The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y04 and Realme C30s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: the vivo Y04 prioritizes processing power and endurance, while the Realme C30s focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y04 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T7225 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Realme C30s’ all-Cortex-A55 configuration. Coupled with its significantly longer battery endurance, the Y04 justifies a potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 26 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.3 x 77 x 8.2 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.32 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7225 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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 | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gold (Titanium Silver), Dark Green (Majestic Green), Violet | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | V2430 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 52:40h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (300 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
vivo Y04
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Significantly longer battery life
- Faster charging (15W vs 10W)
- Potentially better long-term battery health (1000 cycles)
- May be slightly more expensive
- No detailed display specifications available
Realme C30s
- Lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially more power-efficient display
- Lightweight and portable
- Slower processor for less demanding tasks
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on performance differences. The Realme C30s’ display is likely optimized for power efficiency, while the Y04’s display will need to be driven by the more powerful chipset.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera systems geared towards casual photography. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes it impossible to determine a clear winner. It's safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The vivo Y04’s Unisoc T7225 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with two high-performance 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and six efficiency-focused 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a significant performance boost over the Realme C30s’ all-Cortex-A55 setup running at 1.6 GHz. The A75 cores in the Y04 will handle demanding tasks more effectively, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While the Realme C30s is adequate for basic tasks, the Y04 offers a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
The vivo Y04 shines in battery endurance, offering a tested 52:40h of usage. This is a substantial advantage over what we’d expect from the Realme C30s, given its slower 10W charging. The Y04’s 15W charging, while not fast by modern standards, will still replenish the battery quicker than the C30s. The Y04’s 1000 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health, indicating the battery should retain a higher capacity over time.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y04 if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and extended use without frequent charging. This phone is ideal for students, commuters, or anyone who relies heavily on their smartphone throughout the day. Buy the Realme C30s if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize the absolute lowest possible price point above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo Y04 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T7225 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Cortex-A75 cores will allow for playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it's a significant improvement over the Realme C30s’ processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the vivo Y04 with the 15W charger?
Given the battery capacity (not specified, but likely around 5000mAh), a full charge with the 15W charger should take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is faster than the Realme C30s’ 10W charging, which could take upwards of 4 hours.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Y04 and C30s noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Y04’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in responsiveness when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Realme C30s may exhibit slight lag in these scenarios.
❓ Does the Realme C30s support dual SIM functionality?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Realme phones in this segment typically support dual SIM functionality. However, it's best to confirm this specification with the retailer before purchasing.
