The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C and Realme C67 4G both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Redmi 13C relies on MediaTek’s Helio G85, while the Realme C67 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C67 4G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved power efficiency compared to the Redmi 13C’s Helio G85. The 33W charging is a significant benefit, offsetting the slightly smaller battery capacity.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November 10 | 2023, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 10 | Available. Released 2023, December 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) | 164.6 x 75.4 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 14, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Glacier White, Clover Green | Sunny Oasis, Black Rock |
| Models | 23100RN82L, 23106RN0DA, 23108RN04Y, 2311DRN14I | RMX3890 |
| Price | € 99.00 / $ 129.99 / £ 93.29 | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 13C
- Potentially larger display size (unconfirmed)
- Competitive price point
- MediaTek Helio G85 is capable for basic tasks
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely inferior image processing
Realme C67 4G
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 685
- Faster 33W charging
- Superior ISP for better image quality
- Potentially smaller display size (unconfirmed)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Cortex-A53 cores are older generation
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Realme C67’s potential advantage lies in Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) potentially offering slightly better color calibration. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing affordability over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. However, the Snapdragon 685’s ISP in the Realme C67 offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Redmi 13C’s camera will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but the C67 should deliver more consistently pleasing results. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C67’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Redmi 13C’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the C67 is less likely to throttle under sustained load. While the Redmi 13C’s CPU features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Realme C67 counters with four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz. This higher clock speed, combined with the more modern architecture, should result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Redmi 13C may hold its own in lighter tasks, but the C67 will excel in more demanding scenarios.
Battery Life
The Realme C67’s 33W charging is a game-changer in this segment. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the Redmi 13C’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 685’s superior efficiency means the Realme C67 will likely offer comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite potentially having a slightly smaller battery. The Redmi 13C will require more time plugged in to achieve a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C if you prioritize a slightly larger display and are comfortable with potentially longer charging times. It’s a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and media consumption. Buy the Realme C67 4G if you value smoother performance in apps and games, faster charging speeds, and a more power-efficient chipset, making it ideal for users who are on the go or frequently use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme C67 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 685’s 6nm process and Qualcomm’s thermal management features make overheating less likely compared to the Redmi 13C’s Helio G85. While it won’t match flagship-level cooling, it should maintain stable performance for moderate gaming durations.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 13C slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 18W charging is noticeably slower than the 33W charging on the Realme C67. Expect significantly longer charge times, potentially taking over two hours to fully charge the device from 0%.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the Helio G85 and Snapdragon 685 in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The difference will be subtle in basic tasks, but the Snapdragon 685 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when switching between apps. The Realme C67 will feel less sluggish over time as you install more apps.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras produce low-resolution images with limited detail. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver satisfying results. The primary camera will be far more versatile.