Home
Trade-in

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21

Shop Samsung Galaxy
  • 24-month warranty
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £50
  • 14-day returns
  • Excellent customer support

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Starting at

£229.00
See options

Realme C21

Starting at

£198.00
See options
(421 reviews)
(1 review)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Realme C21?

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £31 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

Refurbished from

£229£198

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35

RAM

8 GB4 GB

Battery

3300 mAh5000 mAh

Screen size

6.7 inch6,5 inch

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCD
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21.
  • The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
  • The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 specs

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Realme C21 both launched in 2021 and cater to different needs. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G suits those who want a stylish foldable phone with a sharp, vibrant screen and strong performance for multitasking and 5G connectivity. It also offers unlocked carrier flexibility and a more compact, slim design when folded. The Realme C21 is ideal for everyday use with a larger battery that lasts longer and expandable storage through a microSDXC slot. It has a straightforward design with dual physical SIM support and a solid main camera for capturing detail. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise design and performance or battery life and storage options.

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 price

Colour

  • BlackSold out
  • GreenSold out
  • BeigeSold out
  • PurpleSold out
  • WhiteSold out
  • PinkSold out
  • BlackSold out

Storage

  • 128GBSold out
  • 256GBSold out
  • 64GBSold out

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size, software updates and the physical design. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's foldable design makes it unique here, while the Realme C21 offers a larger battery for longer use between charges.

Battery Capacity

The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer battery life for extended use away from a charger. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's 3300 mAh battery is smaller but fits its foldable, slim design well, making it suitable for those who value portability over extended battery runtime.

Foldable Design

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's foldable screen lets you carry a larger display in a compact form when folded. This suits people who want a phone that can fit easily in a pocket but still offers a roomy screen when opened. The Realme C21 has a traditional design without folding.

Battery

3300 mAh5000 mAh

Foldable

YesNo

Ip rating

IPX8N/A

Software updates

Ended Sep 2026N/A

Year of release

20212021

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.

Processor Power

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset built on 5 nm technology, delivering strong performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The Realme C21's Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset offers reliable everyday use for simpler tasks and apps.

Memory

With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G keeps multiple apps running smoothly, supporting more intensive multitasking. The Realme C21 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits users focused on everyday tasks and basic app use.

Storage Options

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos and media. The Realme C21 is stocked with 64GB, a smaller but sufficient amount for everyday content and apps.

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35

RAM

8 GB4 GB

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 screen

Screen quality affects how much space you have for viewing and the clarity of images. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers a foldable AMOLED screen, while the Realme C21 has a larger LCD display.

Resolution and Detail

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's 1080 x 2640 resolution delivers a sharp, detailed image that suits watching videos or browsing photos. The Realme C21's 720 x 1600 resolution provides a clear display for everyday use, though with less fine detail.

Screen Size

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 6.7 inch screen, which folds for portability but opens to provide a spacious display. The Realme C21 offers a 6.5 inch screen, giving a slightly larger view area in a traditional phone shape.

Screen Type

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing. The Realme C21's IPS LCD screen delivers solid colour and brightness suitable for everyday tasks.

Refresh rate

120 HzN/A

Resolution

1080 x 2640720 x 1600

Screen size

6.7 inch6,5 inch

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCD

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 camera

Audiovisual features focus on front and main cameras, which affect photo quality and video calls.

Front Camera

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's 10 megapixel front camera captures sharper selfies and clearer video calls, suited to users who prioritise front-facing photos and video chats. The Realme C21's 5 megapixel camera provides basic front camera functionality.

Main Camera

The Realme C21 has a 13 megapixel main camera that captures detailed shots for everyday photography. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's 12 megapixel main camera offers comparable photo quality with a slightly lower megapixel count.

Camera type

Double (2x)N/A

Front camera

10 megapixels5 megapixels

Main camera

12 megapixels13 megapixels

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 size and design

Other features include network compatibility, physical size, SIM options and storage expansion, which all affect usability in daily life.

Network Connectivity

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports 5G networks, suitable for users wanting faster mobile internet speeds. The Realme C21 connects to 4G networks, fitting those who use standard mobile data services.

SIM Card Options

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, allowing flexible carrier setups. The Realme C21 has dual physical SIM slots, good for users who want two physical SIM cards for work and personal use.

Storage Expansion

The Realme C21 offers a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage, which suits people who want to increase their storage beyond what is built-in. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G does not have an SD card slot.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is slimmer and slightly lighter at 6.9 mm depth and 183 g weight, fitting users who prefer a compact and lighter phone. The Realme C21 is a little thicker and heavier at 8.9 mm and 190 g, with a wider body.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mmN/A

Depth

6.9 mm8.9 mm

Height

166 mm165.2 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

SD card slot

NomicroSDXC

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMDual Physical SIM

Weight

183 g190 g

Width

72.2 mm76.4 mm

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G or Realme C21: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
  • you want an OLED screen
  • you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)

Buy the Realme C21 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £198, £31 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  • you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh)
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 FAQs

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.

The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £229 for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.

The Realme C21 has a higher-resolution main camera: 13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026. We don't have published update dates for the Realme C21.

Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Realme C21 in 64GB.

Add device
Add device
Add device
Add device