The Realme C21 and Oppo A15s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on the core components that impact everyday performance and usability, helping you determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C21 edges out the Oppo A15s. While both share a similar 10W charging and basic feature set, the Realme C21’s Helio G35 chipset offers a slight performance advantage, making it more responsive for daily tasks and light gaming.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Discontinued |
| 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 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 177 g (6.24 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 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Dynamic Black, Fancy White |
| Models | RMX3201 | CPH2179 |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Realme C21
- Slightly better performance with Helio G35
- Potentially better GPU performance for light gaming
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Basic camera system
- Slow 10W charging
Oppo A15s
- Oppo’s ColorOS software experience
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar battery life to Realme C21
- Helio P35 chipset is slightly less powerful
- Basic camera system
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither the Realme C21 nor the Oppo A15s boast impressive displays. Both likely utilize standard LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1600. Given the price bracket, expect limited brightness (likely under 400 nits) and color accuracy. The absence of details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction over visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details are scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera (around 13MP is typical in this segment) and potentially depth or macro sensors of lower resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. The aperture of the main lens is a critical factor, but absent from the provided data. Image processing will likely prioritize sharpening and contrast to compensate for the sensor limitations. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this price range offer limited practical benefit due to their low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme C21 features the Mediatek Helio G35, while the Oppo A15s uses the Helio P35. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the G35, and 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the P35). The G35’s slightly higher clock speed on the performance cores and its inclusion in the 'G' series (gaming) suggests a modest improvement in GPU performance. This translates to smoother scrolling and slightly better handling of less demanding games. However, both chips are entry-level and will struggle with graphically intensive applications. RAM configurations are likely similar, further minimizing the performance gap.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for this class of device range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The efficiency of the Mediatek Helio G35 in the Realme C21 *might* translate to slightly better battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal in real-world usage. Both phones are designed for a full day of light use (calls, messaging, social media) but will require charging daily with moderate to heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you prioritize slightly better performance for social media, messaging, and casual gaming. Its Helio G35 chipset provides a marginal, but noticeable, boost in responsiveness. Buy the Oppo A15s if you prefer the Oppo’s ColorOS software experience or find it available at a significantly lower price point, as the hardware differences are minimal for basic usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C21 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G35 is a gaming-focused chip, it's still an entry-level processor. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty will be playable at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect occasional stuttering and lag, especially in intense scenes. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ How does the ColorOS on the Oppo A15s compare to Realme UI on the C21?
ColorOS and Realme UI are both based on Android, but offer distinct user interfaces. ColorOS is known for its customization options and features, while Realme UI aims for a cleaner, more stock-Android-like experience. Preference is subjective, but both offer a functional and user-friendly experience. Updates may vary between the two brands.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Realme C21 useful?
The 10W reverse wired charging is a niche feature. It allows you to use the Realme C21 as a power bank for other devices, like wireless earbuds or another phone. However, the slow charging speed means it's not a practical solution for quickly charging larger devices. It's more of a convenience feature for emergencies.
