The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo Y16 and the Realme C33. Both promise a solid experience without breaking the bank, but which one delivers the better overall package?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 edges out the vivo Y16 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better camera performance. While both offer decent battery life and similar charging speeds, the Realme C33's CPU provides a noticeable boost in everyday tasks and gaming. Ultimately, it's a close call, but the C33 offers a bit more punch.
| 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, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | Splashproof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 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, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | V2204, V2214 | RMX3624 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
vivo Y16
- Clean and intuitive software
- Reliable everyday performance
- Decent battery life
- Stylish design
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially weaker camera
- Slow charging (10W)
Realme C33
- More powerful chipset for smoother performance
- Potentially better camera quality
- Decent battery life
- Slightly more modern design
- Realme UI can be a bit cluttered
- Slow charging (10W)
- Build quality may feel slightly cheaper
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel types aren't always detailed, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price point. The Realme C33 might have a slightly brighter display, but this is difficult to confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C33 is likely to have a slightly better camera system. While both phones likely feature a 50MP main sensor, the Unisoc chipset might offer better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly more detailed photos and better low-light performance from the Realme C33. Both phones will likely include macro and depth sensors.
Performance
Here's where the Realme C33 has an advantage. The Unisoc Tiger T612, with its dual Cortex-A75 cores, offers a more modern architecture and potentially better performance than the Mediatek Helio P35's all-Cortex-A53 setup. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance on the Realme C33. The vivo Y16 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device. However, the Realme C33's more efficient chipset could potentially offer slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y16 is a good choice for users prioritizing a clean software experience and reliable everyday performance. It's ideal for those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media. The Realme C33 is better suited for users who want a bit more processing power for light gaming and multitasking, and potentially better camera results.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme C33 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset.
❓ Are the cameras significantly different?
While both have 50MP main sensors, the Realme C33's chipset likely provides better image processing, resulting in slightly better photo quality.
❓ Do both phones support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y16 nor the Realme C33 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
