Realme has added two new entry-level smartphones to its portfolio.
The first one is the Realme 5i. Launched back in January, this one has a lot of features you’d expect from a sub-Php7k smartphone, plus more.
It features a brand new design, capable processor, and other characteristics that make it one of the best devices you can get for the price.
But just weeks after its release, the emerging tech brand also revealed the Realme C3. Just like the former, this one also wants to be a top contender in the entry-level segment — but for an even cheaper price.
The question is, which between these devices can provide the best value for your money? Should you get the Realme 5i, or save some cash and settle with the Realme C3? We find out in our Realme C3 versus Realme 5i specifications and features comparison.
REALME C3 | REALME 5I | |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Android 10 Realme UI | Android 9 Pie ColorOS 6 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
Display | 6.52-inch HD+ IPS 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 20:9 aspect ratio | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~269ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ 89% screen-to-body ratio |
Processor | 2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G70 octa-core | 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core |
RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
GPU | Mali G52 | Adreno 610 |
Storage | 32GB/64GB expandable via microSD | 64GB expandable up to 256GB |
Front camera | 5-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 2-megapixel (Depth sensor) 2-megapixel (Macro) PDAF LED flash AI Scene Detection Chroma Boost | 12-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) 2-megapixel (macro) LED flash AI Scene Detection Chroma Boost Super Nightscape |
Audio | Headphone jack Single speaker | Headphone jack Single speaker |
Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS FM Radio microUSB | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, BDS, Galileo, A-GPS microUSB |
Dimensions | 164.4 x 8.95 x 75mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3mm |
Weight | 195g | 198g |
Colors | Frozen Blue Blazing Red | Green Blue |
Battery | 5,000mAh 10W charging | 5,000mAh 10W charging |
Price | 3GB/64GB: TBH3,999 (~Php6,500) | Php6,990 |
As you just saw, the Realme C3 and Realme 5i are fairly similar to each other. That’s no surprise since they are almost priced the same, too.
Both devices share an identical 6.5-inch HD+ screen. They even have an identical Sunrise design on the back, with a matte textured panel that’s new on Realme devices.
The processors on these devices show neck-on-neck performance scores. A lot of benchmark apps show that the MediaTek Helio G70 on the Realme C3 offers better performance in graphics-intensive workload such as gaming.
Meanwhile, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset on the Realme 5i is better at handling day-to-day tasks and CPU-intensive apps like photo/video editing, and more. If performance is a top consideration, you can’t go wrong between the two.
The Realme C3 and Realme 5i also have the same 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging. Since they have efficient processors and low-resolution screens, you can expect long battery life on these devices.
Related
Both devices share identical displays, processors, and cameras. So, the question remains: what’s the difference between the Realme C3 and the Realme 5i?
From what it looks like, it lies on the cameras. The Realme C3 has a 12-megapixel main shooter, 2-megapixel macro, and 2-megapixel depth sensor.
We’re seeing all that on the Realme 5i, but with the addition of an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. It also has a 8-megapixel front-facing camera that should capture sharper selfies than the 5-megapixel sensor on the latter.
Which one should you get? It is now up to your budget. Realme Philippines is yet to announce the local pricing for the Realme C3. However, we expect it to be around Php6,000, just like its predecessor.
If that’s the case, then you might be better off adding a couple of hundreds more on your budget and get the Realme 5i instead. The better selfie snapper and added ultra-wide camera should make it worth it. You can read our Realme 5i full review to learn more about it.