Realme C21
Specs
General
| Device Type | Realme Phone |
| Announced | 05 March, 2021 |
| Released | 05 March, 2021 |
| Status | Available |
Design
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 190 g |
| Protection | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Colors | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
Display
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Display Type Display Technology => A number of display technologies and types used in mobile phones => TFT (Thin Film Transistor), IPS (In-Place Switching), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), Super AMOLED (an even advanced version of AMOLED), Resistive Touchscreen (Resistive touchscreens contain two layer of conductive material with a very small gap between them which acts as a resistance), Capacitive Touchsceen (Capacitive touchscreen technology consists of a layer of glass coated with a transparent conductor) | IPS LCD |
| Size | 6.5 inches |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Display Colors Display Colors is refers to the number of different shades of colors that the screen is capable of displaying => 64K colors, 256K colors and 16 million colors, Obviously 16M is highest available range of colors and better than others. | 16M Colors |
| Pixel Density Pixel Density (PPI) is refers to the concentration of pixels on a particular display, measured in pixels per inch (ppi). Pixel density is calculated by dividing the diagonal pixel resolution of a display by its diagonal size, higher pixel density better display quality. | ~ 270 ppi |
| Touch Screen | Capacitive Touchscreen, Multitouch |
| Features | 400 nits (typ) |
| Secondary Display | No |
Camera
| Front Camera | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Camera Setup | Triple |
| Main Camera Camera is able to capture photographs and usually videos, The most important characteristics of a camera are the resolution (measured in megapixels), lens focus type (fixed or automatic), higher megapixel cameras are known to capture higher quality photos, but not always a good measurement of the photos quality. |
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
| Camera Features | Geo-tagging, Phase detection, touch focus, Panorama, HDR |
| Flash Flash Light => There is commonly two types of flash lights are used in camera mobile phones, LED Flash (LED flash offers lower power consumption with drive circuitry that takes up very little room, LEDs can be strobed faster than any other light source), Xenon Flash (xenon flash produces an extremely intense full-spectrum white light for a very short duration) | LED flash |
Hardware
| Operating System OS => Every computer system run on a base software called Operating System (OS). Operating System controls all basic operations of the computer (such as smartphone, PDAs, tablet computers and other handheld devices). The Operating System allows the user to install and run third party applications (apps), apps are used to add new functionality to the device. | Android 10 |
| Chipset Chipset is a group of integrated circuits designed to perform one or a more dedicated functions, often with real time computing constraints, Popular smartphones are equipped with more advanced embedded chipsets that can do many different tasks depending on their programming. | MediaTek Helio G35 |
| CPU CPU (Central Processing Unit) mostly known as processors, CPU processes instructions in order to carry out certain functions that make your device operate properly. Processors are often described as the brain of computers, smartphones and tablets, Smartphones and tablets rely on processors to carry out their every task, Processors are an incredibly important factor in selecting any type of computing device, including your smartphone. | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 12 nm |
| GPU GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a single-chip processor designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display, This includes things such as lighting effects, object transformations, and 3D motion. | PowerVR GE8320 |
| RAM (Memory) RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes that allows information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computer systems, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage Internal Storage is a data storage space (flash memory) mostly used in smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices where operating system, apps, music, photos, videos, files and other user data Is stored. | 64GB Built-in |
| Card Slot Memory Card Slot is a special slot for inserting a memory card. Memory cards allow you to expand the phone's built-in memory, A memory card (sometimes called a flash memory card or a storage card) is a small storage medium used to store data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable or remote computing devices such as mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras. | |
| Sensors Sensors are electronic components that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure and location, The output is generally a signal that is converted to use in computing systems, a location sensor, such as a GPS receiver is able to detect current location of your electronic device. | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity |
Network
| SIM TYPE SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small card that contains mobile network subscriber's account information. This allows the phone using the card to attach to a mobile network. The SIM card is most commonly associated with GSM and UMTS mobile networks. Moving a SIM card from one phone to another allows a subscriber to switch mobile phones without having to contact their mobile network carrier. SIM cards can also be used by a phone to store limited amounts of data, such as phone numbers and text messages. | Nano SIM |
| SIM Technology | Dual Sim, Dual Standby (Nano-SIM) |
| 2G Network | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Network | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G Network | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 34(2000), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500) |
Multimedia
| FM Radio | |
| Stereo Speakers | NO |
| Loudspeaker | YES |
| Audio Jack | 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Audio Features |
24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic |
Connectivity
| Wi-fi Wi-Fi is a popular wireless networking technology using radio waves to provide high-speed network connections that allows devices to communicate without cords or cables, Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming the preferred mode of internet connectivity all over the world. | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless communications technology for exchanging data between mobile phones, headsets, computers and other network devices over short distances without wires, Bluetooth technology was primarily designed to support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices. | v5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| GPS GPS The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system, GPS permits users to determine their position, velocity and the time 24 hours a day, in all weather, anywhere in the world, In order to locate your position, your device or GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky. | A-GPS support, & GLONASS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go |
| EDGE EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) is a wireless network technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network offers data transfer rates up to four times faster than ordinary GSM networks, Generally, EDGE is used for the purpose of wireless data transfer, such as sharing pictures and videos or browsing the Internet via a mobile phone connection. | |
| GPRS GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet oriented mobile data service on the 2G and 3G cellular communication system's global system for mobile communications (GSM), Generally, GPRS is used for the purpose of wireless data transfer, such as sharing pictures and videos or browsing the Internet via a mobile phone connection. | |
| Speed | 3G (HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps), 4G LTE-A |
| Wi-fi Hotspot | |
| NFC NFC (Near field communication) is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish peer-to-peer radio communications with each other by touching them together or bringing them into proximity, usually no more than a few inches. |
Features
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM |
| Web Browser Web Browser => a web browser is a software application used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web, including Web pages, images, video and other files, The primary function of a web browser is to render HTML, the code used to design or markup webpages. | HTML5 |
| Games | Built-in + Downloadable |
| Torch |
Battery
| Battery Type Battery Type => Cell phones run on various kinds of batteries depending on the manufacturer, phone size or shape and features. There are basically four types of cell phone batteries => Lithium Polymer, Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium. | Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) |
| Capacity Battery Capacity is a measure (typically in Amp-hr) of the charge stored by the battery, and is determined by the mass of active material contained in the battery. The battery capacity represents the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from the battery under certain conditions. | 5000 mAh |
| Placement | Non-removable |
| Wireless Charging Wireless Charging (Inductive Charging) uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through an inductive coupling to an electrical device, which can then use that energy to charge batteries or run the device. | No |
| Extra | Battery charging 10W, Reverse charging |
Realme C21: Detailed Review
Introduction:
The Realme C21, launched in early 2021, is a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at offering essential features and solid performance at an affordable price. As part of Realme’s C series, the C21 is designed to provide good value for users seeking a reliable device for everyday tasks. This review delves into the Realme C21’s design, display, performance, camera system, battery life, software, and other aspects, along with a summary of its pros and cons.
Specifications at a Glance
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (1600 x 720) resolution
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35
- RAM: 3GB or 4GB
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD card
- Rear Cameras:
- 13 MP (wide, f/2.2)
- 2 MP (macro, f/2.4)
- 2 MP (depth, f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 5 MP (f/2.2)
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 10W charging
- Operating System: Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 10
- Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, 3.5mm headphone jack
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics:
- Modern Look: The Realme C21 features a simple yet modern design with a textured back panel that helps reduce fingerprint smudges and provides a better grip.
- Color Options: Available in various colors, including Cross Blue, Cross Black, and Water Gray, offering a range of choices to suit different preferences.
Durability:
- Build Quality: The C21 is built with a plastic body, which is common in budget smartphones. While it feels sturdy, it may not offer the premium feel of higher-end models.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Positioned at the back, the fingerprint sensor is easy to access and offers quick and accurate unlocking.
Ergonomics:
- Comfortable Size: With a 6.5-inch display, the phone is comfortable to hold and use, though it is a bit bulky due to its large battery.
- Build: The phone’s build quality is satisfactory for its price range, with a solid feel and decent construction.
Display
Specifications:
- Size: 6.5-inch IPS LCD
- Resolution: HD+ (1600 x 720)
- Panel Type: IPS LCD
- Brightness: Adequate for indoor use, though not the brightest for outdoor visibility.
Performance:
- Visuals: The IPS LCD display provides decent color reproduction and viewing angles, though it lacks the vibrancy and sharpness of higher-resolution screens.
- Daylight Visibility: The display is functional in most lighting conditions but may struggle in direct sunlight due to its lower peak brightness.
- Refresh Rate: The standard 60Hz refresh rate is typical for budget phones and offers smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Summary: The Realme C21’s display is suitable for casual use, offering satisfactory visuals for the price, though it falls short of the sharpness and brightness seen in higher-end models.
Performance
Processor & RAM:
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35
- RAM Options: 3GB or 4GB
Performance Evaluation:
- General Performance: The Helio G35 chipset provides adequate performance for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
- Gaming Performance: While light games run smoothly, more graphics-intensive games may experience lag or reduced performance.
Storage:
- Internal Storage: Available in 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD card, allowing for additional storage if needed.
Summary: The Realme C21 offers satisfactory performance for its price range, handling everyday tasks efficiently but may not be suitable for heavy multitasking or high-end gaming.
Camera System
Rear Cameras:
- Primary Lens: 13 MP (wide, f/2.2) – Provides decent image quality for a budget phone, capturing clear and detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
- Macro Lens: 2 MP (f/2.4) – Allows for close-up shots, though the image quality may not be very detailed.
- Depth Sensor: 2 MP (f/2.4) – Assists with portrait shots by creating background blur, though results can be inconsistent.
Front Camera:
- Resolution: 5 MP (f/2.2) – Capable of taking acceptable selfies for social media, with average color reproduction and detail.
Camera Performance:
- Daylight Photography: The main camera performs well in well-lit conditions, providing good color accuracy and detail.
- Low-Light Photography: The camera struggles in low-light situations, with noticeable noise and reduced detail.
- Additional Features: The camera app includes basic features such as HDR and portrait mode, which enhance the overall photography experience.
Summary: The Realme C21’s camera system is adequate for casual photography and social media use, offering decent performance in good lighting but limited capabilities in low-light conditions.
Battery Life
Specifications:
- Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Charging: 10W charging
Performance:
- Battery Life: The large 5000 mAh battery provides excellent endurance, comfortably lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. With lighter use, it can last up to two days.
- Charging Speed: The 10W charging is relatively slow compared to faster charging standards found in more expensive phones, but it is adequate for the battery capacity.
Summary: The Realme C21’s battery life is a standout feature, offering impressive longevity that is well-suited for users who need their phone to last throughout the day.
Software
Operating System:
- Original OS: Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 10
- Upgradability: The device is upgradable to newer versions of Android as updates are made available.
User Experience:
- Realme UI: The custom Realme UI offers a range of customization options, including themes and gesture controls. It provides a smooth user experience with minimal bloatware.
- Performance Over Time: The software performs adequately with the Helio G35 chipset, though it may experience slowdowns with heavy use over time.
Software Features:
- Customization: Realme UI allows for a high degree of personalization, including a range of themes and widgets.
- Additional Tools: The OS includes practical tools such as a screen recorder and a customizable app drawer.
Summary: Realme UI 2.0 offers a pleasant software experience with a good range of features and customization options, though the overall performance may be limited by the hardware.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large Battery: The 5000 mAh battery provides excellent endurance, ensuring all-day usage even with heavy use.
- Affordable Pricing: Offers good value for money with essential features at a budget-friendly price.
- Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage via microSD card is a significant advantage for users needing extra space.
- Decent Camera for the Price: The 13 MP main camera provides good performance in well-lit conditions.
Cons:
- Low-Resolution Display: The HD+ display is less sharp compared to higher-resolution screens found in more expensive models.
- Performance Limitations: The Helio G35 chipset is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.
- Slow Charging: The 10W charging is slower compared to faster charging options available in other budget smartphones.
- Limited Low-Light Camera Performance: The camera system struggles in low-light conditions, resulting in noisy and less detailed images.
Conclusion:
The Realme C21 is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable budget smartphone with a large battery and expandable storage. It offers good performance for everyday tasks and decent camera capabilities in well-lit conditions. While it falls short in terms of display resolution, charging speed, and low-light camera performance, it remains a strong contender in the budget segment, delivering excellent value for its price.
Overall, the Realme C21 is a practical option for users looking for a dependable smartphone with essential features and strong battery life without spending a fortune.
Review
Disclaimer Note
All prices in Pakistan is updated daily from the price list provided by local shops and dealers but we can not guarantee that the information / price on this page is 100% correct (Human error is possible), always visit your local shop for exact cell phone cost & rate.
