The Realme C21 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent two distinct approaches to affordable 5G connectivity. The C21 focuses on delivering basic functionality at an extremely competitive price, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G aims for a more balanced experience with a stronger processor and faster charging, albeit at a slightly higher cost. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Realme C21’s Helio G35, and the 18W charging is a welcome addition. However, the C21 remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | RMX3201 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Realme C21
- Extremely affordable price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Weak processor performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely lower display quality
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- Faster 18W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price
- Camera details are limited
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
The Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, offering a noticeably more vibrant viewing experience than the Realme C21, which lacks specific brightness data but is expected to be lower given its cost. Both displays share a 1475:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth. However, the Poco’s brighter panel will be significantly more usable outdoors. The Realme C21’s display technology is not specified, while the Poco’s panel is likely IPS LCD, a standard for this price range. Bezels are expected to be larger on the C21 to minimize production costs.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. The Realme C21’s camera specifications are unknown, suggesting a basic setup. The Poco M3 Pro 5G likely features a more capable main sensor, though details are missing. It’s reasonable to assume the Poco will offer better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 700 chipset. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Realme C21’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes more efficient 2x Cortex-A76 cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in significantly faster application loading and smoother multitasking compared to the C21’s 4x Cortex-A53 and 4x Cortex-A53 configuration. The 7nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 700’s superior architecture will provide a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite the Realme C21’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the C21’s slow 10W charging. This means the Poco can be topped up much faster, reducing downtime. While the C21 offers reverse wired charging, its utility is limited by the slow charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C21 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You're willing to compromise on performance and future-proofing. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster 5G connectivity, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games, and are willing to spend a little more for these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G35 in the Realme C21, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Poco M3 Pro 5G with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the Poco M3 Pro 5G can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This is considerably faster than the Realme C21, which will take significantly longer with its 10W charging.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Poco M3 Pro 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G's 5G support future-proofs the device and provides significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G availability. The Realme C21 lacks 5G, limiting its connectivity options.
