Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21
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Asus Zenfone 8
Starting at
£691.00
Realme C21
Starting at
£198.00What's the difference between the Asus Zenfone 8 and Realme C21?
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £493 less than the Asus Zenfone 8.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Asus Zenfone 8, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21.
- The Asus Zenfone 8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 specs
The Asus Zenfone 8 and Realme C21 both arrived in 2021 but suit different users due to their contrasts in performance, screen, and battery. The Zenfone 8 offers a sharper, smaller Super AMOLED display and stronger processing power with more RAM and storage, suiting those who value speed and image quality in a compact form. The Realme C21 has a larger screen and a bigger battery, ideal for users who prefer longer usage between charges and a more spacious display. Camera capabilities and mobile network support also differ, with the Zenfone 8 delivering higher megapixels and 5G connectivity while the Realme C21 supports expandable storage with a microSD card slot.
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support influence how each phone suits your daily use. Both run Android and were released in 2021, so the choice comes down to how you prioritise battery life and updates.
Battery Capacity
The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, suitable for users who need longer time between charges, especially if you use your phone heavily throughout the day. The Asus Zenfone 8 has a 4000 mAh battery, which is still substantial but best suited for those who may prioritise other features like screen quality and performance.
Software Updates
If staying on the current software version works for your needs, both devices offer a similar experience in this regard.
Battery
Foldable
Year of release
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 performance
Performance differences come down to chipset power, RAM, and storage size. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much you can keep open at once.
Processor and RAM
The Asus Zenfone 8 features a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset with 6 GB of RAM, providing strong performance for multitasking and demanding apps. The Realme C21 uses a Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 with 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday tasks and lighter app use.
Storage Options
You can find the Asus Zenfone 8 with 128GB of storage, offering ample space for apps, media, and files. The Realme C21 comes with 64GB, which is enough for many users but might require more careful management of available space.
Chipset
RAM
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 screen
Screen size, resolution, and technology shape how you view content. The two devices offer different experiences for watching videos, gaming, and browsing.
Display Size and Resolution
The Realme C21 has a larger 6.5 inch screen, giving more room for video and reading. Its resolution is 720 x 1600, providing sufficient clarity for everyday use. The Asus Zenfone 8 has a smaller 5.9 inch screen but a higher resolution of 1080 x 2400, which delivers sharper images and text.
Screen Technology
Asus Zenfone 8 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for better contrast and more vibrant colours. The Realme C21 features an IPS LCD, which offers good colour accuracy and wider viewing angles but with less contrast than AMOLED.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 camera
Camera capabilities can affect your photos and video calls. Front and main camera megapixels indicate the level of detail each device can capture.
Front Camera
The Asus Zenfone 8 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which suits those who want clear and detailed selfies or video calls. The Realme C21 has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for standard video chats and casual selfies.
Main Camera
With a 64 megapixel main camera, the Asus Zenfone 8 captures more detail for photos, which is useful if you often take pictures or enjoy zooming in on your shots. The Realme C21's 13 megapixel main camera is well suited for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 size and design
Other features include network support, physical size, and storage expandability, which influence daily handling and connectivity.
Network and SIM
The Asus Zenfone 8 supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile internet speeds where available. The Realme C21 operates on 4G, which covers most common network needs but at lower maximum speeds. Both phones feature dual physical SIM slots and are unlocked for use with any carrier.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Asus Zenfone 8 is more compact at 148 mm tall and 68.5 mm wide, weighing 169 g, making it easier to handle with one hand or carry in a pocket. The Realme C21 is larger, measuring 165.2 mm by 76.4 mm and weighing 190 g, offering a bigger screen at the cost of extra bulk.
Storage Expansion
The Realme C21 includes a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage, which is helpful if you need more space for media or files beyond the internal capacity. The Asus Zenfone 8 does not have an SD card slot.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Asus Zenfone 8 or Realme C21: which should you buy?
Buy the Asus Zenfone 8 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (64 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
Buy the Realme C21 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £198, £493 less than the Asus Zenfone 8
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 FAQs
Asus Zenfone 8 vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Asus Zenfone 8, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21. The Asus Zenfone 8 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £691 for the Asus Zenfone 8.
The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Asus Zenfone 8 has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
Refurbished, the Asus Zenfone 8 comes in 128GB, and the Realme C21 in 64GB.









