Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ and Realme C30s are two contenders vying for the title of best budget phone. But which one truly delivers the best experience for your money? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi A2+ edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better camera performance. Both offer decent battery life and 10W charging, making them solid choices for budget-conscious users. Ultimately, the A2+ provides a bit more performance for a similar price.
| 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 | 2023, March 24 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | 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 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Potentially better camera
- Xiaomi's MIUI software (feature-rich)
- Good value for money
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
- Plastic build quality
Realme C30s
- Clean and simple software experience
- Lightweight and compact design
- Affordable price
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering a similar viewing experience. Expect decent color accuracy and brightness for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level visuals. The Redmi A2+ might have slightly better color reproduction due to Xiaomi's software optimizations, but this is largely subjective.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi A2+ is expected to have a slightly better camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer basic camera features, the A2+ should produce more detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be similar on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi A2+ boasts a Mediatek Helio G36, which generally outperforms the Realme C30s' CPU. The G36's slightly higher clock speeds and more efficient architecture should translate to smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding apps. The Realme C30s will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, thanks to their efficient processors and relatively small displays. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power for basic tasks and occasional gaming. The Realme C30s is a good fit for those primarily focused on calls, texts, and light social media use, and who value a potentially more streamlined software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ generally offers better performance due to its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset.
❓ Are the cameras any good?
Both cameras are basic, but the Redmi A2+ is expected to produce slightly better photos, especially in good lighting.
❓ How long does the battery last?
Both phones should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage.
❓ What is the software experience like?
The Redmi A2+ runs Xiaomi's MIUI, which is feature-rich but can be a bit cluttered. The Realme C30s offers a cleaner, more streamlined software experience.
