Realme's V21 and 8i represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver value, they take different approaches. The V21 prioritizes raw processing power with its octa-core 2.2 GHz CPU, while the 8i focuses on a balanced experience with its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and optimized endurance. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw CPU performance and potentially more demanding tasks, the Realme V21 is the better choice. However, the Realme 8i offers a more refined, balanced experience with its optimized chipset and proven 131-hour endurance, making it ideal for everyday users.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| 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 | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | - | RMX3151 |
| Price | - | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Realme V21
- Potentially faster CPU for demanding tasks
- Higher CPU clock speed may benefit single-core performance
- Unknown features could offer unexpected advantages
- Lack of detailed specifications hinders a full assessment
- Unknown charging speed could be a disadvantage
- Potential for thermal throttling due to unknown CPU process node
Realme 8i
- Optimized Mediatek Helio G96 chipset for gaming
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Proven 131-hour endurance rating
- Lower peak CPU clock speed compared to V21
- Display brightness limited to 540 nits
- Camera specifications are not detailed
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a measured peak brightness of 540 nits and a 1244:1 contrast ratio, providing a reasonably vibrant viewing experience. The V21's display specifications are currently unavailable, but given its positioning, it likely features a similar LCD panel. The 8i's contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more defined images, while the 540 nits brightness ensures good visibility outdoors. Without knowing the V21's panel characteristics, the 8i currently holds an advantage in display quality based on measured data.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Without this information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the market segment, it's reasonable to assume both utilize similar budget-oriented camera setups. The absence of details suggests neither phone is a standout performer in photography, focusing instead on providing adequate image capture for social media and casual use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Realme V21 features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, suggesting a focus on raw clock speed. Conversely, the Realme 8i utilizes the Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) with an octa-core configuration split into 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the V21's higher clock speed *suggests* faster single-core performance, the Helio G96's architecture, with its more efficient Cortex-A76 cores, is optimized for gaming and sustained performance. The 12nm process node of the Helio G96 also contributes to better thermal management compared to an unknown process node for the V21's CPU. This means the 8i is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods during gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V21 and 8i share an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating similar battery life performance in standardized tests. However, the Realme 8i includes 18W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery. The V21's charging capabilities are unknown. While the battery capacity is likely similar, the 8i's 18W charging provides a tangible advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you frequently engage in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously and need the fastest possible processing speed. Buy the Realme 8i if you prioritize all-day battery life, a stable gaming experience with the Helio G96, and a well-rounded smartphone experience without pushing the CPU to its limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G96 in the Realme 8i struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Helio G96 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. While it won't deliver maximum settings in Genshin Impact, it can handle the game at medium settings with stable frame rates. The 8i's thermal management, thanks to the 12nm process, will help prevent significant throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ What kind of storage and RAM options are available on the Realme 8i, and does it support expansion?
While not specified in the provided data, Realme 8i typically comes in configurations with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. It also usually includes a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing users to add up to 256GB of additional storage.
❓ Is the Realme V21 likely to overheat during prolonged use, given the lack of information about its thermal design?
Without knowing the CPU's process node or the phone's cooling system, it's difficult to say definitively. However, a higher clock speed without efficient thermal management can lead to overheating and performance throttling. The Realme 8i's Helio G96, built on a 12nm process, is generally more thermally efficient.
