The Ulefone Note 8 and Realme C30s represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Ulefone relies on an older, quad-core chipset, while the Realme C30s opts for a newer, octa-core processor. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Realme C30s is the clear winner. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU provides a significantly smoother experience than the Ulefone Note 8’s aging quad-core MT6580. While the Ulefone may be cheaper, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| 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, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 28. Released 2020, August 28 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 66.5 x 12 mm (5.58 x 2.62 x 0.47 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~78.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.8
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2700 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Amber Sunrise, Midnight Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Ulefone Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Outdated processor architecture
Realme C30s
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient processor for better battery life
- Smoother multitasking experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera quality likely similar to Ulefone Note 8
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Realme C30s likely benefits from a more modern display driver, potentially offering slightly better color reproduction. However, without specific display specs, it's difficult to quantify. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Ulefone Note 8 likely relies on older image processing algorithms, while the Realme C30s may benefit from more refined software. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes it impossible to determine which device captures better images in low-light conditions. It's probable that both phones include a 2MP macro camera, which typically delivers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Realme C30s’ octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU represents a significant architectural leap over the Ulefone Note 8’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A55 is more efficient and delivers higher instructions per clock cycle. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved multitasking on the Realme C30s. The MT6580 in the Ulefone Note 8, built on a 28nm process, will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag. The Realme C30s will be the better choice for users who play mobile games, even if they aren't graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
The Realme C30s includes 10W wired charging, a standard feature for this price point. Without knowing the battery capacity of the Ulefone Note 8, it’s difficult to assess battery life directly. However, the more efficient Cortex-A55 processor in the Realme C30s will likely contribute to longer battery life, even if the Ulefone Note 8 has a slightly larger capacity. The 10W charging on the Realme C30s will provide a reasonable, if not rapid, recharge time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 8 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 C30s if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. The C30s offers a noticeable performance boost for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C30s’ octa-core processor and Cortex-A55 architecture are well-suited for running social media applications like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The Ulefone Note 8 may struggle with these apps, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 8 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
If your smartphone usage is limited to calls and texts, the Ulefone Note 8 is a viable option, particularly if budget is your primary concern. However, even for basic tasks, the Realme C30s will offer a more responsive and enjoyable experience.
❓ Can the Realme C30s handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Absolutely. The Realme C30s’ processor is capable of handling casual mobile games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without issue. While it won’t run graphically demanding games at high settings, it provides a playable experience for less intensive titles.
