The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the ZTE Blade V40 Design and the Realme C33 2023. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade V40 Design edges out the Realme C33 2023 thanks to its faster chipset, quicker charging, and potentially better camera capabilities. While the Realme C33 offers a sleek design, the V40's performance advantage makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 21 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163 x 74 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183.4 g (6.46 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 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 | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Starry Black | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | 8046 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 110 EUR |
ZTE Blade V40 Design
- Faster Chipset (T616)
- 22.5W Fast Charging
- Potentially Better Camera
- Slightly More Premium Design (likely)
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options
- Software updates may be less frequent
Realme C33 2023
- Sleek and Compact Design
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Chipset (T612)
- 10W Slow Charging
- Less Powerful Camera
- Potentially Lower Build Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The Blade V40 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially higher panel quality, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews. Expect a standard 60Hz refresh rate on both.
Camera Comparison
The Blade V40 is expected to have a more capable camera system. While both likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, the V40's image processing and additional features (like potentially better night mode) could result in superior image quality. The Realme C33's camera is likely decent for casual snapshots, but won't compete with the V40's potential.
Performance
Here's where the Blade V40 takes a clear lead. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset boasts a slightly faster CPU (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 vs 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 on the C33) and potentially better GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. The Realme C33 will be adequate for basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the Blade V40's 22.5W fast charging significantly outperforms the Realme C33's 10W charging. This means the V40 will charge much faster, a considerable advantage for daily use.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade V40 Design is ideal for users prioritizing performance and faster charging within a budget. The Realme C33 2023 is a good option for those who value aesthetics and a slightly more compact design, but are less concerned about raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade V40 Design is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the V40 will handle games more smoothly.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer decent battery life, likely lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the Blade V40's faster charging means you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
