The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y18 and Realme C67 4G both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Y18 relies on MediaTek’s Helio G85, while the C67 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and faster charging, the Realme C67 4G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a more modern 6nm process, offers improved power efficiency and a smoother experience, complemented by significantly faster 33W charging. While the Y18’s Helio G85 is capable, it’s outmatched in overall efficiency.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 03 | 2023, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 03 | Available. Released 2023, December 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.6 x 75.4 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 14, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Sunny Oasis, Black Rock |
| Models | V2333, V2345 | RMX3890 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y18 (India)
- Established brand reputation in India
- Potentially wider service network
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Slow 15W charging
- Likely less optimized software experience
Realme C67 4G
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Potentially smoother user experience
- Less established brand in some regions
- Software experience can be polarizing
- May lack certain features found on more expensive models
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. The Realme C67’s advantage may lie in potential software optimizations for color accuracy, a common Realme strength. Without specific display specs, the comparison hinges on real-world viewing experience, which is currently unknown.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The Snapdragon 685’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) generally offers better image processing capabilities than the Helio G85’s, potentially resulting in more detailed and dynamic photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Realme C67 may also benefit from Qualcomm’s AI scene detection features. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C67’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a clear architectural upgrade over the vivo Y18’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and less heat generation under load. While the Helio G85 features Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 685 counters with Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz. The higher clock speed, combined with the more efficient node, suggests the C67 will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease. The Y18 may show signs of strain during prolonged gaming or heavy app usage.
Battery Life
The Realme C67’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the vivo Y18’s 15W charging. This translates to substantially faster top-up times – potentially reducing a full charge from over two hours on the Y18 to under an hour and a half on the C67. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 685’s superior efficiency means the C67 will likely deliver comparable or better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery cell. The faster charging is a key convenience factor for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18 (India) if you need a reliable, basic smartphone for everyday tasks and prioritize a brand with a strong service network in India. Buy the Realme C67 4G if you prefer a more efficient processor, faster charging speeds, and a potentially smoother user experience, even if it means sacrificing some brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme C67 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. While not a gaming powerhouse, it offers a better gaming experience than the Helio G85 due to its more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C67 compared to the 15W charging on the vivo Y18?
The 33W charging on the Realme C67 will significantly reduce charging times. While the exact 0-100% time depends on battery capacity, expect the C67 to charge fully in approximately 90-120 minutes, compared to over two hours for the Y18. This is a substantial difference for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Does the Helio G85 in the vivo Y18 tend to overheat during prolonged use?
The Helio G85, being built on a 12nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 685. Prolonged gaming or intensive multitasking may lead to noticeable heat buildup and a slight performance decrease as the phone attempts to manage temperatures.
❓ Are the 2MP macro/depth cameras on either phone worth considering?
Generally, 2MP macro and depth cameras on budget smartphones offer limited practical value. Image quality from these sensors is often subpar, and the depth sensors rarely provide a significant improvement in portrait mode compared to software-based solutions. They are primarily included for marketing purposes.
