The Xiaomi Poco F3 GT and vivo V21 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Poco F3 GT aggressively targets gamers with a flagship-level chipset, while the vivo V21 prioritizes a more balanced experience with a focus on design and everyday usability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For gamers and power users, the Xiaomi Poco F3 GT is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset delivers significantly superior performance, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. However, if battery endurance and a more refined aesthetic are paramount, the vivo V21 remains a compelling option.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27 | 2021, July 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) | 161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | Physical pop-up gaming triggers
IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| 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) | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5065 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle | Predator Black, Gunmetal Silver |
| Models | V2066, V2108 | MZB09C6IN, M2104K10I |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) |
| 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
- Excellent battery endurance (123h rating)
- Sleek and stylish design
- Capable camera for everyday use
- Less powerful chipset compared to the F3 GT
- Slower charging speed (33W)
Xiaomi Poco F3 GT
- Flagship-level performance with Dimensity 1200
- Incredibly fast 67W charging (100% in 42 min)
- Optimized for gaming
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the V21
- More utilitarian design
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond contrast ratio (infinite for the V21). This suggests both likely utilize AMOLED panels, common in this price bracket. However, the absence of refresh rate data is notable. The V21’s focus appears to be on image quality, while the F3 GT likely prioritizes responsiveness for gaming, potentially with a higher refresh rate (though unconfirmed). Without nits data, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are missing, but we can infer some differences. The market positioning suggests the V21 will emphasize selfie quality, a common strength of vivo phones. The F3 GT, geared towards gaming, likely prioritizes overall image quality and speed. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The absence of details suggests neither phone boasts a flagship-level camera system, focusing instead on providing adequate performance for social media and casual use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco F3 GT’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo V21’s Dimensity 800U (7nm). The Dimensity 1200 features a more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core versus the V21’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores – and a more robust GPU. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions. The V21’s Dimensity 800U is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the Poco F3 GT compensates for any potential capacity deficit with its blazing-fast 67W charging, achieving a full charge in just 42 minutes. The V21’s 33W charging, while respectable, takes considerably longer. This charging speed difference is a major advantage for the F3 GT, allowing users to quickly top up their battery and minimize downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V21 if you need a phone with a sleek design, decent all-day battery life, and a capable camera for social media and casual photography. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F3 GT if you prioritize raw gaming performance, incredibly fast charging, and don't mind a more utilitarian design. The F3 GT is for those who demand maximum power for their dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco F3 GT get noticeably hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, and some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming. However, the 6nm process node and potential for optimized thermal management in the F3 GT should help mitigate throttling and maintain consistent performance. User reports will be crucial to assess real-world thermal behavior.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo V21 slow compared to the competition?
While 33W isn't the fastest charging available, it's still a respectable speed. It will take longer to fully charge than the Poco F3 GT's 67W, but it's sufficient for overnight charging or topping up during short breaks. The V21 prioritizes battery health and longevity over ultra-fast charging.
❓ Does the Dimensity 800U in the vivo V21 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 800U can run PUBG and Call of Duty, but you may need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It's not designed for maximum settings or sustained high performance in these titles. The Poco F3 GT's Dimensity 1200 is far better suited for demanding games.
