vivo S9e vs vivo V21s: A Detailed Comparison

vivo consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones. The S9e and V21s are two popular contenders, each offering a compelling blend of design and performance. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo V21s edges out the S9e thanks to its slightly faster chipset, quicker charging, and potentially better camera optimization. However, the S9e might offer a more appealing price point depending on current deals. Ultimately, the V21s provides a more well-rounded experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S9e vivo V21s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, March 032022, November 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 27Available. Released 2022, November 17
Body
Dimensions159.3 x 74.3 x 7.3 mm / 7.4 mm159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168.8 / 171.5 g (5.96 oz)176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 820 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC5Mali-G57 MC3
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm-
Triple64 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 Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRDual-LED flash, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired, 63% in 30 min
Type4100 mAh4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Starry BlueDusk Blue, Gradient
ModelsV2048A-
PriceAbout 310 EURAbout 360 EUR

vivo S9e

  • Slightly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 820)
  • Potentially more affordable
  • Stylish design

  • Slower charging speed
  • Potentially less advanced camera
  • May lack OIS

vivo V21s

  • Faster chipset (Dimensity 800U)
  • Faster charging (63% in 30 min)
  • Potentially better camera performance
  • Likely includes OIS

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Smaller display (potentially)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, likely with a 90Hz refresh rate (common for vivo devices in this range). The S9e likely has a slightly larger display, potentially around 6.44 inches, while the V21s is around 6.38 inches. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both, but the V21s might have slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to potential calibration differences. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The V21s is generally considered to have a more advanced camera system. While both offer a primary 64MP sensor, the V21s often boasts improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The V21s also typically includes features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which the S9e may lack. Selfie cameras are a strong point for both, with high-resolution front-facing cameras (likely 32MP or higher) and beauty modes.

Performance

The Dimensity 820 in the S9e holds a slight advantage over the Dimensity 800U in the V21s. The S9e's Cortex-A76 cores are clocked slightly higher. However, real-world performance differences might be minimal for everyday tasks. Gaming performance will be decent on both, but the S9e might handle more demanding titles slightly better. Both phones will likely have 8GB of RAM.

Battery Life

Both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 4000mAh). However, the V21s's 33W charging is significantly faster, claiming 63% charge in 30 minutes, while the S9e's charging is simply 33W. This means the V21s will recharge much quicker.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo S9e? Users prioritizing a balance of performance and affordability, and who don't heavily rely on the absolute fastest charging speeds. Who should buy the vivo V21s? Those seeking a slightly more powerful processor, faster charging, and potentially superior camera capabilities, and are willing to pay a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo S9e has a slightly more powerful chipset, so it might offer a marginally better gaming experience, especially for demanding titles. However, both phones are capable of handling most games smoothly.
❓ Does the vivo V21s have OIS?
Yes, the vivo V21s typically includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for improved photo and video stability, which the S9e may lack.