The sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Realme C21 and Samsung Galaxy A12 represent two popular choices, each aiming to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme C21’s Helio G35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the C21 offers reverse wired charging, the A12’s faster 15W charging and overall efficiency make it the more practical option.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| 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 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | RMX3201 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Realme C21
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the A12
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter battery life
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- May be slightly more expensive than the C21
- No reverse wired charging
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the chipset’s ability to drive the UI smoothly. The A12’s more powerful Exynos 850 will likely result in fewer dropped frames during scrolling and animations, even if the panel itself is similar in quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A12’s chipset has a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor), which will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality from these sensors is typically poor. Focusing on the main sensor’s performance, the Exynos 850’s superior processing capabilities give the A12 an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850 (8nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme C21’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Cortex-A55 cores in the Exynos 850 are more efficient than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G35. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A12. The A12 is better suited for light gaming and running multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
The Realme C21 offers 10W charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A12 supports 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the A12 is a significant advantage. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. The C21’s reverse wired charging is a niche feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but the A12’s faster charging and better efficiency make it the more practical choice for daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you prioritize reverse wired charging functionality – useful for topping up accessories – and are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a viable option for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more fluid user experience, better performance for everyday tasks, and faster charging. It’s the superior choice for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the basics without significant slowdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient and shouldn't exhibit significant overheating during moderate gaming. While it's not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle popular titles at medium settings without excessive throttling. The Realme C21’s Helio G35, while less powerful, may also throttle under sustained load due to its less efficient 12nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones typically produce images with limited detail and sharpness. The small sensor size and fixed focus make it difficult to capture truly impressive close-up shots. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
While the Exynos 850 can run PUBG Mobile, achieving a consistent 60fps experience will likely require lowering the graphics settings to the lowest possible level. Expect frame drops during intense action sequences. The Realme C21’s Helio G35 will struggle to maintain even 30fps consistently, making it less suitable for PUBG Mobile.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme C21 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, the Realme C21 will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging, which should complete a full charge in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
