The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Y16 and the Realme C33 2023. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 2023 edges out the vivo Y16 thanks to its slightly more modern chipset with a faster core configuration, potentially leading to smoother performance. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, but the Realme's design and potentially better software experience give it a slight advantage.
| 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 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| 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) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
vivo Y16
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Long battery life
- Clean and simple software experience
- Decent main camera
- Underpowered chipset for demanding tasks
- Slow charging speed
- Basic design
- Limited features
Realme C33 2023
- Slightly better performance due to chipset architecture
- Modern design
- Potentially brighter display
- Good value for money
- Performance still limited by entry-level chipset
- Slow charging speed
- Camera performance can be inconsistent
- Software may include bloatware
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch HD+ LCD displays. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The Realme C33 2023 might have a slightly brighter panel, but this is speculative without specific brightness measurements.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y16 typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Realme C33 2023 often includes a 50MP main camera as well, potentially with additional depth and macro lenses. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average on both devices. Software processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
Here's where the Realme C33 2023 has a potential advantage. The Unisoc Tiger T612's dual Cortex-A75 cores offer a performance boost over the vivo Y16's all-Cortex-A53 configuration. While both chipsets are entry-level, the Realme's architecture should handle multitasking and light gaming slightly better. Expect both to struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to house a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are limited to 10W wired charging on both, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y16 is a good choice for users prioritizing a reliable and straightforward experience with a focus on basic tasks and long battery life. The Realme C33 2023 is better suited for those seeking a bit more performance for light gaming and multitasking, and appreciate a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C33 2023 is slightly better for gaming due to its more modern chipset, but neither phone is ideal for demanding games. Expect playable frame rates on less intensive titles.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time.
