Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12
Shop Android Smartphones
Realme C21
Starting at
£198.00
Xiaomi 12
Starting at
£210.00What's the difference between the Realme C21 and Xiaomi 12?
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Realme C21 starts at £198, £12 less than the Xiaomi 12.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Xiaomi 12.
- The Xiaomi 12 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 specs
The Realme C21 and Xiaomi 12 both run Android and come from 2021, but they target different needs. The Realme C21 suits everyday use with a larger battery, microSD card support, and a bigger screen, while the Xiaomi 12 focuses on higher performance and more detailed photos with a powerful Snapdragon chipset, more RAM, and higher resolution cameras. The Xiaomi 12 also offers faster 5G connectivity and a more compact design. Choose the Realme C21 if you want longer battery life and expandable storage. Pick the Xiaomi 12 if you want faster processing, sharper visuals, and better camera quality.
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and software updates. These factors affect how long the device can run between charges and its general longevity.
Battery Capacity
The Realme C21 has a 5000 mAh battery, which provides longer usage between charges. This suits you if you often spend a full day away from power sources. The Xiaomi 12 has a 4500 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller but still sufficient for most daily needs.
Operating System
Both devices run Android, giving you access to the same familiar interface and apps.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Wireless charging
Year of release
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 performance
Performance relates to the chipset, memory, and storage options, which influence speed, multitasking ability, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor and RAM
The Xiaomi 12 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with 8 GB of RAM. This combination keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles demanding tasks well. The Realme C21 features a Mediatek Helio G35 chipset with 4 GB of RAM, offering reliable performance for everyday activities and simpler apps.
Storage Capacity
Realme C21 comes with 64 GB of storage, which suits general use and storing photos and apps. Xiaomi 12 offers larger storage options of 128 GB and 256 GB, ideal if you keep many files, videos, or apps on your device.
Chipset
RAM
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and panel type influencing sharpness and colour richness.
Screen Size and Type
The Realme C21 has a 6.5 inch IPS LCD screen, providing a larger viewing area that suits watching videos and browsing. The Xiaomi 12 has a slightly smaller 6.28 inch AMOLED screen, which offers deeper colours and higher contrast, enhancing visual experience especially for media consumption.
Resolution
Realme C21 has a 720 x 1600 resolution, which suits everyday tasks and general viewing. Xiaomi 12's 1080 x 2400 resolution delivers sharper images and text, benefiting anyone who values detail and clarity on their screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras, which influence photo and video quality for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The Xiaomi 12 has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The Realme C21 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for basic self-portraits and video chats.
Main Camera
With a 50 megapixel main camera, the Xiaomi 12 delivers higher resolution photos with more detail, suitable for photography enthusiasts. The Realme C21 features a 13 megapixel main camera, which covers everyday photo needs well.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 size and design
Miscellaneous factors include network capabilities, size, weight, and storage expandability, all of which affect daily use and convenience.
Network and SIM
Xiaomi 12 supports 5G mobile networks, offering faster data speeds where 5G coverage is available. Realme C21 works on 4G networks, which are widely available and reliable. Both phones have dual physical SIM slots and are unlocked for any carrier.
Expandable Storage
Realme C21 includes a microSDXC card slot, letting you add extra storage as needed. The Xiaomi 12 does not have this feature, so storage depends on the internal capacity you choose.
Size and Weight
Realme C21 is larger and heavier at 165.2 mm tall, 76.4 mm wide, and 190 g. This bigger size suits those who prefer a larger screen and don't mind the extra weight. Xiaomi 12 is more compact and lighter at 152.7 mm tall, 69.9 mm wide, and 179 g, fitting comfortably in smaller hands or pockets.
Thickness
The Xiaomi 12 is slimmer with a depth of 8.2 mm compared to the Realme C21's 8.9 mm. This might appeal if you prefer a thinner phone profile.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Realme C21 or Xiaomi 12: which should you buy?
Buy the Realme C21 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £198, £12 less than the Xiaomi 12
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Xiaomi 12 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 13 megapixels)
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 FAQs
Realme C21 vs Xiaomi 12 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 on the Realme C21, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Xiaomi 12. The Xiaomi 12 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Realme C21 is cheaper refurbished, from £198 compared with £210 for the Xiaomi 12.
The Realme C21 has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Xiaomi 12 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 13 megapixels.
Refurbished, the Realme C21 comes in 64GB, and the Xiaomi 12 in 128GB and 256GB.
