vivo consistently delivers stylish and feature-rich smartphones. The S10 and V21 are both popular choices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo S10 boasts a more powerful chipset for smoother performance, while the V21 shines with its impressive battery life and slightly faster charging. Ultimately, the S10 is better for gamers and power users, while the V21 is ideal for those prioritizing longevity and everyday use.
| 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 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 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 | 2021, July 15 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2021, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 2.90 x 0.29 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 | 173 g (6.10 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 | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (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@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 | 44W wired | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4050 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gradient Blue, Yellow | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle |
| Models | V2121A | V2066, V2108 |
| Price | About 370 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) |
vivo S10
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 1100)
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Versatile rear camera system
- Faster charging (44W)
- Likely shorter battery life
- Design might be less distinctive than V21
vivo V21
- Exceptional battery life (123h endurance)
- Excellent selfie camera
- Stylish design
- Faster charging percentage in 30 mins (63%)
- Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 800U)
- Standard 60Hz display
- Potentially less impressive low-light camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a vibrant AMOLED display, likely with a 6.44-inch size and FHD+ resolution. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but suggests excellent blacks and vivid colors. The S10 might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz is likely) for smoother scrolling, while the V21 likely sticks to a standard 60Hz. Visual differences will be subtle, but the S10's potential higher refresh rate gives it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems. The V21 is known for its excellent selfie camera, often featuring a high-resolution front-facing sensor and beauty modes. The S10 likely has a versatile rear camera setup with a main sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting, but the S10 might offer slightly better low-light performance due to its more powerful processor assisting image processing. The V21's selfie camera is a key differentiator.
Performance
The Dimensity 1100 in the S10 is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 800U in the V21. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games on the S10. The V21 is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle more with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The V21 holds a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 123 hours. The S10's battery capacity is likely smaller, resulting in shorter usage times. While the S10 charges at 44W, the V21 charges at 33W but reaches 63% in 30 minutes, suggesting potentially more efficient charging circuitry.
Buying Guide
The vivo S10 is a great choice for users who prioritize performance and enjoy gaming or demanding apps. The vivo V21 is perfect for users who value long battery life, a stylish design, and a reliable everyday experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo S10 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 1100 chipset.
❓ Does the vivo V21 have a good camera?
Yes, the vivo V21 has a very good camera, particularly for selfies. It excels in capturing detailed and vibrant self-portraits.
❓ How long does the vivo V21's battery last?
The vivo V21 boasts an impressive battery life, with an endurance rating of 123 hours, meaning it can easily last a day or two on a single charge.
❓ Is the vivo S10 worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and gaming, the vivo S10's more powerful chipset justifies the extra cost. Otherwise, the V21 offers excellent value with its long battery life and stylish design.