The Realme C21 and Infinix Smart 5 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C21 leveraging a more modern, albeit entry-level, MediaTek chipset, while the Infinix Smart 5 Pro opts for a Unisoc solution. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the Realme C21 emerges as the better choice. Its MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite both being entry-level options. While battery life will be comparable, the C21’s architecture provides a more future-proof foundation.
| 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB 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 | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | RMX3201 | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 70 EUR |
Realme C21
- More powerful and efficient processor (Helio G35)
- Potentially smoother user experience
- Slightly better thermal management
- 10W charging is slow
- Display specs are unknown and likely basic
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Extremely affordable price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Functional for essential smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Older 28nm process technology
- Laggy performance with multiple apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable. The Realme C21’s potential for slightly better image processing due to its more modern chipset *could* translate to marginally better color reproduction, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices focusing on basic image capture. Detailed sensor information is missing, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (e.g., a 2MP macro). Image processing will be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. The Realme C21’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G35 *might* offer a marginal improvement in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, but this is not guaranteed.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C21’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split design: 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This contrasts with the Infinix Smart 5 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio G35 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip, leading to better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Infinix are more efficient *per core* than the A53, but the lower clock speeds and older process technology ultimately result in a less capable overall system. The Realme C21 will exhibit faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds (expect around 3-4 hours for a full charge). While battery capacity isn’t specified, both are likely to house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Realme C21’s more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life under heavy use, but in typical scenarios, the difference will be minimal. Both devices are designed for all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you need a phone that feels reasonably responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging. Its slightly more powerful processor will handle these workloads with less lag. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if your primary concern is absolute minimal cost and you primarily need a device for basic calling and texting, and are willing to accept slower performance and potentially more app loading times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C21 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Realme C21 can run PUBG Mobile at low settings with a playable framerate. Expect significant compromises in graphics quality and potential stuttering during intense action. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro will struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely offering an unplayable experience.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A, being built on a 28nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Realme C21’s Helio G35. While it won’t necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, you may experience performance slowdowns during prolonged, demanding tasks.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and is it expandable?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 256GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps.
