The Oppo Reno5 F and vivo V21s represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo V21s emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Reno5 F’s Helio P95. The faster 33W charging further sweetens the deal, making the V21s a more future-proof and responsive daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 17 | 2022, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 17 | Available. Released 2022, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple | Dusk Blue, Gradient |
| Models | CPH2217 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Oppo Reno5 F
- Potentially lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Reliable brand reputation
- Inferior chipset performance
- Slower charging speed
- Less efficient power consumption
vivo V21s
- Superior chipset performance (Dimensity 800U)
- Faster 33W charging
- More efficient power consumption
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potential for software bloat (typical of vivo)
- No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor vivo provide display specs beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power to drive the display. The Reno5 F’s Helio P95 will likely struggle with demanding graphical tasks, potentially leading to lower frame rates in games, while the V21s’ Dimensity 800U should offer a smoother visual experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Dimensity 800U’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the V21s will likely deliver better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely feature a standard array of lenses, the V21s’ processing capabilities will give it an edge in capturing detailed and vibrant photos. We can assume both phones will have a primary camera, ultrawide, and depth sensor, but the Reno5 F's image processing will be slower.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The vivo V21s’ Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) boasts a clear advantage over the Oppo Reno5 F’s Helio P95 (12nm). The Dimensity 800U’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, are architecturally superior to the Reno5 F’s Cortex-A75 cores (2.2 GHz), resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. The 7nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the V21s is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface for the V21s.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for typical daily use. However, the vivo V21s’ 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Reno5 F’s 30W charging. Vivo claims a 63% charge in 30 minutes, indicating a considerably faster charging speed. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 800U’s superior power efficiency means the V21s will likely extract more usage from a similar-sized battery, offsetting any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno5 F if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing. Buy the vivo V21s if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive gaming experience, and faster charging – all hallmarks of its superior chipset and optimized power delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo V21s handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 800U in the vivo V21s is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 7nm process and more powerful cores provide the necessary processing power and thermal headroom for a smooth gaming experience, unlike the Reno5 F's Helio P95 which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the vivo V21s compared to the Oppo Reno5 F in real-world use?
Vivo claims a 63% charge in 30 minutes with the V21s’ 33W charging. While Oppo’s 30W charging is respectable, it will take noticeably longer to reach the same charge level. Expect approximately 10-15 minutes difference for a significant charge boost on the V21s, making it ideal for users who need a quick top-up before heading out.
❓ Does the Helio P95 in the Oppo Reno5 F struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Helio P95 can exhibit noticeable lag when handling multiple apps simultaneously. The Dimensity 800U in the V21s, with its more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds, provides a significantly smoother multitasking experience, allowing you to switch between apps without frustrating delays.
