The Realme Narzo 20 and Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Narzo 20 prioritizes gaming performance with its Helio G85 chipset, while the M21 2021 leans towards a more balanced experience with the Exynos 9611. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and responsiveness, the Realme Narzo 20 emerges as the winner. Its Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the 10nm Exynos 9611 in the M21 2021, making it better suited for demanding applications and games. However, the M21 2021 offers a slightly more refined software experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2021, July 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (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, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue |
| Models | RMX2193 | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) |
Realme Narzo 20
- Superior gaming performance due to Helio G85 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient 12nm process for better battery life during gaming
- Potentially less refined software experience compared to Samsung
- Camera image processing may not appeal to all users
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Potentially more polished software experience (Samsung One UI)
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Likely good battery life due to efficient Exynos chipset
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Less powerful chipset for demanding games
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the processing power driving them. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the chipset's ability to efficiently render graphics impacts perceived smoothness. The Narzo 20's G85 is optimized for gaming, potentially offering a more fluid experience in fast-paced visuals, even on a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses (often a depth or macro sensor). The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. Samsung typically emphasizes vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme often aims for a more natural look. The Exynos 9611’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more capable than the G85’s, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions, but software optimization plays a huge role. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 20’s MediaTek Helio G85 utilizes a dual-cluster configuration with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021’s Exynos 9611, featuring 4x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the Exynos has higher clocked 'big' cores, the G85’s newer Cortex-A75 architecture offers improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock), and the 12nm fabrication process is generally more efficient than the Exynos’ 10nm. This translates to better sustained performance and potentially less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The G85 is specifically designed for gaming, and this shows in real-world usage.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 20 features 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 supports 15W wired charging. While the M21 2021 may have a slightly larger battery capacity (market segment expectation), the Narzo 20’s faster charging will likely result in quicker top-ups. The efficiency of the Helio G85 chipset could also contribute to slightly better battery life during gaming, as it consumes less power under load compared to the Exynos 9611. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Narzo 20 is a useful addition for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you need a phone primarily for gaming, frequent multitasking, and appreciate a snappier user interface. Its Helio G85 chipset and optimized software deliver a smoother experience in these scenarios. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 if you prefer a more balanced device with a focus on media consumption and a potentially more polished software experience, and aren't heavily reliant on demanding mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21 2021 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained load. While it won't shut down, you may experience frame rate drops and reduced performance after extended gaming. The Narzo 20's Helio G85, built on a more efficient process, is less prone to overheating.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are limited in their usefulness. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, grainy results.
❓ Can the Realme Narzo 20 handle PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings?
The Helio G85 in the Narzo 20 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with high graphics settings, but you may need to adjust settings slightly depending on the specific device configuration and ambient temperature. It's better optimized for this than the Exynos 9611.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
Both phones are adequate for video consumption. However, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021's software may offer slightly better video playback optimization and color accuracy, though this is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
