The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y19s GT and Realme C21Y both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this. The Y19s GT leverages a newer, more efficient Mediatek Dimensity chipset, while the C21Y opts for the Unisoc T610. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y19s GT emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Realme C21Y’s 12nm Unisoc T610, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming capabilities. While the C21Y offers reverse wired charging, the Y19s GT’s superior processing power makes it the better daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July 13 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.3 x 77 x 8.2 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.32 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15, Funtouch 15 | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jade Green, Crystal Purple | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | V2459 | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 130 EUR |
vivo Y19s GT
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm process node
- Better CPU architecture (Cortex-A76)
- Potentially better image processing
- No reverse charging
- Charging speed is standard (15W)
Realme C21Y
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Lower price point (likely)
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- May offer longer battery life in light usage
- Slower processor (Unisoc T610)
- Less efficient 12nm process node
- Inferior CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Potentially compromised camera quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on processing power. The absence of high refresh rates on both suggests a focus on battery life. The difference in chipsets will have a far greater impact on the user experience than any minor display variations.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Realme C21Y’s inclusion of reverse wired charging suggests a potential compromise in camera quality to accommodate that feature. The Y19s GT’s focus on processing power may allow for slightly better image processing, but the actual image quality will heavily depend on the sensor and lens used, which are currently unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y19s GT’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Realme C21Y’s Unisoc T610 (12nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the Dimensity 6300 will deliver more performance per watt. The CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 on the Y19s GT versus 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 on the C21Y – further reinforces this advantage. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 6300 are architecturally superior to the A75 cores in the Unisoc, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Realme C21Y’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a notable feature. This allows it to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful capability for users on the go. The vivo Y19s GT’s 15W wired charging is standard for this price range. The Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency may offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the C21Y’s reverse charging capability.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y19s GT if you prioritize performance and responsiveness for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its more modern chipset will ensure a smoother user experience and better longevity. Buy the Realme C21Y if you frequently need to charge other devices via reverse wired charging and are on a very tight budget, accepting a trade-off in processing power and overall speed. The C21Y is best suited for basic communication and minimal app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo Y19s GT handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Y19s GT offers a significant performance boost over the Unisoc T610. You should be able to play PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, expect some frame drops during intense battles.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C21Y in real-world scenarios?
The reverse charging feature is most beneficial for users who frequently find themselves with a depleted battery on accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It's a convenient feature to have, but the charging speed is likely to be slow, making it unsuitable for quickly charging larger devices like another smartphone.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference between the Dimensity 6300 and the Unisoc T610 is quite noticeable in everyday tasks. The Y19s GT will feel snappier when launching apps, switching between them, and browsing the web. The C21Y may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these activities.
