The vivo V21 and iQOO 7 (India) represent distinct approaches within vivo’s smartphone lineup. The V21 aims for a well-rounded experience with a focus on design and balanced features, while the iQOO 7 aggressively targets performance-minded users, particularly gamers, with a flagship-level chipset at a competitive price point. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the iQOO 7 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the V21’s Dimensity 800U, and the 66W fast charging dramatically reduces downtime. While the V21 offers a respectable experience, the iQOO 7’s raw power and charging speed justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27 | 2021, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, May 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) | 163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 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 (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 66W wired, 100% in 22 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle | Solid Ice, Storm Black, Monster Orange |
| Models | V2066, V2108 | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 350 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 V21
- Balanced overall experience
- Potentially more refined design
- Respectable battery endurance
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower charging speeds
- Less suited for demanding games
vivo iQOO 7 (India)
- Superior processing power (Snapdragon 870)
- Ultra-fast 66W charging
- Excellent gaming performance
- Potentially less refined design
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
- Battery life may be slightly shorter due to higher power draw
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting both utilize AMOLED panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are absent. The lack of LTPO technology in either suggests standard refresh rate management. The V21’s display is likely tuned for color accuracy and pleasing aesthetics, while the iQOO 7 may prioritize responsiveness for gaming. Without further data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the iQOO 7’s gaming focus suggests a potentially higher refresh rate (though unconfirmed).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the iQOO 7’s positioning as a performance-focused device suggests a greater emphasis on image processing speed and potentially more advanced computational photography features. The V21, while likely capable, is positioned as a more mainstream device, potentially prioritizing balanced image quality over cutting-edge features. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the iQOO 7’s chipset is better equipped to handle complex image processing algorithms.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The iQOO 7’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo V21’s MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 cores, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, deliver significantly faster CPU performance, crucial for demanding applications and multitasking. The Adreno 660 GPU in the iQOO 7 also provides a considerable boost in graphics processing power. While both chipsets are built on a 7nm process, the Snapdragon 870’s architectural advantages translate to a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially during gaming. The iQOO 7 is the clear winner for performance-sensitive users.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating respectable battery life. However, the iQOO 7’s 66W wired charging, capable of a full charge in just 22 minutes, is a game-changer. While the V21’s 33W charging reaches 63% in 30 minutes, the iQOO 7’s significantly faster charging mitigates any potential battery capacity differences. The iQOO 7’s ability to quickly top up the battery provides a significant convenience advantage, especially for users who frequently use power-intensive applications.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V21 if you prioritize a balanced smartphone experience with adequate performance for everyday tasks and a focus on design. It’s ideal for users who value a consistent, reliable experience over raw power. Buy the vivo iQOO 7 (India) if you’re a gamer, a power user, or simply demand the fastest possible performance and charging speeds. This phone is built for those who push their devices to the limit and value responsiveness above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO 7 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 870 is a powerful chip, it's known for its relatively good thermal efficiency. The iQOO 7 likely incorporates cooling solutions to mitigate heat buildup, but sustained, high-intensity gaming may still result in some throttling. However, it will still outperform the Dimensity 800U in the V21 even with some throttling.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 33W and 66W truly noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The iQOO 7’s 66W charging dramatically reduces downtime. A quick 10-15 minute charge can provide hours of usage, making it ideal for users who are always on the go. The V21’s 33W charging, while adequate, requires significantly longer to achieve a comparable charge level.
❓ Does the iQOO 7 support high frame rate gaming like 90fps or 120fps in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The iQOO 7’s powerful GPU and potentially higher refresh rate display (though unconfirmed) suggest it is capable of supporting high frame rate gaming in PUBG Mobile and other demanding titles. However, achieving these frame rates will depend on the game’s settings and optimization.
