The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 14C and the Realme C67 4G aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Redmi 14C relying on MediaTek’s Helio G81 while the C67 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and faster charging, the Realme C67 4G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a 6nm process, offers improved power efficiency and a smoother experience compared to the Redmi 14C’s Helio G81. The 33W charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly smaller battery.
| 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 | 2024, August 30 | 2023, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 30 | Available. Released 2023, December 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | - |
| Dimensions | 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm (6.77 x 3.06 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 | 204 / 207 / 211 g (7.20 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 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 Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, HyperOS | Android 14, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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), 1/2.96", PDAF
or
50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, 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, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Sage Green, Dreamy Purple, Starry Blue | Sunny Oasis, Black Rock |
| Models | 2411DRN47C, 2409BRN2CA, 2409BRN2CG, 2409BRN2CY | RMX3890 |
| Price | € 104.00 / $ 107.72 / £ 139.47 | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 14C
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short tasks.
- Established Xiaomi ecosystem and software support.
- Competitive price point.
- Less power-efficient chipset (Helio G81).
- Slower 18W charging.
- Likely more thermal throttling under load.
Realme C67 4G
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset.
- Significantly faster 33W charging.
- Potentially better image processing due to ISP.
- Smoother overall user experience.
- Potentially lower peak CPU performance compared to Redmi 14C.
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the focus here is on the underlying processors impacting the user experience *displayed* on the screen. While specific display specs are missing, the more efficient Snapdragon 685 in the Realme C67 will contribute to smoother animations and less strain on the battery when displaying content.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The chipset plays a role here; the Snapdragon 685’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more advanced than the Helio G81’s, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Expect similar results in daylight, but the Realme C67 has the edge in challenging scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C67’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a clear advantage over the Redmi 14C’s Helio G81 (12nm). The 6nm process translates to significantly better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and sustained performance. While the Redmi 14C’s CPU features Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Snapdragon 685’s Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz offer a higher peak clock speed. This, combined with the more modern architecture, should result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Realme C67. The Helio G81’s larger process node will likely lead to more noticeable throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Realme C67’s 33W charging is a game-changer in this segment. This will drastically reduce charging times compared to the Redmi 14C’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 685’s superior efficiency means the Realme C67 will likely offer comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The faster charging allows for quick top-ups, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 14C if you prioritize a potentially higher peak CPU performance in short bursts and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. This phone suits users who occasionally engage in demanding tasks but primarily focus on basic smartphone functions. Buy the Realme C67 4G if you value consistent performance, longer battery life, and significantly faster charging. This is the better option for users who stream videos, browse social media, and need a phone that can reliably last through a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Realme C67 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 685 is designed for efficiency, and its 6nm process helps minimize heat generation. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant throttling, offering a more consistent experience than the Helio G81 in the Redmi 14C.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 14C slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 18W charging is noticeably slower than the 33W charging on the Realme C67. Expect significantly longer charging times, potentially taking over two hours to fully charge the device. This is a key drawback for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Does the Realme C67 4G support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
While not explicitly stated, Realme C67 4G models typically support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depending on the region and carrier. Check with your local carrier for compatibility to ensure optimal call quality.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Xiaomi's MIUI and Realme UI?
MIUI (Xiaomi) is known for its extensive customization options, while Realme UI aims for a cleaner, more streamlined experience. Both offer similar core features, but MIUI can feel more cluttered to some users. Preference is subjective, but Realme UI generally receives positive feedback for its simplicity.
