vivo V20 2021 vs vivo V21s: A Head-to-Head Comparison

vivo consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones, and the V20 2021 and V21s are prime examples. Both offer impressive cameras and sleek designs, but which one truly stands out? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo V21s edges out the V20 2021 thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 800U chipset, faster charging, and generally improved performance. While the V20 2021 remains a solid option, the V21s offers a more modern and responsive experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V20 2021 vivo V21s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, December 24. Released 2020, December 242022, November 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, November 17
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back-
Dimensions161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in)159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Mali-G57 MC3
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF 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@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRDual-LED flash, HDR
Single44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, 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
Type4000 mAh4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight SonataDusk Blue, Gradient
ModelsV2040, V2043_21-
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 360 EUR

vivo V20 2021

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Excellent front-facing camera
  • Good overall performance for everyday tasks
  • Reliable camera system

  • Older chipset compared to V21s
  • Slower charging speed
  • 60Hz display

vivo V21s

  • More powerful Dimensity 800U chipset
  • Faster 33W charging (63% in 30 min)
  • 90Hz display for smoother visuals
  • Improved image processing

  • Design might be slightly less distinctive
  • Price may be higher than V20 2021

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21s typically has a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the V20 2021), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen sizes are similar, around 6.44 inches, making them both comfortable to hold and use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones boast impressive front-facing cameras, a key selling point for vivo. The V21s often features slightly improved image processing and low-light performance. The rear camera systems are comparable, offering versatile shooting options with multiple lenses (wide, ultrawide, macro).

Performance

The Dimensity 800U in the V21s provides a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 730 in the V20 2021. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the V21s. The V20 2021 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the V21s feels more responsive overall.

Battery Life

Battery life is generally comparable between the two, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. However, the V21s's 33W charging is significantly faster, reaching 63% in just 30 minutes, while the V20 2021's charging is standard 33W.

Buying Guide

The vivo V20 2021 is a good choice for users prioritizing a balanced experience with a focus on aesthetics and a reliable camera. The vivo V21s is ideal for those seeking better performance, faster charging, and a slightly more modern feature set, especially if gaming or demanding apps are a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo V21s worth the extra money compared to the V20 2021?
If performance and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The V21s offers a noticeable upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks and photography, the V20 2021 remains a solid choice.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo V21s, thanks to its Dimensity 800U chipset, provides significantly better gaming performance than the V20 2021's Snapdragon 730.