The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 408 and the Realme C21. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C21 edges out the TCL 408 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and reverse wired charging. While both are budget options, the Realme C21 offers a marginally better performance and a convenient charging feature, making it the slightly more compelling choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T507U, T507U1, T507U2 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - T507D1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 05 | 2021, March 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (T507U only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Grey, Midnight Blue | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | T507D1, T507A, T507U, T507U1, T507U2, T507J | RMX3201 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 410 EUR |
TCL 408
- Clean and simple software
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Basic camera performance
- No reverse charging
Realme C21
- Slightly better performance
- Reverse wired charging
- Versatile camera setup (often)
- Good battery life
- Can still feel sluggish with demanding apps
- Average display quality
- Software can be a bit cluttered
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. Color accuracy is typical for this price range, leaning towards slightly oversaturated hues. Neither display stands out significantly, making it a draw.
Camera Comparison
The TCL 408 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Realme C21 often includes a 13MP main camera alongside macro and depth sensors. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, with both producing acceptable results. Low-light performance is weak on both devices. The Realme's additional sensors offer slightly more versatility.
Performance
The Realme C21's Helio G35 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 408's Helio G25. While neither phone is a powerhouse, the Realme handles basic tasks and light gaming more smoothly. Expect occasional stutters on the TCL 408 when multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Realme C21's reverse wired charging capability is a significant advantage, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The TCL 408 is a good option for users prioritizing a clean software experience and basic functionality. The Realme C21 is better suited for those needing a bit more processing power for light gaming or multitasking and appreciate the added convenience of reverse wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C21 is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, don't expect high frame rates or demanding titles to run smoothly on either device.
❓ Can the Realme C21 charge other phones?
Yes, the Realme C21 supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices.
