Realme C20A vs Realme C21Y: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C20A and C21Y are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme C21Y edges out the C20A thanks to its slightly more powerful Unisoc T610 chipset and improved CPU architecture. While both offer decent battery life and basic features, the C21Y provides a smoother overall experience, making it the preferred pick for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme C20A	Realme C21Y

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, May 11	2021, June 21
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 11	Available. Released 2021, July 02

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)	164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	190 g (6.70 oz)	200 g (7.05 oz)
	Splash-resistant design	-

Display
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)	Unisoc T610 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Mali-G52 MP2
OS	Android 10, Realme UI	Android 10/ Android 11

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Dual	-	13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	Unspecified
USB	microUSB 2.0, OTG	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	Reverse wired	Reverse wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Iron Grey, Lake Blue	Cross Black, Cross Blue
Models	-	RMX3261, RMX3263
Price	About 90 EUR	About 130 EUR

Realme C20A

Very affordable
Large battery
Reverse wired charging

Lower performance
Basic camera
Outdated chipset

Realme C21Y

Better performance than C20A
Modern design
Large battery
Reverse wired charging

Still a budget phone
Camera limitations
Not a flagship device

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The C21Y might have a slightly more modern design, but the display quality is largely comparable.

Camera Comparison

Both phones typically feature a triple rear camera setup, often including a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The C21Y might offer slightly better image processing due to its chipset, but the difference is minimal.

Performance

Here's where the C21Y takes a noticeable lead. The Unisoc T610, with its dual Cortex-A75 cores, offers a more responsive experience compared to the Helio G35's all-Cortex-A53 configuration. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the C21Y. Gaming performance will be better on the C21Y, though still limited by the budget hardware.

Battery Life

Both devices are equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are similar, utilizing reverse wired charging, which is a nice bonus for emergency power sharing.

Buying Guide

The Realme C20A is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price and basic functionality. The Realme C21Y is ideal for those seeking a slightly better performance and a more modern design, without significantly increasing their budget.