Realme V23 vs vivo V21: A Head-to-Head Budget Battle

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme V23 and vivo V21 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme V23 edges out the vivo V21 thanks to its slightly more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset and faster charging. While the vivo V21 boasts impressive battery endurance, the V23's overall performance and charging speed provide a more modern and convenient user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme V23	vivo V21

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, April 14	2021, April 27
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 14	Available. Released 2021, May 05

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	163.8 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.32 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	190 g (6.70 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM)	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 810 (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC3
OS	Android 12, Realme UI 3.0	Android 11, Funtouch 11.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Dual	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	-	Dual-LED flash, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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, with stereo speakers	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 50% in 28 min	33W wired, 63% in 30 min
Type	5000 mAh	4000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Gradient	Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle
Models	-	V2066, V2108
Price	About 240 EUR	About 320 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 123h
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)

Realme V23

Slightly faster chipset (Dimensity 810)
Faster charging (33W)
Modern design

Potentially less impressive selfie camera than V21
Battery life may not be as exceptional as V21

vivo V21

Exceptional battery life (123h endurance rating)
Likely refined display quality
Strong selfie camera

Slightly older chipset (Dimensity 800U)
Slightly slower charging

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21 likely has a slightly more refined display due to vivo's reputation for display quality, but both offer a pleasant viewing experience. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 6.4 inches, with FHD+ resolution.

Camera Comparison

The vivo V21 is generally known for its selfie camera capabilities, often featuring a high-resolution front-facing sensor. The Realme V23 likely has a capable main camera setup, but the V21 might offer better image processing and features for selfies and video calls. Both likely have a triple-camera setup with a main, ultrawide, and macro lens.

Performance

The Realme V23's Dimensity 810 (6nm) holds a slight advantage over the vivo V21's Dimensity 800U (7nm). The 6nm process generally leads to better power efficiency and slightly improved performance. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the V23. Both have 8GB RAM, which is sufficient for most users.

Battery Life

The vivo V21 shines in this category, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 123h. While the Realme V23's battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000-5000mAh), the V21's optimization likely contributes to its superior battery life. The Realme V23's 33W charging is faster, reaching 50% in 28 minutes, compared to the V21's 33W charging reaching 63% in 30 minutes.

Buying Guide

The Realme V23 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging for gaming and everyday tasks. The vivo V21 is a great choice for those who value exceptional battery life and a sleek design, and are less concerned with raw processing power.