The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi A3x and Realme C51s are two contenders vying for your attention. Both devices leverage Unisoc chipsets to deliver affordability, but significant differences in charging speed and processor architecture create a clear distinction for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and slightly better performance, the Realme C51s is the superior choice. Its 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime compared to the Redmi A3x’s 10W charging, and the Tiger T612 offers a modest performance edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 24 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 24 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.63 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, MIUI | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | 10W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Moonlight White (Starry White), Aurora Green (Ocean Green), Olive Green | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | 24048RN6CG, 24048RN6CI | RMX3765 |
| Price | $ 99.99 / € 85.45 / ₹ 6,428 | About 100 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi A3x
- Potentially longer battery life (if equipped with a larger battery)
- Likely more affordable price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower charging speed (10W)
- Less powerful processor for multitasking
- Limited performance for gaming
Realme C51s
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- More capable processor for smoother multitasking
- Improved CPU architecture for better responsiveness
- Potentially shorter battery life (depending on battery capacity)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi A3x
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices. Without further data, a clear winner cannot be determined; display quality will likely be similar.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, and differences in this area will be more impactful than the sensor itself. We can assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light.
Performance
The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) represents a step up from the Redmi A3x’s Unisoc T603 (22nm). The T612’s architecture, featuring 2x Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores, provides a more capable CPU for multitasking and demanding applications. The T603 relies solely on Cortex-A55 cores. While both are octa-core and clocked at 1.8GHz, the architectural difference translates to a noticeable performance advantage for the C51s. The 12nm process node of the T612 also contributes to better power efficiency, though the impact will be marginal. RAM configurations are not specified, but the chipset is the key differentiator here.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is a game-changer. The ability to charge from 0-50% in just 28 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Redmi A3x’s slow 10W charging. Even if the Redmi A3x has a slightly larger battery, the C51s’ faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience for those who frequently need to top up their phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A3x if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are comfortable with slower charging speeds, and if your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Realme C51s if you value faster charging, a slightly more responsive user experience, and occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the T612 is an improvement over the T603, it's still a budget chipset. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect some stuttering and frame drops during intense action. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for a high-performance gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C51s compared to the 10W charging on the Xiaomi Redmi A3x in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The C51s can reach 50% charge in approximately 28 minutes. The A3x, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 2 hours to reach the same level. This means you can quickly top up the C51s during short breaks, while the A3x requires a much longer charging commitment.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times and overall responsiveness between the two phones?
Yes, you should notice a difference. The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612, with its Cortex-A75 cores, will handle app loading and multitasking more efficiently than the Redmi A3x’s T603. Expect smoother transitions and a more responsive user experience on the C51s.
