The Samsung Galaxy M21 and Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget 5G smartphone market. The M21, a slightly older model, focuses on providing a solid all-around experience at a competitive price. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G, however, prioritizes performance and faster charging, leveraging newer chipset technology. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M21’s Exynos 9611, coupled with substantially faster 30W charging. While the M21 offers good value, the Narzo 30 Pro delivers a more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, March 23 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz , 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 30W wired, PD, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Raven Black | Sword Black, Blade Silver |
| Models | SM-M215F, SM-M215F/DS, SM-M215F/DSN | RMX2117 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | £ 279.99 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 129.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Samsung brand reputation
- Good all-around functionality
- Slower Exynos 9611 chipset
- Significantly slower 15W charging
- Less future-proof
Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset
- 30W fast charging with PD support
- Improved gaming performance
- More efficient 7nm process
- Realme’s software experience may not appeal to everyone
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the M21, its market positioning suggests an FHD+ LCD panel. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G also likely features an FHD+ display. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Dimensity 800U’s integrated GPU will likely provide a smoother experience during fast-paced content like gaming. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the specifics beyond the main sensor are less critical. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s camera system is expected to benefit from the Dimensity 800U’s enhanced image signal processor (ISP), leading to improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance. While the M21 may offer a comparable megapixel count, the underlying processing power of the Exynos 9611 will likely limit its ability to compete in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, demonstrably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21’s 10nm Exynos 9611. The Dimensity 800U’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.4 GHz) are architecturally superior to the M21’s Cortex-A73 cores (4x2.3 GHz), resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G is also likely to exhibit better thermal management, reducing the risk of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy M21’s battery capacity is not specified, but typically falls in the 4000-5000mAh range for this series. The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s battery capacity is also unspecified, but the real advantage lies in its 30W wired charging, supporting a 50% charge in 25 minutes and a full charge in 65 minutes. The M21’s 15W charging is significantly slower. This means the Narzo 30 Pro 5G can quickly top up its battery, minimizing downtime, even if its overall battery capacity is slightly smaller. The efficiency of the Dimensity 800U’s 7nm process also contributes to potentially better battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 if you prioritize a consistently reliable, if not blazing-fast, experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally play less demanding games. Buy the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G if you value performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and appreciate the convenience of rapid 30W charging. This is the better choice for users who want a phone that feels responsive and can handle demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, being a 10nm chip, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s 7nm Dimensity 800U. While it won’t necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, expect performance to dip after extended gaming, leading to lower frame rates and a less smooth experience.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Narzo 30 Pro 5G compatible with all USB-PD chargers?
Yes, the Narzo 30 Pro 5G supports USB Power Delivery (PD) charging. This means it will work with most USB-PD chargers, allowing you to take advantage of the fast charging speeds with compatible adapters. However, using a non-PD charger will result in slower charging speeds.
❓ How does the Dimensity 800U handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 800U is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. Expect smooth frame rates and minimal lag, even during intense firefights. The chipset’s integrated GPU provides a significant advantage over the Exynos 9611 in these demanding titles.
❓ Is the camera on the Narzo 30 Pro 5G good enough for social media uploads?
Yes, the Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s camera, powered by the Dimensity 800U’s ISP, is more than capable of producing high-quality images suitable for social media. Expect good detail, accurate colors, and decent low-light performance. The image processing algorithms will enhance photos for sharing.
