The Oppo Reno5 Lite and vivo V21 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Reno5 Lite focuses on affordability, while the V21 5G aims for a more balanced package with a stronger emphasis on performance and display quality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a brighter display, the vivo V21 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Reno5 Lite’s Helio P95, and the 761 nit display provides a more enjoyable viewing experience. However, the Reno5 Lite remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | - | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 23 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| 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 (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| 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 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| 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) | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, 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 (no OIS), 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 (no OIS), 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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| 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, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | CPH2205 | V2050 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 336699 (v8), 365055 (v9)
GeekBench: 6516 (v4.4), 1600 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo Reno5 Lite
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Helio P95 chipset
- Likely lower display quality
- Slower charging speeds
vivo V21 5G
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 800U chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display (761 nits)
- Faster 33W charging
- Higher price compared to Reno5 Lite
- Similar battery endurance to Reno5 Lite
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 761 nits, compared to the Reno5 Lite, for which peak brightness data is unavailable. This difference translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), the V21 5G’s higher brightness provides a more dynamic and visually appealing experience. The Reno5 Lite’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially lower-quality panel. The V21 5G’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the V21 5G’s positioning suggests a more sophisticated camera system. The Reno5 Lite likely relies on software processing to enhance image quality, while the V21 5G may benefit from a more capable image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 800U. The absence of details on optical image stabilization (OIS) on either phone suggests reliance on digital stabilization, which can introduce artifacts in videos.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The vivo V21 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U, built on a 7nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Oppo Reno5 Lite’s Mediatek Helio P95 (12nm). The Dimensity 800U’s CPU features 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, while the Helio P95 has 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 cores – the A76 architecture is more efficient and powerful. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the V21 5G. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing charging capabilities. The vivo V21 5G offers faster 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 63% charge in just 30 minutes, while the Reno5 Lite’s 30W charging is slower. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor for V21 5G users, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day. While both phones offer comparable endurance, the V21 5G’s charging speed provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno5 Lite if you need a highly affordable 5G phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and aren't demanding in terms of gaming or intensive app usage. Buy the vivo V21 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P95 in the Reno5 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio P95 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty at higher settings. You may need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a playable experience. The V21 5G’s Dimensity 800U is significantly better suited for gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the vivo V21 5G compared to the 30W charging on the Oppo Reno5 Lite in real-world use?
The V21 5G can reach 63% charge in 30 minutes, while the Reno5 Lite will take considerably longer. This means you can get a substantial charge boost in a short amount of time with the V21 5G, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Are the camera differences between these phones noticeable in everyday photos and videos?
While detailed camera specs are limited, the V21 5G likely produces more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions, due to its more powerful chipset and image processing capabilities. Video quality should also be improved on the V21 5G.
