The Oppo Reno6 Z and vivo V21 5G represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market – offering 5G connectivity and capable performance without breaking the bank. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U, but subtle differences in charging, display technology, and potentially camera tuning create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo V21 5G edges out the Oppo Reno6 Z. While both share the same chipset, the V21 5G’s faster 33W charging and brighter 761 nit display provide a more refined daily experience, justifying a potential price premium.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 20 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 14 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.31 x 2.89 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HDM), 800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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 |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 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 (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Aurora | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | CPH2237 | V2050 |
| Price | About 350 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 Reno6 Z
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially more compact design (spec not confirmed)
- Competitive price point
- Slower 30W charging
- Likely less bright display
- Limited camera details available
vivo V21 5G
- Faster 33W charging (63% in 30 min)
- Brighter 761 nit display
- Potentially better camera software
- No reverse wireless charging
- May be slightly larger
- Price may be higher
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G boasts a significant advantage with its measured peak brightness of 761 nits, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors. While the Reno6 Z’s display specs aren’t provided, the V21 5G’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit. Both displays feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), suggesting standard AMOLED characteristics. The lack of refresh rate information for either device suggests a standard 60Hz panel, which is typical for this price segment. The V21 5G’s brighter display will be particularly appreciated by users who frequently use their phones in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of vivo often emphasizes camera performance, suggesting the V21 5G might have a more refined image processing pipeline. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both phones likely include one, but these are generally of limited practical use. Focusing on the main sensor and software optimization will be key to differentiating camera quality.
Performance
Both the Oppo Reno6 Z and vivo V21 5G are equipped with the Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. Performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks and most gaming scenarios. The Dimensity 800U’s integrated Mali-G57 MC3 GPU is capable of handling mid-range titles, but demanding games may require reduced settings. Thermal management will likely be similar on both devices, as the chipset is the primary heat source. The absence of LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x RAM specifications suggests both phones likely utilize LPDDR4x, which is adequate but not cutting-edge.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 5G and Oppo Reno6 Z both achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the V21 5G’s 33W wired charging significantly outperforms the Reno6 Z’s 30W charging. Vivo claims a 63% charge in 30 minutes, while Oppo doesn’t provide a comparable figure. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The Reno6 Z does offer 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the V21 5G, which could be useful for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno6 Z if you prioritize a slightly more compact form factor and are comfortable with a slower charging speed. It’s a solid choice for users who don’t heavily rely on their phone throughout the day. Buy the vivo V21 5G if you value faster charging, a brighter and more visible display in sunlight, and potentially a more polished software experience, making it ideal for media consumption and power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 800U in either phone struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 800U is a capable mid-range chipset, but Genshin Impact will likely require significant graphical settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates on both the Oppo Reno6 Z and vivo V21 5G. Expect to play at low or medium settings to avoid excessive lag.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 30W and 33W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 33W charging on the vivo V21 5G is noticeably faster. The ability to gain 63% charge in 30 minutes is a significant convenience, especially for users who frequently find themselves with low battery levels. The Reno6 Z’s 30W charging will take considerably longer for a similar charge level.
❓ Given the similar endurance ratings, will I notice a real-world difference in battery life between these two phones?
While both phones have a 123-hour endurance rating, the faster charging of the V21 5G can mitigate any perceived difference in battery life. Being able to quickly top up the battery means you're less likely to be concerned about running out of power throughout the day.
