1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C67 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-12-16 | Realme C67 is a newer model with potentially improved software and hardware. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle in one hand, while the C67 offers a larger screen at the expense of being bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 5G is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C67 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.72" | Realme C67 offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking, whereas the S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer the same sharpness for reading, browsing, and other activities at this resolution. |
| PPI | 421 | 392 | S21 5G provides slightly sharper text and images due to a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making media more immersive; it also has better power efficiency with dark themes, beneficial for battery life. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for enhanced user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | S21 5G has significantly better screen visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C67 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing; The C67's chipset is more power efficient for everyday tasks, with slightly reduced performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 338,900 | S21 5G offers significantly better performance for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking; C67 is better for basic use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G57 MC2 (Adreno 610) | S21 5G offers superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. Realme C67 can handle basic tasks but not demanding gaming or video editing efficiently. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C67 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.80 µm pixels (Sony IMX555) | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67" sensor, 0.64 µm pixels (Samsung HM6) | Realme C67 takes higher-resolution images in well-lit conditions, While S21 5G offers bigger pixel size for better low-light performance. Both sensors offer great detail and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels (Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | None | S21 5G offers 3x Optical Zoom and better portraits than C67. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22 µm pixels (Sony IMX374) | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 5G produces slightly higher-resolution selfies, though the C67 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C67 captures close-up photos, whereas S21 5G relies on its ultrawide lens or digital zoom for macro. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixels (Sony IMX563) | None | S21 5G can capture wider scenes, which is ideal for landscapes or group photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | S21 5G records much higher quality videos (8k vs 1080p). The S21 5G captures detailed video footage, smooth slow-motion, and superior audio quality with its HDR capabilities. C67 is adequate for everyday basic recordings. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 5G has demonstrated better camera performance than C67 in professional testing. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, Triple camera, RAW, Night Mode, PDAF | Digital zoom, Dual camera; Basic Features | S21 5G provides professional-level features that enables better image quality and versatility in different use scenarios. C67 has basic photo options for day to day use cases. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C67 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C67 offers considerably longer battery life, though actual performance varies with use and optimizations. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme C67 charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Other Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, no in-box charger | Reverse charging | S21 5G has unique wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities and does not have a charger in box, whereas C67 does not have these options and needs an additional charger if not already owned. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher brightness, provides significantly better visuals, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset offers drastically better processing power for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens with OIS, significantly more video recording options (including 8K).
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Premium Build: Utilizes a superior screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus) for enhanced durability.
- Better Audio Quality: Includes noise cancellation mic
Practical Implications for S21 5G: Better visual experience and viewing enjoyment, enhanced gaming performance, higher quality camera for photography and videography.
Realme C67 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Provides significantly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster than the S21 5G.
- Newer Model: Benefit from slightly updated software and the latest OS features (Android 13).
- Larger Screen: Offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen.
- Macro Lens: Can capture close up macro photos.
Practical Implications for C67: Longer usage time, better battery recharge times, newer software, and larger viewing experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Trades battery life and screen size for higher performance, a superior camera system, and more premium features.
- Realme C67: Trades performance, camera quality, and premium features for longer battery life and a larger screen at a lower cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers: The high performance chipset makes it a powerful and capable gaming device.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: The superior camera capabilities and video recording will be a great fit for people who take their camera quality seriously.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: AMOLED, higher brightness and refresh rate will give a much better viewing experience.
- Users seeking premium features: Wireless charging, better audio recording/playback, higher processing power, and advanced camera features.
- Users who value a more compact and lighter phone: The device is easier to handle and carry.
Realme C67 Ideal User:
- Users on a Budget: Seeking a device with solid essential features at a reasonable price.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: For those who need a phone that can last a full day of moderate use.
- Media Consumption: Those who prioritize a large screen for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- Users who want the latest software: Android 13 OS.
- Users who want a basic phone that does the job: Has all the necessary basic features without needing high-end capabilities.
Use Cases:
- S21 5G: Playing demanding games, professional photography, video editing, media streaming in bright environments, and using resource intensive apps.
- Realme C67: All day basic use, everyday photography, watching videos, browsing the internet, using social media, and communication.
Price-to-Value: The price to value ratio highly depends on user needs. If your main priority is battery life and a larger screen, the Realme C67 provides excellent value. If processing power, superior display quality, and camera features are your main concerns, the S21 5G is the better choice, though it may cost more.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday use)
- How important is battery life vs. performance?
- What is your budget and how much are you willing to pay for the phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Camera Priority: If performance, camera quality and display are important, and battery is not a huge concern, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life and Budget Priority: If long battery life and budget are the biggest priorities, with basic functions being the main use case, go with the Realme C67.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you want a decent phone overall, with a larger screen, good battery and adequate features, consider the Realme C67
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why: While the Realme C67 is a newer device with a larger battery and screen, my personal priorities lean towards a superior display, better camera system, and higher performance. The AMOLED screen, the higher processing power and better camera features of the S21 5G makes it the better option for me. I prioritize having a premium experience with advanced capabilities in a compact and lighter form factor. The extra features such as wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio and video recording also make it a more versatile device for my use cases. While the battery is less than the C67, it is adequate for a full day of use.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G aligns more with my specific needs despite being an older model, and is a phone that offers significant power, great features, and better user experience.
