The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo F21 Pro and vivo iQOO Neo 6 represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. While both devices share a similar price bracket, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing long-lasting battery life and a smooth, everyday experience, the Oppo F21 Pro emerges as the winner. However, the iQOO Neo 6’s significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset makes it the clear choice for gamers and power users who demand higher performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistant
RGB ring light around the camera (notifications, charging progress) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min
Reverse wired | 80W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Sunset Orange, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black | Dark Nova, Cyber Rage |
| Models | CPH2363, CPH2461 | I2126 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 97h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-25.0 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 289250 (v9)
GeekBench: 1653 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 627246 (v8), 730223 (v9)
GeekBench: 3076 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo F21 Pro
- Exceptional battery life (127h endurance)
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 processor
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the iQOO Neo 6
- Slower charging speed (33W)
vivo iQOO Neo 6
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor for gaming and multitasking
- Ultra-fast 80W charging (0-100% in 32 minutes)
- Brighter display (772 nits)
- Shorter battery life (97h endurance)
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo F21 Pro and vivo iQOO Neo 6 boast displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks. However, the iQOO Neo 6 distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 772 nits, offering superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels given the contrast ratio, the iQOO Neo 6’s higher brightness provides a more vibrant and usable experience in direct sunlight. Details regarding refresh rates and panel technology (like LTPO) are missing, but the brightness difference is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, and image processing are absent. Without this information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the iQOO Neo 6, positioned as a gaming-focused device, often receives more investment in camera technology to appeal to content creators. It’s reasonable to assume the iQOO Neo 6 has a more capable camera system, but this requires further investigation. We advise caution regarding any 2MP macro lenses commonly found in this price range, as their image quality is often subpar.
Performance
The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The iQOO Neo 6’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo F21 Pro’s Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 core configuration with a peak clock speed of 3.2 GHz, compared to the 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores peaking at 2.4 GHz. This translates to a noticeable difference in app loading times, multitasking capabilities, and gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the 870, while older than the 680’s 6nm, is offset by its superior core architecture and higher clock speeds. The iQOO Neo 6 is demonstrably the better choice for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Oppo F21 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 127 hours, significantly exceeding the iQOO Neo 6’s 97 hours. This suggests the F21 Pro’s more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset and potentially larger battery capacity (specific mAh not provided) contribute to longer battery life. However, the iQOO Neo 6 compensates with its blazing-fast 80W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 12 minutes and a full charge in 32 minutes. The F21 Pro’s 33W charging takes 60 minutes for a full charge. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo F21 Pro if you need exceptional battery endurance and a reliable, efficient processor for daily tasks like social media, browsing, and communication. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity over raw power. Buy the vivo iQOO Neo 6 if you prefer a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications with ease, and if rapid charging is a must-have feature. This phone is geared towards users who push their devices to the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO Neo 6 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is known for its efficiency, but it can generate heat under sustained load. The iQOO Neo 6 likely incorporates thermal management solutions (heat pipes, graphite sheets) to mitigate throttling, but some performance reduction is possible during prolonged gaming. The Oppo F21 Pro's Snapdragon 680 will run cooler, but at the cost of overall performance.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the iQOO Neo 6 compared to the 33W charging on the Oppo F21 Pro in real-world use?
The 80W charging on the iQOO Neo 6 is significantly faster. While the Oppo F21 Pro takes a full hour to charge, the iQOO Neo 6 reaches 100% in just 32 minutes. This means you can quickly top up the iQOO Neo 6 during short breaks, making it ideal for users who are always on the go. The difference is particularly noticeable when charging from very low battery levels.
❓ Is the difference in battery endurance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 20-hour difference in endurance rating is likely to be noticeable. Users of the Oppo F21 Pro can expect to comfortably get through a full day of moderate use on a single charge, while the iQOO Neo 6 may require a top-up if heavily used. This makes the F21 Pro a better choice for users who prioritize battery life above all else.
