The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme C53 (specifically the India variant) and the vivo Y11 (2023) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C53 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y11’s Helio P35, and the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Y11 offers a familiar vivo experience, the C53 delivers more bang for your buck.
| 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, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2023, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 01 | Available. Released 2023, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Grey, Orchid Blue | Gold, Black |
| Models | V2236A | RMX3762 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
vivo Y11 (2023)
- Familiar vivo user interface
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging
- Established Brand Reputation
- Older, less efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely limited multitasking performance
Realme C53 (India)
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization
- Realme UI can be feature-rich but sometimes bloated
- Potentially less brand recognition in some markets
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity but on functionality. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to differentiate, but Realme often incorporates slightly more aggressive color calibration for a more vibrant look. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over an immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary sensors of limited utility. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The Realme C53 may benefit from Realme’s image processing algorithms, which often prioritize vibrant colors and contrast. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. The primary sensor’s aperture and size will be the key determinant of image quality, but this information is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, offering a significant architectural advantage over the vivo Y11’s MediaTek Helio P35. The Helio P35 relies solely on four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the P35’s higher clock speed *sounds* better, the A75 cores in the T612 provide superior single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. This difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps or browsing demanding websites. The T612’s efficiency also suggests potentially better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, both devices likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. However, the Realme C53’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the vivo Y11’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 3 hours with the Y11 to around 2 hours with the C53. The Y11 also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, but the slower charging speed limits its practicality. The faster charging on the C53 is a significant convenience factor for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y11 (2023) if you prioritize a brand with a long-established presence and a simple, straightforward user experience, and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Realme C53 (India) if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds, making it ideal for users who are always on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. The chipset’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio P35, but it’s still an entry-level processor. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y11 useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
While the 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature in theory, its slow charging speed makes it less practical for quickly topping up accessories. It will take a considerable amount of time to significantly charge earbuds or a smartwatch. It’s more suited for emergency situations where a small power boost is needed.
❓ Does the Realme C53 support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
The Realme C53 (India variant) *should* support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), as these are standard features for modern smartphones in India. However, compatibility depends on your carrier. Check with your mobile provider to ensure they support these technologies on the Realme C53.
