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realme C25Y Smartphone Review - Inexpensive fast charging phone with temperature problem

Powerful processor, powerless cooling. The realme C25Y is still rather unknown as a low-cost smartphone, but it attracts attention with fast charging technology and a lot of computing power. However, we experience an unpleasant surprise during the temperature measurement after long load in the test.
realme C25Y
Realme C25Y (C Series)
Processor
UNISOC T610 8 x 1.8 - 2 GHz, Cortex-A75 / A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
6.50 inch 20:9, 1600 x 720 pixel 270 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
128 GB eMMC Flash, 128 GB 
, 110 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Audio Connections: 3.5mm, Card Reader: microSD up to 128 GB, dedicated, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, proximity sensor, compass
Networking
802.11 b/g/n (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G (850/​900/​1800/​1900), 3G (B1/​B5/​B8), 4G (B1/​B3/​B5/​B7/​B8/​B20/​B28/​B38/​B40/​B41) , Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.1 x 164.5 x 76 ( = 0.36 x 6.48 x 2.99 in)
Battery
5000 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 18 Watt fast charging
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 50 MPix f/​1.8, phase comparison-AF, LED-flash, Videos @1080p/​30fps (Camera 1); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, macro lens (Camera 2); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, depth of field (Camera 3)
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix f/​2.0, Videos @720p/​30fps
Additional features
Speakers: mono speaker on the back, Keyboard: virtual keyboard, charger, USB cable, SIM tool, 24 Months Warranty, SAR: 0.952W/​kg (head), 1.239W/​kg (body) , fanless
Weight
200 g ( = 7.05 oz / 0.44 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
170 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible competitors in comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
75.1 %
01/2022
Realme C25Y
T610, Mali-G52 MP2
200 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
74.9 %
12/2021
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1
205 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
78.4 %
12/2021
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
190 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.30"2340x1080
76.4 %
07/2021
Nokia G20
Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320
197 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720

Case and equipment - A lot of memory for little money

realme is primarily known for its upper mid-range smartphones that want to compete with the flagship phones of other manufacturers for little money. However, realme also offers budget phones for the very small budget with its C-series. Today, we take a look at the realme C25Y, which wants to convince with fast charging technology and a high-resolution camera for considerably less than 200 Euros (~$227).

The realme C25Y is available in two configurations:

  • realme C25Y with 64 GB mass storage and 4 GB RAM: 160 Euro (~$181)
  • realme C25Y with 128 GB mass storage and 4 GB RAM: 170 Euro (~$193)

Our test device comes with the larger storage configuration, as well as in the color variant Glacier Blue, a light blue with color gradient. A dark gray variant called Metal Grey is also available.

The casing is made of a plastic back with a fine texture that cleverly enhances the haptic of the inexpensive material. The front allows even medium pressure to reach the screen, where it becomes visible in the liquid crystal, but the device is otherwise cleanly manufactured. A display protection foil is applied ex-works.

With a 6.5-inch screen and a weight of 200 grams (~7 oz), the smartphone corresponds exactly to the class standard in this price range.

In terms of features, we have to criticize the lack of NFC. In addition, the realme phone still uses a micro-USB port, which is about time to be phased out.

The microSD reader is installed separately from the two SIM slots, so it can be used simultaneously. The smartphone achieves average rates for its price range during data transfer with our reference microSD Angelbird V60.

realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y
realme C25Y

Size comparison

164.9 mm / 6.49 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 9.2 mm / 0.3622 inch 197 g0.4343 lbs164.5 mm / 6.48 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 9.1 mm / 0.3583 inch 200 g0.4409 lbs164 mm / 6.46 inch 75.8 mm / 2.98 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 205 g0.4519 lbs158.3 mm / 6.23 inch 75.3 mm / 2.96 inch 8.4 mm / 0.3307 inch 190 g0.4189 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs
SD Card Reader - average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
  (Angelbird V60)
47.8 MB/s +117%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10.9 - 77, n=97, last 2 years)
27.4 MB/s +25%
Realme C25Y
  (Angelbird V60)
22 MB/s
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro)
15.71 MB/s -29%
Nokia G20
  (Angelbird V60)
12.5 MB/s -43%

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

051015202530354045505560657075808590Tooltip
Realme C25Y Mali-G52 MP2, T610, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB: Ø22.5 (10.2-36.4)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø32.3 (23.2-38.8)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro: Ø41.7 (32.2-56.9)
Nokia G20 PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB: Ø31.1 (21-41.1)
Realme C25Y Mali-G52 MP2, T610, 128 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB: Ø74.2 (39.4-79)
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø50.2 (31.6-54.4)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Toshiba Exceria Pro: Ø84 (59.8-90.4)
Nokia G20 PowerVR GE8320, Helio G35, 64 GB eMMC Flash; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB: Ø58.2 (14.6-62.3)

Communication, software and operation - Fast for the price range

WiFi 4 is the fastest WLAN standard that the realme C25Y supports. At least the device achieves decent transfer rates of around 100 MBit/s in our tests with the reference router Netgear Nighthawk AX12, and the data rates also remain relatively stable. The Redmi Note 8 2021 shows that it is possible to go even faster, but our test device does not do badly in a class comparison.

The realme UI is based on Android 11, the security patches are from September 2021 at the time of testing and are thus already outdated. The smartphone will definitely get an update to Android 12 or realme UI 3.0.

The fingerprint sensor is located on the smartphone's back, which also picks up the realme C25Y directly from standby, but with a minimal delay. The recognition accuracy is good, but the fingerprint reader is quite high for our taste, so people with smaller hands might have a hard time reaching the sensor.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
347 (338min - 353max) MBit/s +250%
Realme C25Y
802.11 b/g/n
99.2 (82min - 108max) MBit/s
Nokia G20
802.11 b/g/n
47 (24min - 73max) MBit/s -53%
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
802.11 b/g/n
42.9 (21min - 65max) MBit/s -57%
iperf3 receive AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
320 (290min - 330max) MBit/s +217%
Realme C25Y
802.11 b/g/n
101 (76min - 115max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
802.11 b/g/n
50.4 (41min - 57max) MBit/s -50%
Nokia G20
802.11 b/g/n
46.9 (27min - 66max) MBit/s -54%
0102030405060708090100110Tooltip
Realme C25Y; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø101.2 (76-115)
Realme C25Y; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø99.2 (82-108)

Cameras - Meager sharpness in detail

Recording front camera
Recording front camera

The main camera is a 50-megapixel camera on the back that combines 4 pixels into one in normal operation and thus creates 12-megapixel pictures that are completely sufficient for the vast majority of applications and have a higher light sensitivity. However, those who want to use the full pixel count can also take 50-megapixel photos in a special mode.

The outdoor image quality is decent, but you can see pixel artifacts quite clearly in larger areas, which make the drawing look unclean. The dynamic range is OK, but the image sharpness is only average. In low light and high contrasts, the autofocus struggles to create a really sharp image.

Videos can be recorded with a maximum of 1080p and 30 fps, the quality is acceptable, but the autofocus is sometimes overwhelmed.

Besides the main camera, there are also 2 cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixels each: A macro camera and a support lens for blur effects.

On the front is an 8-megapixel lens that takes decent selfies, but you should not enlarge them too much: Then the image sharpness and detail accuracy quickly decrease.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Main camera PlantMain camera EnvironmentMain camera Low Light
click to load images
ColorChecker
26.8 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
23.3 ∆E
26.3 ∆E
19.3 ∆E
15.7 ∆E
10.5 ∆E
18 ∆E
14.1 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
11.2 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
17.9 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
18.9 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
5.3 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme C25Y: 14.62 ∆E min: 4.17 - max: 26.84 ∆E
ColorChecker
29 ∆E
51.2 ∆E
37.6 ∆E
33.9 ∆E
43.4 ∆E
57.8 ∆E
50.5 ∆E
33.6 ∆E
39.1 ∆E
27.3 ∆E
59.2 ∆E
60.8 ∆E
28.8 ∆E
44.1 ∆E
33.9 ∆E
69.9 ∆E
41 ∆E
40.2 ∆E
74 ∆E
67 ∆E
49.2 ∆E
35.9 ∆E
23.3 ∆E
13 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme C25Y: 43.48 ∆E min: 12.99 - max: 73.98 ∆E

Display - Dark screen on the realme C25Y

Subpixel recording
Subpixel recording

The realme C25Y features a 720p IPS screen. The average brightness cannot compete with other smartphones in this price range and is only sufficient for outdoor use on cloudy days.

Since the black value is quite high, dark areas look rather gray in high screen brightness, but the accuracy of the color reproduction is on class level.

We noticed PWM flickering at very low screen brightness, so sensitive users should try the smartphone before buying it to see if they find it problematic.

389
cd/m²
388
cd/m²
376
cd/m²
405
cd/m²
430
cd/m²
402
cd/m²
399
cd/m²
432
cd/m²
399
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 432 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 402.2 cd/m² Minimum: 3.05 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 430 cd/m²
Contrast: 935:1 (Black: 0.46 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.51 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.4 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
92.8% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.123
Realme C25Y
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
IPS LCD, 1600x720, 6.50
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.30
Nokia G20
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Response Times
-15%
29%
466560%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
44 ?(25, 19)
58 ?(31, 27)
-32%
52 ?(27, 25)
-18%
44 ?(25, 19)
-0%
Response Time Black / White *
30 ?(17, 13)
34 ?(17, 17)
-13%
28 ?(13, 15)
7%
29 ?(16, 13)
3%
PWM Frequency
178.6 ?(10)
178.6 ?(7)
0%
352.1 ?(5)
97%
2500000
1399676%
Screen
11%
26%
-4%
Brightness middle
430
446
4%
496
15%
485
13%
Brightness
402
423
5%
491
22%
447
11%
Brightness Distribution
87
88
1%
91
5%
88
1%
Black Level *
0.46
0.29
37%
0.19
59%
0.44
4%
Contrast
935
1538
64%
2611
179%
1102
18%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.51
4.94
-10%
5.5
-22%
5.75
-27%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
8.79
8.81
-0%
8.88
-1%
10.53
-20%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.4
5.1
-16%
6.6
-50%
5.7
-30%
Gamma
2.123 104%
2.145 103%
2.36 93%
2.095 105%
CCT
7645 85%
7890 82%
8432 77%
8070 81%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-2% / 4%
28% / 27%
233278% / 127241%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
30 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 17 ms rise
↘ 13 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 77 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
44 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 25 ms rise
↘ 19 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 69 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 178.6 Hz ≤ 10 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 178.6 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 10 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 178.6 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18071 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color space
CalMAN color space
CalMAN Saturation
CalMAN Saturation

Performance, emissions and battery life - decent power, decent heat

The Unisoc T610 has 8 cores and performs up to 2 GHz. Thanks to it, the smartphone achieves very good performance rates for its price range, even the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 cannot keep up here. You should not expect high-end power, but the realme C25Y feels a bit smoother than its colleagues from the price range every now and then.

The eMMC storage on the other hand is not a paragon of speed and rather slows down the system with its low transfer rates.

The high processor power seems to lead to cooling problems: We measured almost 50 °C (122 °F) on the case after a longer load. That is unpleasant to touch and will probably get worse on hot days. Users who rarely play games on the smartphone or run similarly complex apps should not notice this, but everyone else should be aware of the hot casing under load.

The speaker is located on the smartphone's back, next to the micro-USB port, another relic from long-gone cell phone days. A small spacer should at least prevent the speaker from resting on the surface and being covered. However, it does not help much when the realme C25Y is placed on a soft surface, such as a bedspread. In terms of sound, the trebles are extremely overemphasized, so it is hardly fun to listen to music or movie soundtracks. External audio devices can be connected via a 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth. This works well and improves the sound considerably.

The phone lasted just over 16 hours in our battery test, in which a script surfed the Internet via WLAN. That is a good value, and the large 5,000 mAhbattery pays off. The Nokia G20 lasts considerably longer. It is great that the realme C25Y can be charged with up to 18 watts and thus usually has a full battery within less than 2 hours and also quickly has enough power for several hours of use.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
387 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
178 Points -54%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
355 Points -8%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
170 Points -56%
Average UNISOC T610
  (345 - 387, n=4)
357 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=214, last 2 years)
900 Points +133%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1425 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1087 Points -24%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1336 Points -6%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
607 Points -57%
Average UNISOC T610
  (1034 - 1425, n=4)
1264 Points -11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=214, last 2 years)
2947 Points +107%
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8504 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
5739 Points -33%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
7090 Points -17%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
5297 Points -38%
Average UNISOC T610
  (7645 - 8504, n=2)
8075 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (4761 - 21385, n=209, last 2 years)
11643 Points +37%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2243 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1273 Points -43%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1897 Points -15%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
599 Points -73%
Average UNISOC T610
  (1683 - 2243, n=2)
1963 Points -12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +303%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2069 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
1142 Points -45%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1765 Points -15%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
541 Points -74%
Average UNISOC T610
  (1512 - 2069, n=2)
1791 Points -13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +662%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3181 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2032 Points -36%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2778 Points -13%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
954 Points -70%
Average UNISOC T610
  (2791 - 3181, n=2)
2986 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +36%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1515 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
863 Points -43%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1463 Points -3%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
341 Points -77%
Average UNISOC T610
  (1106 - 1515, n=3)
1245 Points -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=104, last 2 years)
2680 Points +77%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1326 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
738 Points -44%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1264 Points -5%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
289 Points -78%
Average UNISOC T610
  (948 - 1326, n=3)
1076 Points -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=104, last 2 years)
2667 Points +101%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3023 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2031 Points -33%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2654 Points -12%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
933 Points -69%
Average UNISOC T610
  (2657 - 3023, n=3)
2787 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=104, last 2 years)
3126 Points +3%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1565 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
867 Points -45%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1453 Points -7%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
373 Points -76%
Average UNISOC T610
  (1146 - 1565, n=3)
1287 Points -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=177, last 2 years)
6571 Points +320%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1366 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
736 Points -46%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
1253 Points -8%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
318 Points -77%
Average UNISOC T610
  (979 - 1366, n=3)
1110 Points -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=176, last 2 years)
9383 Points +587%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3200 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2109 Points -34%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
2811 Points -12%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
949 Points -70%
Average UNISOC T610
  (2784 - 3200, n=3)
2944 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=176, last 2 years)
4169 Points +30%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
726 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
428 Points -41%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
721 Points -1%
Average UNISOC T610
  (523 - 726, n=3)
591 Points -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=132, last 2 years)
2528 Points +248%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
718 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
426 Points -41%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
717 Points 0%
Average UNISOC T610
  (520 - 718, n=3)
587 Points -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=197, last 2 years)
6135 Points +754%
Wild Life Extreme (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
185 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
116 Points -37%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
186 Points +1%
Average UNISOC T610
  (135 - 185, n=3)
151.7 Points -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 5226, n=202, last 2 years)
1647 Points +790%
Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
182 Points
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
117 Points -36%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
181 Points -1%
Average UNISOC T610
  (132 - 182, n=3)
148.7 Points -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (110 - 5248, n=197, last 2 years)
1656 Points +810%
GFXBench
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
20 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
11 fps -45%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
8.5 fps -57%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
7.6 fps -62%
Average UNISOC T610
  (7.3 - 20, n=3)
11.6 fps -42%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=221, last 2 years)
43.1 fps +116%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
11 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
6.2 fps -44%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
9.7 fps -12%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.2 fps -62%
Average UNISOC T610
  (7.8 - 11, n=3)
8.87 fps -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=221, last 2 years)
63.1 fps +474%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
12 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
7 fps -42%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
5.5 fps -54%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
4.8 fps -60%
Average UNISOC T610
  (4.4 - 12, n=3)
6.97 fps -42%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=221, last 2 years)
32.1 fps +168%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme C25Y
UNISOC T610, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
3.7 fps
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 4096
2.2 fps -41%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 4076
3.5 fps -5%
Nokia G20
Mediatek Helio G35, PowerVR GE8320, 4096
1.5 fps -59%
Average UNISOC T610
  (2.7 - 3.7, n=3)
3.03 fps -18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=221, last 2 years)
25.1 fps +578%
Realme C25YSamsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127FXiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021Nokia G20Average 128 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
43%
126%
11%
72%
728%
Sequential Read 256KB
258.1
302.3
17%
309.4
20%
256.1
-1%
283 ?(106.7 - 511, n=73)
10%
1471 ?(215 - 4512, n=213, last 2 years)
470%
Sequential Write 256KB
163.7
74.5
-54%
159.7
-2%
139.3
-15%
192.9 ?(72.3 - 314, n=73)
18%
1084 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=213, last 2 years)
562%
Random Read 4KB
84.3
77.8
-8%
73.6
-13%
63.5
-25%
82.6 ?(8.63 - 247, n=73)
-2%
243 ?(22.2 - 543, n=213, last 2 years)
188%
Random Write 4KB
14.9
47.21
217%
88.9
497%
27.4
84%
53.9 ?(3.84 - 159.9, n=73)
262%
267 ?(13 - 709, n=213, last 2 years)
1692%

Temperature

Max. Load
 49.4 °C
121 F
42.5 °C
109 F
41.3 °C
106 F
 
 47.7 °C
118 F
42.9 °C
109 F
42 °C
108 F
 
 46.3 °C
115 F
42.2 °C
108 F
41.1 °C
106 F
 
Maximum: 49.4 °C = 121 F
Average: 43.9 °C = 111 F
36.1 °C
97 F
37.5 °C
100 F
42.9 °C
109 F
37.6 °C
100 F
38.6 °C
101 F
43.5 °C
110 F
37.8 °C
100 F
40.5 °C
105 F
42.8 °C
109 F
Maximum: 43.5 °C = 110 F
Average: 39.7 °C = 103 F
Power Supply (max.)  43.6 °C = 110 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 43.9 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 49.4 °C / 121 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.5 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.3 °C / 72 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.


Heatmap Front
Heatmap Front
Heatmap back side
Heatmap back side

Speaker

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs204046.82532.436.53127.630.44029.933.45034.938.1632729.98017.82510014.224.412513.325.416010.2302008.834.22509.639.93157.343.34007.348.15009.257.263012.962.680017.368.2100012.973.4125010.972.916009.768.1200010.267.8250011.666.931501361.2400013.960.3500015.269.2630015.777.7800015.876.51000017.165.41250016.159.81600016.668.8SPL25.883N0.751.1median 12.9median 62.6Delta2.910.838.945.344.745.33436.736.836.742.640.637.333.826.225.928.327.622.422.218.933.41640.514.546.313.253.81359.116.565.119.566.219.66617.468.515.374.415.378.515.778.416.576.317.977.520.870.32267.220.974.121.772.722.870.32263.122.558.531.586.41.462.6median 18.9median 66.2310.7hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseRealme C25YSamsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Realme C25Y audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 29.8% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.2% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.6% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (10.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (26% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 60% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 33% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 76% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 19% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 28.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (13.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (25.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 55% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 37% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 73% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 21% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery life

Realme C25Y
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A12 Exynos SM-A127F
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
4000 mAh
Nokia G20
5050 mAh
Average of class Smartphone
 
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
968
879
-9%
748
-23%
1186
23%
912 ?(424 - 2844, n=223, last 2 years)
-6%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
16h 08min

Pros

+ ample memory
+ fast SoC
+ long battery runtimes
+ fast 18-watt charging

Cons

- outdated micro USB port
- no NFC
- dim screen
- outdated security patches
- strong warming under load
- very treble-heavy speaker

Verdict - Untimely details in the realme phone

In review: realme C25Y. Test device provided by:
In review: realme C25Y. Test device provided by:
notebooksbilliger.com

In terms of memory, the realme C25Y is hardly superior in this price segment, but you have to do without NFC and unfortunately you do not get a bright screen either. PWM flickering and a high black value further degrade the screen, and the speaker is also annoying with its unfavorable placement and extremely treble-heavy sound.

It is annoying that realme installs an outdated micro-USB port in its phone: USB-C has long since established itself as a standard and finally leads away from the connection and cable clutter. You should also not expect too many security updates, and there are sharper sensors in this price range when it comes to the camera. Furthermore, the smartphone heats up very much after prolonged load.

Is the realme C25Y recommendable? Well, the high computing power, the fast charging and the good runtimes can definitely convince. Even those who want a lot of memory for little money will get their money's worth. However, the numerous negative aspects that we mentioned above still make us hesitate with a recommendation overall.

The realme C25Y is a cheap phone with a lot of computing power for the class, but also some problems.

If you can also cope with less battery life, you might want to consider the Redmi Note 8 2021 which even has a Full HD screen. With the Nokia G20 you get quite pure Android and a wide-angle camera as well as even more stamina for similar money.

Price and availability

The realme C25Y is available with 64 or 128 GB of storage. In the United States, you can have the higher-end 128 GB model for roughly $200: Get the International Version, Grey on Amazon.

Realme C25Y - 01/19/2022 v7
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
81%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
39 / 70 → 56%
Weight
88%
Battery
91%
Display
81%
Games Performance
16 / 64 → 25%
Application Performance
62 / 86 → 72%
Temperature
86%
Noise
100%
Audio
40 / 90 → 44%
Camera
48%
Average
68%
75%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > realme C25Y Smartphone Review - Inexpensive fast charging phone with temperature problem
Florian Schmitt, 2022-01-21 (Update: 2022-01-21)