Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme C21Y and C35 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C35 edges out the C21Y thanks to its slightly faster processor, improved charging speed, and generally more modern design. While the C21Y offers reverse charging, the C35 provides a more well-rounded experience for most users seeking a reliable budget device.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 02 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| 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) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10/ Android 11 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3261, RMX3263 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C21Y
- Reverse wired charging
- Generally more affordable
- Decent battery life
- Slower processor
- Slower charging
- Potentially lower camera quality
Realme C35
- Faster processor
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better camera (50MP main)
- More modern design
- Slightly higher price
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The C35 might have a slightly improved panel with better color accuracy or brightness, but detailed specifications are needed for a definitive comparison. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The C21Y typically features a 13MP main camera, while the C35 often includes a 50MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the C35's higher resolution should allow for more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses, if included. Low-light performance will likely be comparable.
Performance
The Realme C35 boasts a Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, which has a slightly higher clock speed (2.0 GHz) for its Cortex-A75 cores compared to the C21Y's T610 (1.8 GHz). This translates to a noticeable, albeit minor, performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming on the C35. Both phones will handle basic apps and multitasking adequately.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the C35 supports 18W wired charging, which is faster than the C21Y's charging speed (likely around 10W). This means the C35 will charge significantly quicker.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C21Y? Users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly lower price point might find the C21Y appealing. Who should buy the Realme C35? Those seeking a bit more performance, faster charging, and a more contemporary design will likely prefer the C35.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C35 worth the extra money compared to the C21Y?
Generally, yes. The C35's performance and charging speed improvements make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value those features.
❓ Does the Realme C21Y have 5G?
No, neither the Realme C21Y nor the Realme C35 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
