Redmi launched a new variant of its most affordable last-generation entry-level smartphone in India: the Redmi 8A Dual. The release came a few days after the launch of the Realme C3, which is the last-generation entry-level handset from Realme. I personally believe that Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are the best last-generation smartphones you can get for less than €100. That is why we decided to make a specs comparison between them. We usually choose three devices for comparisons, but in this case, we do not believe there is a better choice than these ones in that price range on the paper, at least from mainstream brands. Now, let’s find out which is the best among these kings of entry-level phones.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual vs Oppo Realme C3
| Oppo Realme C3 | Xiaomi Redmi 8A | |
|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm, 195 grams | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, 188 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.5 inches, 720 x 1560p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.22 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Mediatek Helio G70, octa-core 2 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 1.95 GHz |
| MEMORY | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9 Pie, MIUI |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | Dual 12 + 2 MP f/1.8 and f/2.4 5 MP f/2.4 front camera |
Single 12 MP f/1.8 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh, battery charging 10W | 5000 mAh, fast charging 18W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot, reverse charging | Dual SIM slot |
Design
The Aura XGrip Design of the Redmi 8A is simply amazing not only for the look but also for the grip. Thanks to a mesh texture, you can get a firm grip and keep fingerprint marks out of the picture. Further, it is a very original design scheme. Last but not least, Redmi 8A Dual is way more compact and easy to use with one hand than Realme C5. Unfortunately, both the devices do not feature a fingerprint reader, but they are both splash resistant. The Redmi 8A Dual even comes with a P2i coating. You can choose among three color variants for Redmi 8A Dual (Sky White, Sea Blue and Midnight Grey) and two color variants for Realme C3 (Frozen Blue and Blazing Red).
Display
The only big difference between the displays of Realme C3 and Redmi 8A Dual is the size. In each case, you get a modest IPS panel with an HD+ resolution. Not a big deal, but a sufficient display for every task. What really changes is the size: Redmi 8A Dual has a compact 6.22-inch display, while Realme C3 offers a wide 6.5-inch panel. If you want a device easier to use with one hand and easier to keep in a pocket, go for the Redmi 8A Dual. But if you often use your device for advanced tasks such as reading, watching movies, playing games or so, then Realme C3 might be a better option due to its wide panel.
Specs & Software
Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are fueled by different chipsets: the former has a Snapdragon 439 under the hood, while Realme C3 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G70. The new Helio G70 is a lot more powerful than Snapdragon 439 and benchmarks proved it several times. Further, Realme C3 comes in a higher-end memory configuration boasting 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. Last but not least, Realme C3 has Android 10 out of the box (customized by Realme UI), while Redmi 8A Dual ships with Android 9 Pie.
Camera
As its name suggests, Redmi 8A Dual mainly differs from the vanilla Redmi 8A for its dual rear camera. But despite this big change, Realme C3 remains a better camera phone, at least on the paper. Its main 12 MP sensor boasts a brighter focal aperture and it should be able to shoot better photos. In both case, you get a secondary depth sensor and an 8 MP selfie camera, so the real big difference is the main sensor of the rear camera. Both are just sufficient camera phones, but it is impossible to find anything better at those prices.
Battery
Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are champions of battery life. They feature a huge 5000 mAh battery that is awesome for an entry-level smartphone. Due to its smaller display, we believe Redmi 8A Dual will feature a longer battery life than Realme C3. Expect the same amazing battery life as the vanilla Redmi 8A. Further, 8A Dual charges faster than Realme C3 thanks to an 18W fast charging technology. However, Realme C3 still remains one of the best battery phones, so you should not worry so much about batteries here.
Price
Realme C3 is available in India with a starting price tag of just Rs. 6,999 / $97 / €90 in its 3/32 GB memory configuration, while for the Redmi 8A Dual you need Rs. 6,499 / €84 / $90 to purchase the version with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage; for the 3/32 GB you need Rs. 6,999 just like the Realme C3. Given its great camera, wider display and better chipset, I would personally go for the Realme C3. But Redmi 8A Dual is a more compact device and it has a longer-lasting battery, so do not underestimate it.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual vs Oppo Realme C3: PRO and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
PRO
- More compact
- Reverse charging
- Fast charging
- Splash resistant
CONS
- No fingerprint scanner
Oppo Realme C3
PRO
- Wider display
- Better hardware
- Android 10
- Splash resistant
- Reverse charging
CONS
- Inferior cameras
