vivo S16 vs vivo V23 5G: A Detailed Showdown

vivo continues to deliver stylish and feature-packed smartphones. The vivo S16 and V23 5G are two compelling options, each targeting a slightly different audience. But which one offers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo S16 takes the lead with its significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset, offering a smoother and more responsive experience. While the V23 5G boasts impressive battery life and a vibrant display, the S16's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S16 vivo V23 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Launch
Announced2022, December 222022, January 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 30Available. Released 2022, January 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back
Dimensions164.1 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.29 in)157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 13, OriginOS 3Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF-
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Color changing back panel when exposed to sunlight
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 19 min44W wired, 68% in 30 min
Type4600 mAh4200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Mint, GoldSunshine Gold, Stardust Black
ModelsV2244AV2130, V2303
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 280 EUR
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 103h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.5 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 406498 (v8), 476058 (v9) GeekBench: 8421 (v4.4), 2140 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo S16

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Faster Charging (66W)
  • Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
  • Sleek Design

  • Potentially Shorter Battery Life
  • Selfie Camera may not be as strong as V23 5G

vivo V23 5G

  • Exceptional Battery Life (103h Endurance)
  • Vibrant Display (629 nits)
  • Good Selfie Camera
  • Stylish Design

  • Less Powerful Processor (Dimensity 920)
  • Slower Charging (44W)
  • Performance may struggle with demanding tasks

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V23 5G measures a peak brightness of 629 nits, which is impressive, while the S16 is expected to have similar brightness levels. The V23 5G's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but it suggests excellent image quality. The S16 likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, though this isn't explicitly stated.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems. The V23 5G is known for its selfie camera capabilities, often featuring a high-resolution front-facing sensor. The S16 is expected to have a versatile rear camera setup with a main sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the S16's more powerful processor could provide better image processing and low-light performance.

Performance

This is where the S16 truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a flagship-level chipset, significantly outperforming the Dimensity 920 in the V23 5G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the S16. The Dimensity 920 is still capable, but it won't handle demanding tasks as efficiently.

Battery Life

The V23 5G holds a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 103 hours. The S16's battery capacity is likely smaller, and while its 66W charging is faster (50% in 19 minutes vs. 68% in 30 minutes for the V23 5G), it won't match the V23 5G's longevity.

Buying Guide

The vivo S16 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming. If you're a content creator or someone who values a smooth, lag-free experience, the S16 is the way to go. The vivo V23 5G is a great option for those who prioritize long battery life and a visually appealing design, and are less concerned with raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo S16 is significantly better for gaming due to its Snapdragon 870 chipset, which offers superior performance and graphics processing capabilities.
❓ Does the vivo V23 5G have a good camera?
Yes, the vivo V23 5G has a good camera, particularly for selfies. However, the S16's more powerful processor may provide slightly better overall image processing and low-light performance.