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 into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30s edges out the Redmi A1 thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably smoother performance for everyday tasks. While both have similar charging speeds, the C30s' slightly better CPU makes it the more compelling choice for budget-conscious users.
| 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, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | 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, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 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 | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable price point
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Realme C30s
- Better performance (octa-core CPU)
- Potentially better camera (50MP)
- Sleek design
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- 10W charging is slow
- Software experience can be improved
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-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 C30s might have a slightly better panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both phones is modest. The Redmi A1 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Realme C30s often includes a 50MP main camera. However, image quality is heavily dependent on software processing, and both phones will likely produce grainy images in low light. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions for casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Realme C30s shines. Its octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi A1's quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the C30s. The Redmi A1 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices typically offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, so expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge from empty.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality, primarily for calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing. The Realme C30s is a better fit for those who want a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30s is significantly better for gaming due to its octa-core processor. The Redmi A1 will struggle with even light games.
❓ Do these phones have 5G connectivity?
No, neither the Xiaomi Redmi A1 nor the Realme C30s support 5G. They both rely on 4G LTE connectivity.
