The Realme V21 and Honor X8c represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this. The Realme V21 relies on a simple octa-core processor, while the Honor X8c leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685 chipset, promising a more refined experience. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Honor X8c emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 685 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in efficiency and responsiveness compared to the Realme V21’s unspecified octa-core processor. The 35W charging further solidifies its lead.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | - | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | - | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | - | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Realme V21
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May offer expandable storage (speculation based on market segment)
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely less efficient power consumption
Honor X8c
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Faster 35W wired charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack expandable storage (depending on region)
- Software bloatware (common in Honor devices)
Display Comparison
Information regarding the displays of both devices is missing. However, given the price bracket, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels. The Honor X8c's larger size (typically around 6.5 inches for this class) may offer a more immersive viewing experience. Without specific data on resolution, brightness, or color gamut, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates is also a concern, potentially impacting users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature multi-camera setups, but detailed sensor information is scarce. The absence of details on the Realme V21’s camera system makes a direct comparison challenging. The Honor X8c, while likely featuring a primary sensor around 50MP, benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 685. This ISP provides superior image processing capabilities, including better noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The inclusion of a dedicated ISP is a key advantage, even if the sensor resolution is similar. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically produce low-quality images.
Performance
The Honor X8c’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) represents a significant architectural advantage over the Realme V21’s octa-core 2.2 GHz processor. The Snapdragon 685 features a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, offering a more balanced approach to performance and efficiency. The 6nm fabrication process is crucial; it allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption compared to older, larger node processes likely used in the Realme V21. This translates to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling during demanding tasks. The Realme V21’s processor, lacking specific architectural details, likely relies on older core designs and a less efficient manufacturing process, resulting in lower overall performance.
Battery Life
The Honor X8c’s 35W wired charging is a clear advantage. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the Realme V21, which likely supports a standard 10-15W charging rate. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 685’s 6nm efficiency contributes to better battery life. The Honor X8c is likely to achieve a full charge in under 90 minutes, while the Realme V21 could take upwards of 2-3 hours. This difference is substantial for users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you need a basic smartphone for light tasks like calls, messaging, and occasional social media browsing, and are extremely price-sensitive. Buy the Honor X8c if you prefer a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster charging speeds, and a chipset designed for improved power efficiency, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, the Adreno 610 GPU provides sufficient power for casual gaming. Expect stable frame rates, but potential for some stuttering during intense firefights.
❓ Does the Honor X8c overheat during prolonged use, such as video recording or gaming?
The Snapdragon 685’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks, the Honor X8c is less prone to overheating and thermal throttling compared to devices with less efficient processors. The larger surface area of the phone also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ What type of charging protocol does the Honor X8c use, and is a fast charger included in the box?
The Honor X8c supports 35W Honor SuperCharge. While the 35W charger is often included in the box, it's best to verify with the retailer. Using a compatible USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger will also work, but may not achieve the full 35W charging speed.
