The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo Y11s and the Realme C21Y. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C21Y edges out the vivo Y11s thanks to its slightly more powerful CPU and reverse charging capability. While both are solid budget options, the Realme offers a bit more versatility and performance for the price. However, vivo's software experience might appeal to some.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 21. Released 2021, January 05 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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/1.8, (wide) | 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Phantom Black | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | V2028 | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 130 EUR |
vivo Y11s
- Clean and simple software
- Reliable everyday performance
- Decent battery life
- Good value for money
- Slightly older chipset
- No reverse charging
- Average camera performance
Realme C21Y
- Slightly better performance
- Reverse charging capability
- Macro lens for creative photography
- Modern design
- Software can be a bit cluttered
- Average camera performance in low light
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. Neither display stands out significantly, but they are perfectly serviceable for the price point. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y11s typically features a 13MP main camera with AI capabilities, while the Realme C21Y often includes a 13MP main camera and a macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Realme's macro lens offers a unique creative option. Low-light performance is average on both.
Performance
The Realme C21Y's Unisoc T610 with its Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y11s' Snapdragon 460. While both handle basic tasks well, the Realme will feel snappier when multitasking or running slightly more demanding apps. Gaming performance will be better on the Realme.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a substantial 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Realme C21Y's reverse charging capability is a significant advantage, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches from your phone.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y11s? Users prioritizing a clean, simple software experience and reliable everyday performance. Who should buy the Realme C21Y? Those seeking a bit more processing power, reverse charging for accessories, and a slightly more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme C21Y generally offers better gaming performance due to its slightly more powerful chipset.
❓ Can the Realme C21Y charge other devices?
Yes, the Realme C21Y supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge accessories from your phone.
❓ Which phone has a cleaner user interface?
The vivo Y11s is often praised for its cleaner and more streamlined user interface.
