Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A1 and Realme C30 are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its superior processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the C30's octa-core CPU provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Both offer similar battery life and charging speeds.
| 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2022, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| 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) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 182 g (6.42 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 11, 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 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | RMX3581, RMX3623 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Clean Android experience
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Underpowered processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Realme C30
- Better performance (octa-core CPU)
- Slightly better display (potentially)
- Macro lens
- Still a budget phone
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, so don't expect vibrant visuals. The Realme C30 might have a slightly better panel due to potential variations in manufacturing, but the difference is negligible.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A1 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Realme C30 often includes a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Realme C30's macro lens offers a slight advantage for close-up shots. Video recording capabilities are limited on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Realme C30 shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 octa-core processor, with two Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi A1's Mediatek Helio A22 quad-core. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the C30. The Redmi A1 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of typical usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is ideal for users who prioritize a clean, simple Android experience and basic functionality. The Realme C30 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive phone for multitasking and occasional gaming, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30 is significantly better for gaming due to its octa-core processor. The Redmi A1 will struggle with even light games.
❓ Do these phones have NFC?
Neither the Redmi A1 nor the Realme C30 typically include NFC for contactless payments.
