The vivo Y21G and Realme C21Y represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they diverge in their core processing power and feature sets. This comparison dissects the differences between the MediaTek Helio G70-powered vivo Y21G and the Unisoc T610-equipped Realme C21Y, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks and occasional gaming, the vivo Y21G with its Helio G70 chipset is the better choice. While the Realme C21Y offers the convenience of reverse wired charging, the Unisoc T610's slightly lower CPU clock speeds and overall architecture result in a less fluid user experience.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 07 | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 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 (~81.8% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 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, (wide) | 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, (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 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | V2152 | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 130 EUR |
vivo Y21G
- Faster processor (Helio G70)
- 18W fast charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Lacks reverse charging functionality
- May have less optimized software compared to Realme
Realme C21Y
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slightly higher clock speed on A55 cores
- Realme UI is generally well-regarded
- Slower processor (Unisoc T610)
- Potentially slower charging speeds when charging itself
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the shared 12nm process node, display differences are likely minimal and not specified in the provided data. Expect standard LCD panels with 720p+ resolution common in this price bracket. Color accuracy and peak brightness will likely be similar, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses (potentially a depth or macro sensor). Image processing will heavily rely on software algorithms, and the Helio G70’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) *could* offer marginally better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. However, the real-world difference will likely be minimal without knowing sensor sizes and lens apertures.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21G’s MediaTek Helio G70 utilizes a dual-cluster configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Realme C21Y’s Unisoc T610 also employs a similar dual-cluster setup, but with slightly lower clock speeds: 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. While the Unisoc T610's A55 cores run at a slightly higher clock speed, the Helio G70's faster A75 cores provide a performance advantage in demanding tasks. This translates to quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking on the vivo Y21G. The Helio G70 also benefits from a more mature software ecosystem and optimized drivers, further enhancing its performance.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have similar battery capacities, typical of the segment (around 5000mAh). However, the charging capabilities differ significantly. The vivo Y21G supports 18W wired charging, enabling faster top-ups. The Realme C21Y, conversely, offers *reverse* wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. This is a unique feature for this price point, but it comes at the cost of potentially slower charging speeds *for itself* when acting as the device being charged. The 18W charging on the Y21G will likely result in a quicker 0-100% charge time compared to the C21Y's charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21G if you need a phone that can reliably handle multitasking, streaming, and light gaming without significant slowdowns. Its Helio G70 provides a noticeable performance edge. Buy the Realme C21Y if you frequently need to charge other devices on the go and value the convenience of reverse wired charging, accepting a slight compromise in raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T610 in the Realme C21Y struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Unisoc T610 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, it may exhibit noticeable slowdowns when multitasking or running more demanding applications. The Helio G70 in the vivo Y21G offers a smoother experience for these scenarios due to its faster Cortex-A75 cores.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the vivo Y21G with the 18W charger?
With the included 18W charger, the vivo Y21G is expected to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Realme C21Y, which may take longer due to its focus on reverse charging capabilities.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C21Y useful for charging a smartphone?
Yes, the reverse charging feature on the Realme C21Y can provide a slow but steady charge to another smartphone in an emergency. However, it's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, as the charging speed is limited and will drain the C21Y's battery considerably.
❓ Which phone is better for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The vivo Y21G with the Helio G70 is the better choice for gaming. The G70's more powerful CPU and GPU will deliver higher frame rates and a smoother gaming experience compared to the Unisoc T610 in the Realme C21Y, although both phones will require reduced graphics settings for optimal performance.
