The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Umidigi G5A and Realme C51s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: the Umidigi G5A prioritizes simplicity, while the Realme C51s focuses on faster charging and a more modern chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Umidigi G5A’s Helio A22, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While the G5A is cheaper, the C51s provides a noticeably smoother 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 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| 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) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Jade Green, Lavender Purple, Pearl White, Space Gray | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | - | RMX3765 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Umidigi G5A
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Functional for basic tasks
- Slow performance with Helio A22 chipset
- Very slow 10W charging
- Likely limited software support
Realme C51s
- Faster Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- 33W fast charging (0-50% in 28 min)
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price than Umidigi G5A
- Camera performance likely similar to G5A
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost-effectiveness over premium display features. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but given the price point, expect 720p+ resolution. The Realme C51s doesn't appear to have any display features like high refresh rates or HDR support. The Umidigi G5A is likely similar. The display experience will be functional, but not immersive.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Realme C51s’ more powerful chipset may allow for slightly better image processing. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but image quality will be heavily dependent on software optimization and lighting conditions. Expect acceptable results in good light, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612 is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial advantage over the Umidigi G5A’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the C51s are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores in the G5A, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the C51s will handle everyday tasks with noticeably less lag. The 12nm process node is shared, so thermal management differences will be minimal.
Battery Life
The Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is a major advantage. The ability to charge from 0-50% in just 28 minutes is a significant convenience compared to the Umidigi G5A’s slow 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the C51s effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the C51s’ charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5A if you need a basic, extremely affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are willing to accept slower performance. Buy the Realme C51s if you prioritize a more responsive experience, faster charging, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding apps and occasional gaming, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s powerful enough for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly better than the Helio A22 in the Umidigi G5A for gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C51s from 0% to 100%?
While the Realme C51s charges from 0-50% in 28 minutes, a full charge from 0-100% will take approximately 60-70 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is still considerably faster than the Umidigi G5A, which could take several hours with its 10W charging.
❓ Does the Umidigi G5A support software updates?
Umidigi’s software update track record is inconsistent. While it may receive occasional security patches, major Android version updates are unlikely. The Realme C51s, while also not guaranteed long-term support, generally receives more frequent updates than Umidigi devices.
