The Realme V21 and Oppo A55s represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The V21 relies on a high clock speed octa-core CPU, while the A55s leverages the integrated efficiency of Mediatek’s Dimensity 700 chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A55s emerges as the stronger choice. The Dimensity 700’s architecture provides a more balanced and efficient performance profile than the Realme V21’s unspecified CPU, and the inclusion of 10W charging, while slow, is still a feature absent from the V21’s specifications. The A55s offers a more complete package for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, April 18 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2309 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Realme V21
- Potentially higher peak CPU clock speed.
- May offer a simpler software experience.
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market).
- Lack of chipset details hinders performance assessment.
- No charging specifications provided.
- Uncertain display quality.
Oppo A55s
- Efficient Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset.
- 7nm process node for improved power efficiency.
- Includes 10W wired charging.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Limited display specifications.
- Camera details are sparse.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are absent for the Realme V21. The Oppo A55s, similarly, lacks detailed display information. Given both phones’ price points, we can assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of information prevents a meaningful comparison of brightness, color accuracy, or refresh rates. However, the absence of any mention of high refresh rate technology on either device suggests both are likely limited to the standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details for the Realme V21, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Oppo A55s’ camera specifications are also limited. We can assume both phones include a primary camera and potentially depth or macro sensors, but image quality will likely be heavily reliant on software processing. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image stabilization will be primarily digital, potentially resulting in softer images in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Realme V21 features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, but lacks details on core configuration or architecture. The Oppo A55s, however, utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This chipset employs a more sophisticated architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 is crucial; it allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency compared to a potentially older, larger node used in the V21’s CPU. This translates to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling under load, benefiting users who engage in prolonged gaming or video editing.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Realme V21. The Oppo A55s includes 10W wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it provides a basic level of convenience for topping up the battery. The lack of charging information for the V21 is a significant drawback, suggesting users may be limited to slower, less efficient charging methods or rely solely on wireless charging (if supported, which is unconfirmed). The A55s’ 10W charging, while slow, offers a tangible benefit over the unknown charging capabilities of the V21.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed and anticipate primarily static workloads where sustained performance isn't critical. This phone might appeal to users who value a simple, potentially lighter software experience. Buy the Oppo A55s if you prefer a more efficient chipset for multitasking, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of even basic wired charging support. The A55s is the better all-rounder for the average smartphone user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Oppo A55s struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but users should expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. While it supports 5G connectivity, the chipset isn't a high-end gaming processor, so pushing for ultra settings will likely result in frame drops and overheating.
❓ The Realme V21's CPU has a 2.2 GHz clock speed – does that mean it's faster than the Oppo A55s in all scenarios?
Not necessarily. Clock speed is only one factor in performance. The Oppo A55s’ Dimensity 700 utilizes a more modern and efficient architecture with a mix of performance and efficiency cores, alongside a smaller manufacturing process. This often translates to better real-world performance, especially in multitasking and sustained workloads, despite a potentially lower peak clock speed.
❓ Is the lack of fast charging on the Oppo A55s a dealbreaker?
For users who prioritize quick top-ups, the 10W charging is a significant limitation. However, if you typically charge your phone overnight or have ample time to charge it during the day, it may not be a major inconvenience. The A55s’ efficiency can also help mitigate the impact of slow charging by reducing overall power consumption.
