Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ and Realme C30s are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30s edges out the Redmi A1+ thanks to its octa-core processor, offering a slightly smoother experience. While both are budget phones, the C30s' improved performance makes it a better choice for everyday tasks and light multitasking. Both offer 10W charging, a common limitation in this price range.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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 | 2022, September 23 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | 220733SFG | RMX3690 |
| Price | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Larger display
- Potentially slightly better color accuracy
- Good battery life
- Slower processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
Realme C30s
- Faster octa-core processor
- Smoother performance
- Slightly better battery efficiency (potentially)
- Lower megapixel camera
- Basic camera
- 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. The Redmi A1+ might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal. Expect similar viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1+ typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Realme C30s often has an 8MP main camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions on both, but expect some noise and limited detail. Low-light performance is weak on both devices. The Redmi A1+ might offer slightly better results due to the higher megapixel count, but the difference isn't significant.
Performance
Here's where the Realme C30s takes a lead. Its octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor is noticeably faster than the Redmi A1+'s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface on the C30s. The Redmi A1+ will feel a bit sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Realme C30s' more efficient processor could potentially offer slightly better battery endurance. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality for calls, texts, and light media consumption. The Realme C30s is a better fit for those needing a bit more processing power for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming, even on low settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30s is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful octa-core processor. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance – both phones are designed for casual games.
❓ Do these phones have NFC?
Generally, neither the Redmi A1+ nor the Realme C30s include NFC. Always check the specific model's specifications before purchasing if NFC is a requirement.
