The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 11A and Realme C33 2023 are two contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Redmi 11A relies on a MediaTek-based octa-core processor, while the C33 2023 opts for the Unisoc Tiger T612, promising a different balance of performance and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 2023 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi 11A’s processor, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. Both offer 10W charging, but the C33’s processing advantage justifies its slightly higher price.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | 22120RN86C | RMX3627 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 11A
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and clean software experience
- Reliable brand reputation
- Inferior processor performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Likely limited gaming capabilities
Realme C33 2023
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app launches
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Slightly higher price
- Unisoc chipset may have less software support
- Similar 10W charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific resolution or brightness data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, Realme often optimizes its displays for color vibrancy, potentially offering a more visually appealing experience than the Redmi 11A, which tends towards color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both will rely on a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely 2MP macro/depth sensors). Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and neither device is expected to excel in low-light conditions. The Realme C33 2023 might benefit from Realme’s more refined camera algorithms, potentially delivering slightly more pleasing results, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Performance
The Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is the key differentiator here. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant architectural advantage over the Redmi 11A’s unspecified octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Cortex-A75 cores offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While the Redmi 11A’s clock speed is higher, the older architecture of its cores will likely result in lower real-world performance. The 12nm process node of the Tiger T612 also suggests reasonable power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 11A and Realme C33 2023 are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. A full 0-100% charge will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to house a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Unisoc Tiger T612’s potentially better power efficiency in the C33 2023 could translate to slightly longer battery life during moderate usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 11A if you prioritize absolute simplicity and a minimal software experience, and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you value a more responsive user interface, occasional light gaming, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications without significant slowdowns. The C33 is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc Tiger T612 is a capable chipset, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty will likely be playable at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates. The Redmi 11A will struggle even more with these titles.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed acceptable for daily use?
10W charging is slow by modern standards, but acceptable for a budget device. Both phones will require several hours to fully charge. It's best to charge overnight to ensure you have sufficient battery life throughout the day.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Redmi 11A and Realme C33 2023?
The Redmi 11A typically runs a cleaner, more streamlined version of MIUI, while the Realme C33 2023 utilizes Realme UI. Realme UI often includes more features and customization options, but can also feel more cluttered. Both are based on Android, but the user experience differs significantly.
❓ What type of storage does the Realme C33 2023 use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, the Realme C33 2023 likely uses eMMC storage, common in this price range. It almost certainly includes a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
