The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 8i and Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 represent compelling options. The M21 2021, a refreshed version of a popular model, focuses on providing a reliable experience, while the Realme 8i aims to deliver a more modern feature set, particularly in performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8i is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021’s older Exynos 9611 (10nm). While battery life is comparable, the 8i’s faster charging and slightly brighter display give it an edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Established Brand Reputation (Samsung)
- Reliable, Consistent Performance
- Comparable Battery Endurance
- Older Exynos 9611 Chipset
- Slower 15W Charging
- Likely Lower Display Brightness
Realme 8i
- Faster Mediatek Helio G96 Chipset
- Faster 18W Charging
- Brighter Display (540 nits)
- Less Established Brand (Realme)
- Potential for More Bloatware
- Similar Battery Endurance to M21
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a measured peak brightness of 540 nits and a 1244:1 contrast ratio, offering a more vibrant and visible experience, especially outdoors. While the M21 2021’s display specifications aren’t explicitly stated, Samsung typically delivers good color accuracy. However, the 8i’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. Both likely utilize LCD panels, given their price points, and lack high refresh rates, but the 8i’s superior contrast makes media consumption more enjoyable.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specs are lacking. Given the price bracket, expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions. The Realme 8i may benefit from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) enhancements. However, without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8i’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores – compared to the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021’s Exynos 9611 (10nm) with its Cortex-A73 cores. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world tasks. The G96’s Mali-G57 MC2 GPU also provides a more capable gaming experience. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G96’s efficiency on a 12nm node should result in better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
Both the Realme 8i and Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 achieve an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating comparable battery life. However, the Realme 8i’s 18W wired charging is faster than the M21 2021’s 15W charging. This means the 8i can replenish its battery more quickly, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed gives the 8i a practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 if you prioritize a known brand reputation and a consistently reliable, if not blazing-fast, experience. It’s a solid all-rounder for basic tasks. Buy the Realme 8i if you prioritize gaming, faster app loading times, and a more modern chipset, even if it means sacrificing some brand recognition. It’s the better option for power users on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to throttle under sustained load, meaning performance will decrease over time during extended gaming. While it won't shut down, expect frame rate drops in demanding titles. The Realme 8i’s Helio G96, built on a more efficient process, manages thermals better.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Realme 8i significantly faster than the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021?
Yes, while the difference doesn't sound massive, 18W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect approximately 30-60 minutes faster to reach a full charge on the Realme 8i, depending on battery level and usage.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras typically produce low-resolution, soft images. They are often included for marketing purposes but offer limited practical benefit compared to using the main camera in standard photo mode.
❓ Can the Realme 8i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Realme 8i can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to balance graphics settings for a smooth experience. Expect to play at medium settings with a stable frame rate. The Helio G96 is capable, but it's not a flagship-level gaming chip.
