Realme C21Y

 Available through various authorized retailers across Qatar, the base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage is priced at QAR 369. The Cross Blue variant retails at QAR 349, while the premium Cross Black edition commands QAR 490. For those seeking expanded storage, the 128GB variant is available at QAR 499.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.5-inch HD+ LCD Display (1600 x 720 pixels)
Processor	Unisoc T610 Octa-Core (12nm)
GPU	ARM Mali G52
RAM	4GB LPDDR4X
Storage	64GB/128GB (Expandable up to 256GB)
Main Camera	13MP Primary (f/2.2) + 2MP B&W + 2MP Macro
Front Camera	5MP Selfie Camera (f/2.2)
Battery	5000mAh with 10W Charging
Operating System	Realme UI R Edition (Android 11)
Security	Rear-mounted Fingerprint Scanner, Face Unlock
Connectivity	Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0
Dimensions	164.5 x 76 x 9.1mm
Weight	200 grams

 

Design and Build Quality

The Realme C21Y showcases a modern design philosophy that belies its budget positioning. The smartphone features a distinctive geometric pattern on its rear panel, creating an eye-catching visual effect that shifts under different lighting conditions.

The device maintains a comfortable grip despite its substantial 200-gram weight, thanks to its thoughtfully curved edges and ergonomic design. Available in Cross Blue and Cross Black color options, the phone caters to different aesthetic preferences while maintaining a premium look.

The front of the device is dominated by a 6.5-inch display with minimal bezels and a waterdrop notch housing the selfie camera. The screen-to-body ratio has been optimized to provide an immersive viewing experience without compromising on durability. The phone’s construction utilizes high-quality polycarbonate materials that offer both durability and a premium feel, successfully avoiding the cheap plastic sensation often associated with budget smartphones.

Display Technology

The 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display of the C21Y delivers vibrant colors and decent brightness levels, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, the screen provides sharp text and clear images, though it may not match the clarity of higher-resolution displays found in more expensive models. The display incorporates several eye-care features, including Dark mode and Eye comfort mode, which help reduce eye strain during extended use.

The screen’s 20:9 aspect ratio makes it ideal for content consumption, whether streaming videos or playing games. The waterdrop notch design minimizes intrusion into the display area while housing the front camera efficiently. While the refresh rate is standard at 60Hz, the display offers good touch response and smooth animations for daily use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Realme C21Y is powered by the Unisoc T610 octa-core processor, manufactured using a 12nm process. This chipset features two ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, providing a balanced mix of performance and power efficiency. The processor is paired with the ARM Mali G52 GPU, which handles graphics processing for gaming and multimedia tasks.

The device comes with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and app switching. The base storage option of 64GB can be expanded up to 256GB using a microSD card, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media content. The hardware configuration allows the C21Y to handle daily tasks with ease, from social media browsing to light gaming.

Camera System

The triple camera setup on the Realme C21Y consists of a 13MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, accompanied by a 2MP black and white portrait lens and a 2MP macro sensor. This versatile combination enables users to capture a wide range of photographic styles, from detailed landscapes to close-up macro shots.

The main camera performs admirably in well-lit conditions, capturing photos with good detail and natural colors. The addition of AI enhancement features helps optimize image quality based on scene recognition. The portrait mode, supported by the dedicated 2MP sensor, produces pleasing bokeh effects with good edge detection.

For selfies, the 5MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture delivers decent results, especially in good lighting conditions. The camera app includes various beautification features and filters to enhance self-portraits. Video recording capabilities include 1080p recording at 30fps, suitable for casual video capture and social media sharing.

Battery Life and Charging

A standout feature of the Realme C21Y is its robust 5000mAh battery, which provides exceptional endurance for daily use.

The efficient processor and HD+ display contribute to impressive battery life, typically lasting more than a day with moderate usage. Heavy users can expect around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, while light users might stretch the battery life to two days.

The device supports 10W charging through its micro-USB port. While not the fastest charging solution available, it provides reliable charging speeds for the large battery capacity. The phone also includes several power-saving features and optimization modes to extend battery life when needed.

Software and User Interface

The Realme C21Y runs on Realme UI R Edition, based on Android 11, offering a clean and intuitive user interface. The custom UI includes useful features like Dark mode, Digital Wellbeing tools, and various gesture navigation options. The interface is optimized for smooth performance on the hardware, with minimal bloatware and efficient resource management.

Security features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock capability, both offering quick and reliable device access. The software includes privacy and security features native to Android 11, ensuring user data protection.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports dual 4G VoLTE, ensuring reliable cellular connectivity and high-quality voice calls. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with A-GPS support. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio adds value for users who prefer traditional audio options.

Comparison with Realme C Series

When compared to its siblings in the C series, the C21Y offers several advantages. Against the Realme C11, it provides superior processing power with the Unisoc T610 chip and better camera capabilities.

The Realme C12 shares similar specifications but lacks the refined design and updated software features of the C21Y.

The Realme C15, while featuring a larger 6000mAh battery, doesn’t match the overall performance and efficiency of the C21Y’s newer processor.

Market Competition

In the Qatari market, the Realme C21Y faces competition from various brands in the same price segment. Samsung’s Galaxy A series offers similar specifications but at slightly higher prices. Nokia’s budget offerings provide clean Android experience but lack the performance capabilities of the C21Y. Xiaomi’s Redmi series competes strongly with similar specifications and aggressive pricing, while OPPO’s A series shares some design elements but typically costs more.

Value Proposition

The Realme C21Y represents excellent value in Qatar’s budget smartphone segment. Its combination of reliable performance, good battery life, versatile camera system, and modern design makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

The device successfully balances essential features with affordability, making it suitable for students, first-time smartphone users, or those seeking a reliable secondary device.

Future Software Support

Realme has committed to providing regular security updates and potential feature updates for the C21Y, ensuring the device remains secure and functional over time. While major Android version updates may be limited, the current Android 11-based system offers modern features and security protocols that should serve users well throughout the device’s lifecycle.

Conclusion

The Realme C21Y emerges as a compelling option in Qatar’s budget smartphone market. Its balanced feature set, reliable performance, and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for users seeking value without compromising on essential features.

While it may not compete with flagship devices, it excels in its intended market segment, offering a user experience that exceeds expectations for its price point.