The Realme V21 and Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro represent compelling options in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a strong user experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes raw processing power with its Snapdragon 860, while the Realme V21 appears to focus on a balanced approach, though detailed specs are limited. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and demanding performance, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Realme V21's octa-core processor. However, the Realme V21 may offer a more efficient experience for everyday tasks, pending further spec details.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| 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 | - | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze |
| Models | - | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | - | $ 128.04 / £ 249.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 453223 (v8)
GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme V21
- Potentially better power efficiency (pending detailed specs)
- May offer a more streamlined user experience
- Likely more affordable (depending on market)
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Limited information available for detailed analysis
- Uncertain display quality
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Powerful Snapdragon 860 chipset for gaming
- Fast 33W charging
- Excellent battery endurance (112 hours)
- May run warmer under sustained load
- Potentially less efficient for basic tasks
- Larger size and weight compared to some competitors
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1401:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, without information on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED), peak brightness, or refresh rate for the Realme V21, it's difficult to assess its display quality relative to the Poco X3 Pro. The Poco X3 Pro's display, while having the same contrast ratio, benefits from a likely higher peak brightness and potentially a 120Hz refresh rate (common for this model), resulting in a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience. The absence of PWM dimming rate data for the Realme V21 also leaves questions about potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details for either device, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the Poco X3 Pro’s positioning as a gaming phone, it’s likely to have a more robust camera system optimized for social media sharing. The Realme V21’s camera performance is an unknown quantity, and the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens (a common but often underwhelming feature) on either device would not significantly impact overall image quality.
Performance
The Poco X3 Pro's Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) chipset is the dominant force here. Its octa-core configuration – 1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver – provides a substantial performance leap over the Realme V21’s 2.2 GHz octa-core CPU. The Snapdragon 860’s Adreno 640 GPU is significantly more capable, translating to higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in demanding titles. While the Realme V21’s CPU is adequate for everyday tasks, it will struggle to match the Poco X3 Pro’s sustained performance under heavy load. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 860 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Poco X3 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 112 hours, coupled with 33W wired charging, achieving 59% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 59 minutes. While the Realme V21’s battery capacity is unknown, the Poco X3 Pro’s fast charging capabilities and respectable endurance provide a significant advantage. The 33W charging on the Poco X3 Pro allows for quick top-ups, minimizing downtime. Without knowing the Realme V21’s battery size and charging speed, it’s difficult to assess its real-world battery performance, but the Poco X3 Pro sets a high bar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you need a reliable daily driver with potentially better power efficiency and are less concerned with pushing graphical limits in demanding games. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you prioritize gaming performance, need a phone capable of handling graphically intensive titles, and value the Snapdragon 860's proven track record. The Poco X3 Pro is the choice for power users on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 860 is known for its good thermal performance, but it can still get warm under sustained load. The Poco X3 Pro incorporates thermal management features to mitigate throttling, but expect some performance reduction after extended gaming. It's generally well-managed, but not immune to heat.
❓ Is the Realme V21 a good choice for users who primarily use their phone for social media and browsing?
The Realme V21 could be a suitable option for basic usage, but its limited CPU power means it may struggle with multitasking or demanding apps. Without more detailed specs, it's difficult to say definitively, but it's likely to be adequate for everyday tasks.
❓ Does the Poco X3 Pro support high refresh rate gaming?
The Poco X3 Pro's display is likely to support a 120Hz refresh rate, and the Snapdragon 860 is capable of pushing high frame rates in many popular games. However, achieving consistently high frame rates will depend on the game's optimization and graphics settings.
