Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Realme C61. I'll break down their specs, highlight the key differences, and explain what it all means for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Nokia X30 and Realme C61, focusing on how each specification impacts real-world usage:
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-21 | 2024-07-25 | Realme C61 is significantly newer, suggesting access to more recent software and design trends. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is taller and wider, making it slightly more difficult to use one-handed, while Nokia X30 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 185g | 188g | Both phones feel similar in hand, slight difference shouldn't be noticeable. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers a larger viewing area, good for media and gaming, but Nokia X30 slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Nokia X30 provides a sharper display with more detail, making text and images crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 260 | Nokia X30 screen will look significantly sharper and smoother. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Nokia X30’s AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience, but it's not a standout feature over other phones in this class. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, however peak nits usually is not set to 0, therefore, the nits were not provided or not present in specifications. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Nokia X30's Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 252,597 | Nokia X30 provides considerably better performance, with faster app loading times and better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Nokia X30 GPU offers superior gaming capabilities and smoother graphics. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C61's larger battery offers longer usage time between charges, especially beneficial for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges faster, minimizing downtime and offering convenience. |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries are generally safer and more durable. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 32MP (f/1.8) | Nokia X30 has a higher resolution main sensor, capable of capturing more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.0) | Nokia X30 offers higher resolution selfies, while Realme C61 has slightly wider aperture allowing more light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.4) | None | Nokia X30 allows for wide-angle photography, capturing expansive views. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme C61 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, enhancing background blur. |
| Video | 1080p @ 60fps | 1080p @ 30fps | Nokia X30 allows for smoother video recording, additionally, Nokia X30 supports slow-motion recording. |
| Stabilization | OIS, Digital | Digital | Nokia X30 has Optical Image Stabilization for significantly less shaky videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, CDAF, Night Mode, Continuous Shooting | PDAF | Nokia X30 offers advanced features such as OIS, Continuous Shooting and Night Mode for better image capturing quality, while Realme C61 includes PDAF for fast autofocus. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme C61 ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi ac | Nokia X30 has the newer, more performant Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better range. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (AptX, LDAC) | 5.0 (HID) | Nokia X30 has the newest bluetooth version and supports aptX and LDAC for enhanced audio quality, while the Realme C61 has the HID profile for bluetooth peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, Beidou, QZSS | GPS | Nokia X30 is more precise with satellite positioning with support of Beidou, QZSS, which are useful for navigation. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB | 64 GB/128 GB/256 GB | Both phones offer up to 256 GB storage options, but Nokia X30 only has 128 and 256 GB options. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | Both have 8 GB RAM options for smoother multitasking, but Realme C61 has the low 4 GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 offers stereo speakers, which provides richer and louder audio, while Nokia X30 has basic features. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme C61 offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Nokia X30 has superior screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Nokia X30 has more sensors than Realme C61, such as Gyroscope for enhanced functionality for games and other applications. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density offers a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks and more detail.
- Enhanced Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chip provides a major performance advantage, making it more suitable for multitasking, gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution front and rear cameras, plus a wide-angle lens and OIS, result in superior photo and video capture quality, including smoother and less shaky videos.
- More Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, with better location precision for a seamless and up-to-date experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior drop and scratch protection.
- More Sensors: Includes Gyroscope and Fingerprint sensor, for more functionality.
Realme C61 Strengths:
- Larger Display: A bigger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Bigger Battery and Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 45W charging mean longer battery life and shorter charging times.
- Newer Software: It ships with Android 14, offering the latest software features out of the box.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers immersive and louder audio.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than basic fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia X30 sacrifices battery capacity for superior display and performance.
- Realme C61 sacrifices performance and camera quality for a larger screen, bigger battery, and lower price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and build quality, and care about having a seamless and up-to-date experience.
- Content Creators: Good option for individuals who enjoy creating high-quality photos and videos.
- Gamers: Users who enjoy demanding mobile games, as the faster processor and GPU provide a smoother gaming experience.
Realme C61:
- Casual Users: Ideal for people who want a budget-friendly phone with a large screen for media consumption, with a large battery and fast charging for peace of mind.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and movies, and want a large screen for more immersive experience, with louder stereo speakers.
- Practical Users: Ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What do you value most: Performance or Battery? If performance and superior image quality is paramount, choose the Nokia X30. If you prioritize longer battery life and faster charging, the Realme C61 may suit your needs.
- How Important is Display Quality? If you value a premium viewing experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks and sharper image quality, then the Nokia X30's AMOLED display is worth the investment. If a large screen is more important than overall quality, choose the Realme C61.
- What are your camera needs? For users who heavily rely on their smartphone camera for photography, the Nokia X30 is the clear winner due to its better sensors, features, and the presence of OIS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Daily Hustler: If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks, communication, and social media with long battery life, and want a budget-friendly option, the Realme C61 might be a good choice.
- For the Mobile Gamer: If you're someone who enjoys playing games on the go, then the Nokia X30’s superior performance will be more beneficial to you.
- For the Photo Enthusiast: If capturing quality photos is important to you, the Nokia X30’s camera capabilities, especially the Optical Image Stabilization and additional camera features, will be greatly preferred.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would lean towards the Nokia X30. While the Realme C61 does have its merits, especially its larger battery and faster charging, the Nokia X30's superior display, significantly enhanced performance, better camera features (especially OIS), and superior connectivity options make it the more compelling device for my use case. As someone who values a quality visual experience, smooth performance, and excellent camera capabilities, the trade-off in battery capacity is one I am willing to make. I also value build quality, and prefer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. For these reasons, I'd opt for the Nokia X30.
