The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Poco C50 and Realme C53 (India variant) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C53 prioritizing processing power and faster charging, while the Poco C50 focuses on a minimalist approach. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C53 is the better buy. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Poco C50’s Helio A22, making it noticeably smoother for everyday tasks and even light gaming. The 18W charging is also a substantial advantage, reducing charging times considerably.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 03 | 2023, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | Dust & splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Country Green, Royal Blue | Gold, Black |
| Models | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH | RMX3762 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward software experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C53 (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance is still basic
- May still exhibit lag with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and modest brightness levels. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the Realme C53 likely benefits from the increased processing power of the T612, allowing for slightly better image processing. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices suggests these are included for marketing purposes rather than genuine photographic utility. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612, with its octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a substantial upgrade over the Poco C50’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Helio A22. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T612 provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, improving app launch times and overall responsiveness. The additional cores also aid in multitasking. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the T612 will handle less demanding titles with greater fluidity. The Poco C50 will struggle with anything beyond basic games. RAM configurations are not specified, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, a common capacity for budget smartphones. However, the Realme C53’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Poco C50’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 3 hours on the Poco C50 to around 2 hours on the Realme C53. While battery life will be similar under identical usage, the convenience of faster charging is a major benefit for users who don’t want to be tethered to a charger for extended periods.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C50 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme C53 (India) if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, want faster charging, and anticipate using your phone for more than just the essentials – even if that means spending a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C53 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C53 provides enough processing power to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, with minimal lag. The Poco C50’s Helio A22 may struggle with these apps when multiple are open simultaneously.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Poco C50 with the included 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Poco C50 to take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours with the 10W charger. This is considerably slower than the Realme C53’s 18W charging.
❓ Can the Realme C53 run PUBG Mobile?
The Realme C53 can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Helio A22 in the Poco C50 is unlikely to provide a satisfactory PUBG experience.
❓ Is the Realme C53 a good option for elderly users who primarily make calls and send texts?
Yes, the Realme C53 is a good option. While it offers more power than strictly necessary for calls and texts, the faster processor and charging will provide a smoother and more convenient experience, even for basic usage. The Poco C50 is also suitable, but the slower performance may be frustrating over time.
