Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21
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Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Starting at
£341.28
Realme C21
Starting at
£198.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Realme C21?
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £143.28 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 specs
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Realme C21 both arrived in 2021 but cater to different needs. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a high-spec device with a large foldable screen, powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, and 5G connectivity, suited to users who want advanced performance and a spacious display. The Realme C21 is simpler with a smaller IPS LCD screen, a MediaTek Helio G35 chip, and 4G support, aimed at everyday use with essential features. Battery capacity favours the Realme C21, while storage and RAM options support heavier multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise premium screen experience and power or straightforward usability and longer battery capacity.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- GreenSold out
- SilverSold out
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Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 battery life and software updates
Battery life and operating system are key durability factors that affect how long your device lasts between charges and what software experience you get. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Realme C21 offer different battery capacities and OS details, which suit different user priorities.
Battery Capacity
The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits those who want longer usage time between charges, especially if you use your phone mainly for calls, messaging, and browsing. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a 4400 mAh battery, which supports its more advanced features and larger, power-hungry screen.
Operating System
The Realme C21 runs Android, providing the standard Android experience appropriate for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 performance
Performance determines how smoothly your device handles apps, multitasking, and demanding tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Realme C21 differ notably in chipset, RAM, and storage capacity, which affect their speed and ability to keep multiple apps open.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset built on a 5 nm process, which suits users who run heavy apps, multitask, or play games that require strong processing power. The Realme C21 has a MediaTek Helio G35 chip, which is designed for everyday use such as messaging, browsing, and simple apps.
Memory and Storage
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G keeps many apps open and running smoothly, ideal if you multitask or use demanding software. It comes in 256GB or 512GB storage options, providing plenty of space for apps, media, and files. The Realme C21 offers 4 GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, suitable for everyday functions and basic app use.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 screen
Screen quality affects how you experience media, games, and daily tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Realme C21 differ in screen size, resolution, and type, which influence clarity, colour richness, and viewing space.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a large 7.6 inch screen with a high resolution of 1768 x 2208 pixels. This provides a roomier display for watching videos, multitasking, and detailed viewing. The Realme C21 has a 6.5 inch screen at 720 x 1600 resolution, which suits everyday use where a smaller, simpler display is sufficient.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. This type of screen offers vibrant colours and deep contrast, enhancing media and gaming experiences. The Realme C21 uses an IPS LCD screen, which delivers good colour accuracy and viewing angles for routine tasks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 size and design
Other features such as network support, SIM card setup, expandable storage, and weight vary between these phones, affecting convenience, connectivity, and portability.
Network and SIM Options
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G supports 5G networks and offers one physical SIM plus an eSIM, fitting users who want the fastest mobile data and flexible SIM management. The Realme C21 supports 4G and has dual physical SIM slots, suitable if you use two SIM cards without needing eSIM functionality.
Expandable Storage
The Realme C21 includes a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage, which suits users who want to increase their device capacity with a memory card. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G does not have an SD card slot, so you rely on its built-in storage.
Weight Differences
The Realme C21 weighs 190 g, making it lighter and easier to carry for day-to-day use. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is heavier at 271 g, reflecting its larger screen and advanced build, which may suit users comfortable with a more substantial device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G or Realme C21: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want 5G
Buy the Realme C21 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £198, £143.28 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (190 g vs 271 g)
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 FAQs
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £341.28 for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026. We don't have published update dates for the Realme C21.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the Realme C21 in 64GB.
