1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is taller and wider, making it less pocketable and harder to handle with one hand. S21 5G is slightly thicker but feels smaller. |
| Weight | 169g | 185g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, which is more comfortable for prolonged usage. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | The quality and durability of build materials can affect the phones' long term durability and feel |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Realme C65 provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption, gaming. S21 5G is more compact and easier to use single-handedly |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1604 | S21 5G offers much sharper images and text; better for reading, detailed photos, and videos. Realme C65 is less sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 264 | S21 5G has a substantially sharper display resulting in greater detail and clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for viewing in sunlight. Realme C65 provides more consistent colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive; more fluid gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is vastly superior for outdoor visibility and bright conditions. Realme C65 display is not designed for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 5G offers much faster performance for intensive tasks, gaming and overall snappiness. Realme C65 is less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21 5G provides a much smoother and faster experience across all tasks, better app loading and gaming. Realme C65 will struggle with demanding applications |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | S21 5G is better suited for graphically intensive tasks, high end gaming etc. Realme C65 will struggle with graphics-heavy games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1) | Realme C65 captures higher resolution photos, but S21 5G captures more light and detail due to larger pixel size. The S21 5G sensor is larger, capturing more light and detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm, Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | None | S21 5G offers superior zoom capabilities for capturing detailed shots from a distance and better portraits with depth effects. The C65 has no dedicated zoom lens and lacks the portrait capabilities offered by the S21. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374) | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21 5G provides higher resolution selfies, while the Realme C65 has a slightly wider aperture (f/2) for better low-light performance. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Realme C65 utilizes a dedicated depth sensor for background blurring effect in portrait mode; S21 5G does not have a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Sony IMX563) | None | S21 5G offers versatile shooting with wide angle for landscape shots and macro capabilities for close ups. C65 does not have those capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo sound. 4K@60 fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G offers far superior video capabilities, suitable for high-quality recording. C65 is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie:132 (S21 5G Only) | Not available for C65 | S21 5G has been tested by DXOMark which gives an idea of camera performance. C65 has no available DXOMark score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C65 likely offers longer battery life due to a larger capacity. Actual usage can vary based on other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C65 charges much faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | Not supported | S21 5G allows for convenient wireless charging. C65 does not support it |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | Not supported | S21 5G allows for convenient wireless charging for other devices. C65 does not support it |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and brightness, resulting in a much better visual experience, especially outdoors and for media consumption. The 120Hz refresh rate also makes scrolling smoother.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide much faster processing and graphics capabilities, making it ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Better sensor size, optical zoom, wider-angle, and higher resolution video recording and versatile features.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenience, letting it charge without cables and charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancelling microphone for an enhanced audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering superior screen protection.
- Advanced Sensors: Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors for enhanced functionality.
Practical Implications: The S21 5G provides a premium experience with its higher-end features, offering better visuals, performance, and camera capabilities. It's more responsive and enjoyable for demanding tasks and multimedia use.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: The 45W fast charging allows for quicker recharges.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 out of the box compared to the Android 11 of the S21.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered faster and more convenient than the S21's fingerprint sensor.
- Cheaper: The C65 has a lower price point
Practical Implications: The C65 is better suited for users who prioritize battery life and faster charging times. It can be more affordable and suitable for general use, especially for users who are on a budget.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Offers top-tier features but with a smaller battery and a non-expandable storage.
- Realme C65: Provides solid battery life and fast charging at a lower cost, but compromises on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos, photos, and games, and want the best display quality.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding apps and multitasking without slowing down.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who need high-quality camera features, including optical zoom and 8k video recording.
- Users who value convenience: Those that prefer features like wireless charging
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos on a sharp, vibrant display.
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Using demanding productivity apps without performance issues.
Realme C65 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need their phones to last a full day, or two, without having to recharge them.
- Basic smartphone users: Users who prioritize basic functionality over high-end performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and communication.
- Playing less intensive casual games.
- Long-lasting use for travel or outdoor activities
- Users that need a reliable, affordable device for basic tasks.
Price-to-Value:
- S21 5G: Offers superior features, performance, and build quality. Its value is in providing a high-end experience.
- Realme C65: Provides good value in terms of battery life and charging speed at a lower price point but compromises in some areas like display quality, performance, and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? (S21 5G is premium, while the Realme C65 is an affordable option.)
- What do you value most in a smartphone? (Display and performance or battery life and affordability?)
- How do you typically use your smartphone? (Demanding tasks or basic functionality?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the best display and overall performance for heavy use, media consumption, and gaming, and camera is important: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice with its superior display, performance, and camera system.
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable phone with excellent battery life for general use and longer periods between charges: The Realme C65 is the better choice, offering significantly better battery life and faster charging with a lower price.
- Scenario 3: You need a balance of decent performance and battery life without breaking the bank. The C65 would be the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
While the Realme C65 offers a larger battery and faster charging which are important factors for many, the overall experience offered by the S21 5G is far superior. The screen quality alone is a game-changer, making everyday tasks and media consumption much more enjoyable. The significantly better performance and the camera's capabilities offer a premium experience that the C65 simply cannot match. I also prefer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which are included in the S21 5G.
While the S21 is an older device, its higher-end specs and features give it a clear edge over the C65, despite the latter having a newer Android version. The display is much better and it also offers more features for the camera. The performance and features offered by S21 5G justify the higher price.
