OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21
Shop Android Smartphones
OnePlus 9
Starting at
£201.96
Realme C21
Starting at
£198.00What's the difference between the OnePlus 9 and Realme C21?
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £3.96 less than the OnePlus 9.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the OnePlus 9, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21.
- The OnePlus 9 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 specs
The OnePlus 9 and Realme C21 both launched in 2021 but target different users based on their features. The OnePlus 9 suits those who want a faster, more capable phone with a sharper, more vivid screen and more powerful cameras. It handles apps and multitasking smoothly thanks to its higher RAM and advanced chipset. The Realme C21 fits buyers seeking a phone with longer battery life and expandable storage through a microSDXC card. It supports dual physical SIMs and has a slightly larger screen in size but lower resolution and an LCD panel. Both phones offer unlocked networks but differ in mobile network technology, with the OnePlus 9 supporting 5G and the Realme C21 supporting 4G.
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 price
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OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 battery life and software updates
Durability and battery capacity are important if you want a phone that lasts through the day.
Battery Capacity
The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who prioritise longer usage between charges. The OnePlus 9 has a 4500 mAh battery, which still offers solid endurance but with slightly less capacity.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Wireless charging
Year of release
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 performance
Performance determines how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The OnePlus 9 and Realme C21 differ significantly in chipset and RAM, affecting speed and responsiveness.
Processor Power
The OnePlus 9 uses a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset built on a 5 nm process, which is suited for users who want fast app launches, smooth gaming, and efficient multitasking. The Realme C21's Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 offers a simpler experience for everyday tasks.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the OnePlus 9 keeps more apps open in the background, helping with smooth multitasking and faster switching between tasks. The Realme C21 has 4 GB RAM, which supports basic daily use and fewer apps running simultaneously.
Storage Options
The OnePlus 9 is available in 128GB and 256GB storage capacities, fitting users who store many apps, photos, and media. The Realme C21 offers 64GB, which suits lighter storage needs but can be expanded via microSDXC card.
Chipset
RAM
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. The OnePlus 9 and Realme C21 have similar screen sizes but differ in resolution and panel technology.
Display Resolution
The OnePlus 9's 1080 x 2400 resolution offers sharper images and more detail, ideal for users who watch high-definition content or browse photos. The Realme C21's 720 x 1600 resolution is suitable for everyday viewing with less focus on fine detail.
Screen Size
The OnePlus 9 has a 6.55 inch screen, slightly larger than the Realme C21's 6.5 inch display. Both sizes provide ample space for video and web browsing.
Screen Type
The OnePlus 9 features a Fluid AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, benefiting users who want a more vivid visual experience. The Realme C21 uses an IPS LCD, which offers reliable colours and good viewing angles suited for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 camera
Camera quality impacts how detailed and clear your photos and video calls appear. The OnePlus 9 and Realme C21 differ in megapixel counts for both front and main cameras.
Front Camera
The OnePlus 9 has a 16 megapixel front camera that suits users who take detailed selfies or want clearer video calls. The Realme C21's 5 megapixel front camera is designed for basic selfies and video chats.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the OnePlus 9 captures more detailed photos, which benefits users who enjoy photography or want sharper images. The Realme C21's 13 megapixel main camera is appropriate for everyday snapshots and casual photos.
Front camera
Main camera
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 size and design
Other differences include network compatibility, physical size, and SIM options, which affect how you use your phone day to day.
Network and SIM
The OnePlus 9 supports 5G networks, suitable for users who want faster mobile internet where available. It uses a single physical SIM. The Realme C21 supports 4G networks and offers dual physical SIM slots, which is helpful for people managing two numbers or plans.
Expandable Storage
The Realme C21 includes a microSDXC slot, allowing users to expand storage for photos, videos, and apps. The OnePlus 9 does not have this slot, so storage is fixed to either 128GB or 256GB.
Physical Size and Weight
The OnePlus 9 measures 160 mm in height, 74.2 mm in width, and weighs 192 g, making it slightly more compact than the Realme C21, which is 165.2 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, and weighs 190 g. Both have similar thickness around 8.7 to 8.9 mm.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
OnePlus 9 or Realme C21: which should you buy?
Buy the OnePlus 9 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
Buy the Realme C21 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £198, £3.96 less than the OnePlus 9
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 FAQs
OnePlus 9 vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the OnePlus 9, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21. The OnePlus 9 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £201.96 for the OnePlus 9.
The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The OnePlus 9 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
Refurbished, the OnePlus 9 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Realme C21 in 64GB.
