Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme C21Y and C30s are both contenders in the budget segment, but they offer different strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C21Y edges out the C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset and reverse charging. While the C30s boasts a slightly more modern design and potentially better software experience, the C21Y's performance advantage makes it the overall winner for most users.
| 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, 8, 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, June 21 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 02 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 186 g (6.56 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10/ Android 11 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | 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 | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | RMX3261, RMX3263 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme C21Y
- More powerful chipset
- Reverse wired charging
- Triple camera system
- Generally better performance
- Potentially older design
- May have more pre-installed apps
Realme C30s
- Potentially more modern design
- Possibly cleaner software
- Higher resolution main camera (50MP)
- Less powerful chipset
- No reverse charging
- Single camera setup
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The C30s might have a slightly more modern panel with better color accuracy, but both are adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The C21Y typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), while the C30s often has a single 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the C21Y's additional lenses offer more versatility. Image quality will depend on software processing, but the C30s' higher resolution sensor *could* offer slightly more detail in good lighting.
Performance
The Realme C21Y's Unisoc T610 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the C30s' Cortex-A55-only CPU. Expect smoother multitasking and better gaming performance on the C21Y. The C30s will handle basic tasks adequately.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. The C21Y's reverse charging capability is a unique advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C21Y? Users prioritizing performance and features like reverse charging. Who should buy the Realme C30s? Those seeking a more stylish design and potentially a cleaner software experience, and who don't heavily rely on demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C21Y is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset with Cortex-A75 cores.
❓ Can the Realme C21Y charge other devices?
Yes, the Realme C21Y features reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices with a USB cable.
❓ Which phone has the better design?
The Realme C30s likely has a more modern and stylish design, although this is subjective.
❓ What is the difference in software experience?
The Realme C30s might offer a slightly cleaner software experience with fewer pre-installed apps, but both run Realme UI.
