Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Realme C61
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, highlighting their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is noticeably larger and taller, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 188g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown Screen Protection | S21 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 5G provides much sharper and clearer visuals with more detail, noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 421 | 260 | S21 5G has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and crisper display, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, ideal for HDR content and darker environments. It is also more energy efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more responsive and fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much better for outdoor use in direct sunlight, ensuring better screen visibility. Note that the Realme C61 brightness specification is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful and efficient, leading to faster performance in all tasks including gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 252,597 | S21 5G performs significantly better, loading apps faster, supporting smoother multitasking, and providing a superior gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 5G has a much more powerful GPU, which means better graphics processing for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP (f/1.8) | 32MP (f/1.8) | Realme C61 captures images with higher pixel count, offering more detail when zoomed in. However, resolution is not the only factor in image quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 5G can achieve better quality zoomed photos with dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.0) | S21 5G offers more detailed selfies. Realme C61 has slightly wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme C61 has a depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 5G offers versatile photography with wide-angle and macro options. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 5G records much higher resolution videos. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K video, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Digital Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization | S21 5G offers more advanced features for high quality photos and video capture. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 (photo: 118, video: 90) | Not Tested | S21 5G's camera performance is confirmed through DXOMark scoring. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 (photo: 125, video: 145) | Not Tested | S21 5G's front camera performance is confirmed through DXOMark scoring. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C61 offers potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity. Actual endurance will depend on usage and software optimization. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Charging, No Charger in-Box | None (Beyond non-removable) | S21 5G has convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of each phone's major strengths and weaknesses:
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, high resolution, 120Hz, and high brightness provides a vastly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers more versatility with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses and captures high quality photos and videos including 8K recording, OIS, and RAW.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers additional convenience features not found on Realme C61
- Premium Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- Better Audio Features Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a bigger screen for media consumption and browsing.
- Larger Battery: Potentially provides longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Charges the battery faster.
- More Recent Software: Ships with newer Android 14
Trade-offs:
- Realme C61 sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a larger screen, bigger battery and newer software.
- Samsung S21 5G might have a shorter battery life, and no in-box charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, versatile camera capabilities, and advanced features like RAW capture and OIS.
- Media Consumers: Users who want a vibrant, high-resolution display for watching movies, videos, and playing games.
- Users who value premium features Wireless charging, reverse charging, advanced audio.
Realme C61 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who are looking for a phone with essential features at a lower price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks such as calls, messages, browsing, and social media.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last for an extended period without needing to be charged frequently.
- Users who want the latest version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 5G: Editing videos on the go, playing graphics-intensive games, capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media or professional use, enjoying HDR content on its AMOLED screen, using wireless charging on the go, using reverse wireless charging to charge other devices.
- Realme C61: Long work shifts away from a power outlet, basic web browsing, and social media consumption, watching videos for extended time periods, using the phone as a GPS for long drives, basic mobile gaming.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 5G likely offers higher value for users looking for high-end features, performance and camera quality.
- The Realme C61 provides good value for users on a budget who need a larger screen and battery without demanding performance needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media, photography, general use).
- How much do you prioritize display quality and performance?
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features, better performance and camera quality?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a phone for demanding tasks, gaming, and photography, and have some flexibility in your budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the superior choice.
- Scenario 2: If you are on a strict budget, prioritize battery life and a larger screen for basic tasks, then the Realme C61 is a more appropriate choice.
- Scenario 3: If you value a premium, high-quality display and high performance above all else, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option.
My Choice
Given my preferences and use case, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Explanation:
While the Realme C61 has a larger battery and faster charging, these benefits are outweighed by the S21 5G's superior display, performance, and camera system. As someone who values high-quality visuals, smooth performance, and versatile photography, the S21 5G provides a much more compelling experience for my needs. I often watch videos, browse social media, and take pictures. The benefits of AMOLED screen with 120Hz, the superior chipset and camera system would drastically enhance my everyday user experience more than the bigger battery or faster charging on the Realme C61. Additionally, I value the advanced wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, the premium build quality and enhanced audio features such as Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling mic.
