The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Xiaomi Poco C31 and the Realme C11. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and charging speed. The Poco C31 generally offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support. However, Realme often excels in camera optimization at this price point. It's a close call, leaning slightly towards the Poco C31 for design and software, but Realme for camera.
| 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, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Mint Green, Pepper Grey |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | RMX2185 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- Decent display
- Good value
- Camera performance could be better
- Slow charging
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme C11
- Excellent camera optimization for the price
- Established brand reputation
- Long battery life
- Good value
- Design is a bit dated
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Poco C31 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to Xiaomi's generally improved display calibration. However, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C11 often receives praise for its camera optimization, producing surprisingly good images for its price range. The Poco C31's camera is decent but may not match the Realme's vibrancy and detail. Expect a main camera setup with a depth sensor on both, but Realme's image processing tends to be more refined.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G35, performance is comparable on both devices. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are entry-level phones. RAM and storage configurations vary, so check specific models.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging, so expect relatively slow charging times on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a clean design and potentially longer software updates. The Realme C11 is a great choice for those who value camera performance and a slightly more established brand reputation in the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
Performance is very similar on both devices due to the same chipset. Neither is a powerhouse, but both handle basic tasks well.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. Expect around 10-12 hours of screen-on time.
