The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme Q2i and the Realme C21Y. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q2i takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 720 chipset. While the C21Y offers reverse charging, the Q2i's superior performance in gaming and everyday tasks makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 200 g (7.05 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 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, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | - | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Realme Q2i
- Significantly faster performance
- Better gaming experience
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Sleek design (generally)
- No reverse charging
- May have slightly shorter battery life than C21Y (depending on usage)
Realme C21Y
- Reverse charging capability
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Slower performance
- Struggles with demanding apps
- Less impressive camera quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) and resolution, around 6.5 inches. However, the Q2i might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better image processing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C21Y typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Q2i often has a 48MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Q2i's chipset likely provides better image processing, resulting in potentially better image quality, especially in low light. Both phones likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
This is where the Q2i truly shines. The Dimensity 720 is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc T610. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience on the Q2i. The C21Y will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life. The C21Y's reverse charging feature is a unique selling point, allowing it to charge other devices, which the Q2i lacks.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q2i is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, especially those who enjoy mobile gaming. The Realme C21Y is a good fit for users who need a reliable, long-lasting phone with reverse charging capabilities and a focus on basic functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q2i worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Q2i's chipset provides a significantly better user experience.
❓ Can the Realme C21Y charge other phones?
Yes, the Realme C21Y features reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices with a USB cable.
