OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21
Shop Android Smartphones
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Starting at
£270.00
Realme C21
Starting at
£198.00What's the difference between the OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Realme C21?
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £72 less than the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 specs
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Realme C21 both come from 2021 and offer solid choices for different needs. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is geared towards users who value faster 5G connectivity, a sharper and more colourful AMOLED screen, higher camera resolutions for detailed photos, and more memory and storage for apps and media. The Realme C21 suits those who prefer longer battery life, a larger screen size for viewing, and expandable storage via a microSD card. Both devices run Android and support dual physical SIM cards, making them practical for everyday use with distinct strengths depending on what you prioritise.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 price
Colour
- BlueSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates influence how long you can use your phone day to day and over time.
Battery Capacity
The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers longer usage between charges. This makes it suitable if you need your phone to last through extended periods without access to a charger. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which still provides solid daily endurance but may suit users who charge more frequently.
Battery
Foldable
Year of release
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage capacity contribute to how each device manages everyday tasks.
Processor Type
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G uses a Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset, which supports faster mobile network speeds and is built on an efficient 8 nm process. The Realme C21 runs a Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 chipset, which suits everyday use but does not provide 5G connectivity.
Memory Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G can keep more apps and browser tabs open simultaneously, helping with smoother multitasking. The Realme C21 has 4 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic use and lighter app workloads.
Storage Options
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G comes with 128 GB of internal storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, and media without needing additional storage. The Realme C21 provides 64 GB of internal storage, which suits everyday use but may require managing space more carefully.
Chipset
RAM
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 screen
Screen quality influences how vibrant images appear and how much space you have for watching videos or browsing. The two phones differ in resolution, screen type, and size, affecting visual experience and comfort.
Screen Resolution
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, offering a sharper and more detailed display. This suits users who want clearer text and images for media and reading. The Realme C21's 720 x 1600 pixel resolution provides a simpler display that is easier on battery life.
Screen Size and Type
The Realme C21's 6.5 inch IPS LCD screen gives a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for watching videos or browsing. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a 6.43 inch Fluid AMOLED screen, which provides deeper colours and better contrast, ideal for users who prioritise display quality over size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 camera
Camera capabilities affect how detailed and clear your photos and selfies will be. Both front and main camera resolutions differ, influencing the quality of your images.
Main Camera Resolution
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G's 64 megapixel main camera captures more detail, which benefits users who enjoy photography or want higher resolution images. The Realme C21 has a 13 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday snapshots and casual photography.
Front Camera Resolution
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G features a 16 megapixel front camera, making it a good choice for clear selfies and video calls. The Realme C21 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which works well for simple video chats and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 size and design
Other practical features like network support, physical size, and storage flexibility contribute to the overall user experience and convenience of each phone.
Network Connectivity
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G supports 5G mobile networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G is available. The Realme C21 supports 4G networks, suitable for users who do not require the latest network speeds.
Expandable Storage
The Realme C21 includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to increase storage capacity with a memory card. This suits users who want to store more photos, videos, or files without relying solely on internal storage.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is more compact and lighter, measuring 159.2 mm tall, 73.5 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighing 170 g. The Realme C21 is larger and heavier at 165.2 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 190 g, which may suit users who prefer a bigger phone or a heavier feel.
SIM Card Support
Both phones support dual physical SIM cards, allowing you to use two phone numbers simultaneously. This is helpful for managing work and personal numbers or using local SIMs when travelling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
OnePlus Nord CE 5G or Realme C21: which should you buy?
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 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, £72 less than the OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 FAQs
OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs Realme C21 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G, Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £270 for the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
Refurbished, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G comes in 128GB, and the Realme C21 in 64GB.
