Looking for a budget-friendly vivo smartphone? The iQOO U5e and Y21G are both strong contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO U5e takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and everyday tasks. While the Y21G is a decent option, the U5e's processing power makes it the superior choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 23 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, April 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue |
| Models | V2197A | V2152 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5e
- Significantly faster processor
- Better gaming performance
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Good battery life
- Camera might be slightly less versatile than Y21G
- Design might be less premium
vivo Y21G
- Potentially more versatile camera setup (macro lens)
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower processor
- Less smooth multitasking
- Lower gaming performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display specs – typically a 6.51-inch HD+ IPS LCD. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction, but don't expect flagship-level quality. The iQOO U5e might have a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 60Hz or 90Hz, depending on the specific variant) which could result in smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
The Y21G often boasts a slightly more versatile camera setup, potentially including a macro lens. Both phones typically feature a primary 13MP or 16MP camera. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is likely to be similar on both devices. The U5e might have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
This is where the iQOO U5e truly shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a generation ahead of the Helio G70, offering a substantial performance boost. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the U5e. The Y21G will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will play a key role in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO U5e is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, especially those interested in mobile gaming. The vivo Y21G is a good fit for users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and value a slightly better camera experience in certain lighting conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO U5e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Does the Y21G have a macro lens?
The vivo Y21G often includes a macro lens for close-up photography, which the iQOO U5e typically lacks.
❓ Are the batteries the same on both phones?
Yes, both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, providing similar battery life.
❓ Which phone offers better value for money?
The iQOO U5e generally offers better value for money due to its superior performance at a comparable price point.
