The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco C71 and Realme C51s are two contenders vying for your attention. Both leverage Unisoc chipsets to deliver affordable performance, but key differences in charging speed and CPU configuration create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s emerges as the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Poco C71’s 15W, a crucial advantage for those constantly on the go. While both share a similar core CPU architecture, the slightly higher Cortex-A55 clock speed in the C51s provides a marginal performance boost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 04 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.8 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 15 or Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Cool Blue, Desert Gold | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | 25028PC03I, 25028PC03G | RMX3765 |
| Price | £ 59.98 / € 76.41 / ₹ 6,199 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C71
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Unisoc T7250 offers adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Likely similar battery life to the C51s (assuming comparable capacity).
- Significantly slower 15W charging.
- Slightly slower Cortex-A55 cores compared to the C51s.
- Limited information on display quality.
Realme C51s
- 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Faster Cortex-A55 cores for improved responsiveness.
- Unisoc Tiger T612 provides a slight performance edge.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco C71.
- Camera performance likely similar to the Poco C71.
- Limited information on display quality.
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi nor Realme provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Assuming both utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is standard for this segment. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints. Without detailed data, a clear winner is impossible to determine.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, a direct comparison is difficult. Focusing on the primary sensor's megapixel count is misleading; image processing algorithms play a more significant role in overall image quality. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment offer limited practical value.
Performance
Both the Poco C71 and Realme C51s are powered by Unisoc chipsets featuring a dual-core Cortex-A75 and hexa-core Cortex-A55 configuration. However, the Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612 boasts a 1.8 GHz clock speed for *all* six Cortex-A55 cores, while the Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250 has 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This subtle difference translates to slightly faster multi-tasking and app loading times on the C51s. Both utilize a 12nm process, suggesting similar thermal characteristics. The GPU performance is also likely comparable, sufficient for casual gaming but not demanding titles at high settings. Neither device specifies RAM type (LPDDR4X is expected), but the overall system responsiveness will be heavily influenced by software optimization.
Battery Life
The Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is the standout feature in this comparison. It claims a 0-50% charge in just 28 minutes, a significant advantage over the Poco C71’s slower 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly top up their phone will greatly benefit from the C51s. The Poco C71’s 15W charging will require considerably longer to reach a full charge, potentially becoming a frustration for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C71 if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and aren't heavily reliant on quick charging. It's a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and users who don't mind longer charging cycles. Buy the Realme C51s if you value faster charging and a marginally more responsive experience. The 33W charging is a game-changer for users who need to top up their phone quickly throughout the day, making it ideal for students or commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C51s’ 33W charging work with any USB-C charger, or do I need the included one?
The Realme C51s supports standard USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Quick Charge protocols. While the included charger is recommended for optimal speed, any USB-C charger supporting these protocols will work, though charging speeds may vary depending on the charger's wattage.
❓ How well will the Poco C71 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Poco C71’s Unisoc T7250 chipset can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. Demanding titles may experience occasional frame drops or stuttering. It's not a gaming-focused device, but casual gaming is certainly possible.
❓ Is the difference in Cortex-A55 clock speed between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
The difference of 0.2 GHz in Cortex-A55 clock speed is subtle but can contribute to slightly snappier app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Realme C51s. It won't be a dramatic difference, but it's a contributing factor to the C51s’ overall more responsive feel.
❓ Do either of these phones have a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage?
Information regarding microSD card support is currently unavailable for either the Poco C71 or the Realme C51s. However, given their budget positioning, it's likely that at least one of them includes a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage capacity.
