The Umidigi G1 and Realme C30s represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C30s emerges as the better choice. While both phones share 10W charging, the C30s’ octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi G1’s quad-core Cortex-A53, resulting in a smoother, more responsive user experience.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% 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 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, (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 | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Umidigi G1
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated processor architecture (MT6739)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely slower app loading times
Realme C30s
- More modern and efficient processor (Cortex-A55)
- Improved multitasking performance
- Smoother user experience
- May be slightly more expensive than the Umidigi G1
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera performance likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The Realme C30s, benefiting from a more recent release, may have slightly better color calibration and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their cost-conscious design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization. Any megapixel count differences are likely offset by the quality of the image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset, and the MT6739’s ISP is older and less capable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Umidigi G1’s Mediatek MT6739, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. This architecture is several generations old and struggles with modern multitasking. The Realme C30s, conversely, boasts an octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Cortex-A55 architecture is significantly more efficient and offers improved performance per clock cycle compared to the A53. The increased core count further enhances multitasking capabilities. While both are entry-level, the C30s will demonstrably feel snappier in everyday use.
Battery Life
Both devices are limited to 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Realme C30s’ more efficient Cortex-A55 CPU will likely translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, as it consumes less power during typical tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and are constrained by the tightest of budgets. Buy the Realme C30s if you want a more modern and responsive experience, even for moderate multitasking and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and a more efficient processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Umidigi G1 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Umidigi G1’s Mediatek MT6739 processor is quite dated. While it can run these apps, expect noticeable lag when switching between them or loading media. The limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely 2GB or 3GB) will exacerbate this issue.
❓ Is the Realme C30s a good option for playing mobile games?
The Realme C30s is better suited for casual gaming than the Umidigi G1. While it won’t handle demanding titles at high settings, the octa-core CPU and potentially more RAM will provide a smoother experience with less demanding games. Expect to lower graphics settings for optimal performance.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones?
Given the 10W charging on both devices, a full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take between 2.5 and 3 hours. The battery capacity, which isn't specified, will influence the exact charging time.
