The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C65 5G and vivo Y18i are two contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and overall performance capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best experience for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C65 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both share 15W charging, the C65 5G’s 5G connectivity adds future-proofing.
| 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, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 23 | 2024, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 23 | Available. Released 2024, April 26 |
| 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) | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 528 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens/sensor |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Feather Green, Glowing Black |
| Models | V2414 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | ₹ 11,890 |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) | - |
vivo Y18i
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset
- 6nm process for better efficiency and sustained performance
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- Display specs are unknown, potential for a basic LCD
Realme C65 5G
- Lower price point for budget-conscious buyers
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Likely similar battery life to C65 5G
- Unisoc T612 chipset is less powerful
- 12nm process is less efficient
- Lacks 5G connectivity
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 C65 5G’s potential for a higher refresh rate (though unconfirmed) would be a significant advantage, offering smoother scrolling and animations. The absence of detailed display specs means the choice here hinges on in-hand viewing experience, but the C65 5G has a slight edge due to potential for a better panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The Realme C65 5G benefits from the Dimensity 6300’s improved image signal processor (ISP), which should result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy. While the Y18i’s Unisoc T612 has an ISP, it’s less sophisticated. Expect the C65 5G to produce more detailed and vibrant photos.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C65 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612 (12nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Dimensity 6300’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also outperforms the Y18i’s 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55, particularly in single-core tasks. This translates to faster app loading times and a more fluid user interface. The C65 5G will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 15W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the price point, both are likely in the 5000mAh range. The Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency in the Realme C65 5G could translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially similar capacity. The 6nm process allows the phone to do more work per watt, extending usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18i if you prioritize absolute affordability and have very basic smartphone needs – primarily calls, texts, and light social media use. The Unisoc T612 is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Realme C65 5G if you want a more future-proof device with better performance for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and if 5G connectivity is a must-have. The Dimensity 6300 offers a significantly improved experience for a modest price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C65 5G’s Dimensity 6300 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6300 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset isn’t designed for ultra-high settings or extended gaming sessions, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Y18i’s Unisoc T612 will struggle with PUBG Mobile, requiring significantly lower settings and potentially experiencing lag.
❓ Is the 15W charging speed on both phones a significant drawback?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones. Both phones will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0%. This isn’t ideal for users who need a quick top-up, but it’s typical for devices in this price range. Consider a faster charger if quick charging is a priority.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 6nm vs 12nm process node make?
The 6nm process node in the Dimensity 6300 translates to significantly improved power efficiency. This means the Realme C65 5G will generate less heat under load, allowing it to maintain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. It also contributes to better battery life during everyday use.
