Realme C21Y was introduced to the world in late June 2021. It belongs to the budget class and is interesting in that it offers a set of basic modern features for a super attractive low price. For example, it has a high-capacity battery, has an NFC module and a fingerprint scanner.
As a representative of the C series, it is a product of compromises. The end result, however, pleases - especially undemanding users who don't like giving money for unnecessary features.
Realme C21Y Specifications
- Release date: 2021, June 21
- Colors: Cross Black, Cross Blue
- Dimensions: 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm.
- Weight: 200 g.
- Screen: 6.5" in, 720 x 1600, IPS LCD
- Camera : Dual, 13MP
- Chipset: Unisoc T610 (12 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2xX.X GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
- Memory: 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
- Battery: 5000, Li-Po, non-removable
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
- Operating system: Android 10, Realme UI
- Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Realme C21Y Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Design
The Realme C21Y's casing is brushed plastic. The back is solved with interesting engraving, which makes the device recognizable on the market. Practically, the back panel is divided into four unequal sectors. As if no fingerprints could be left on it.
The manufacturer has opted for two colors that are interesting in themselves: dark gray and gray-sky blue.
On the rear panel in the upper left corner is a block of three cameras with flash. It literally protrudes a millimeter above the body. The curved edges add to the comfort while handling the Realme C21Y. Towards the center you'll find the fingerprint scanner, the placement of which is easy to get used to.
At the bottom, on the left, you will see the company logo. It stands gently and simply. It doesn't stick out.
On the front panel there is a display that occupies 88.7% of the area. The bezels around it are large and unobtrusive. The notch for the front camera is classic - in the shape of a drop.
Display
Realme C21Y has a large enough IPS screen with an aspect ratio of 20:9. Its diagonal is 6.5 inches and has a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The pixel density per inch is 269. The maximum brightness is enough to read from the screen even on a sunny day. In the settings, you can choose a dark theme, adjust the brightness, adjust the font size and image scale. You can also specify when you want the screen to turn on - for example, when you lift the device or receive notifications. There are also contrast and temperature settings.
Performance
The Realme C21Y is based on the Unisoc T610 chipset, implemented using 12nm technology. The processor is 8-core and consists of two Cortex-A75 cores with an operating frequency of 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 with a similar frequency. The graphics are handled by a Mali-G52 accelerator. RAM is 3 or 4 GB depending on the modification. Storage is 32 or 64 GB respectively. It can be expanded using a memory card. These features are basic and will not allow you to comfortably use heavier games or applications. However, Realme C21Y handles other everyday tasks flawlessly - messengers, mail, web browsing, social networking, watching videos, etc.
The smartphone comes factory-installed with Android 11 operating system and Realme UI. It can be unlocked in two ways - with the fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.
Cameras
The rear camera of Realme C21Y consists of 3 modules. The main one is a 13-megapixel with f/2.2 and PDAF. It is complemented by a 2-megapixel macro camera and a monochrome sensor. You can shoot videos at 1080 pixels resolution, and there are several standard modes - Video, Timelapse, Slow mo, etc. Typical photo modes include portrait, macro, pro and panorama.
With the help of the main sensor, you can create not bad shots with enough light in the environment. When these conditions are not available, we recommend using the night mode.
The front camera of Realme C21Y is 5-megapixel and will delight you with decent selfies for this class of smartphones.
Autonomous operation
The smartphone is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery that provides decent autonomous operation. With a single charge, you can count on two nights before you reach for the charger.
A 10W charger comes with the Realme C21Y. With its help, you will be able to restore the battery charge from 30 to 100% in about two hours. A full recharge requires 2.5 hours.
A curious point in the Realme C21Y is the possibility to be used as an external battery. With it, you can charge your favorite devices.
Conclusion
Realme C21Y is not a bad entry-level smartphone. It is suitable for anyone who needs devices without unnecessary features. It is characterized by a nice design, comfortable dimensions, fingerprint scanner, NFC module for contactless payments, excellent autonomous operation and not bad performance for this class of smartphones.
Among its weaknesses are undoubtedly photo capabilities. For its price, however, Realme C21Y offers an excellent set - it will be a complete assistant for an undemanding user.
Realme C21Y video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Realme C21Y and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Realme.
