapid charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s powerful enough for casual gaming?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of handling most casual mobile games at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Ulefone Note 7’s MT6580, which will struggle with even less demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C51s compared to a standard 10W charger?
The 33W charging on the Realme C51s is substantially faster. While the Ulefone Note 7 likely uses a 5W or 10W charger, the C51s can reach 50% charge in just 28 minutes. A standard 10W charger would take considerably longer – potentially over 3 hours for a full charge.
❓ Will the Realme C51s receive regular software updates?
Realme generally provides decent software support for its devices, including security patches and occasional feature updates. However, given the C51s’ budget positioning, it may not receive the same level of long-term support as Realme’s higher-end models. The Ulefone Note 7 is likely to receive minimal software updates.
