Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V21e 5G and V20 2021 are both solid contenders in the mid-range segment, offering stylish designs and capable features. But which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21e 5G takes the lead thanks to its 5G connectivity, faster charging, and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the V20 2021 remains a compelling option, particularly if 5G isn't a priority and you value a more refined design and potentially better software support.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 24 | 2020, December 24. Released 2020, December 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 28 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.7 or 7.8 mm | 161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g or 167 g (5.82 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 64 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 lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 | 44W wired, 72% in 30 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Jazz, Dark Pearl | Sunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata |
| Models | V2055 | V2040, V2043_21 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo V21e 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (44W)
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Slightly More Versatile Camera
- Potentially Less Refined Design
- Software Updates May Be Slower
vivo V20 2021
- Sleek and Premium Design
- Potentially More Mature Software Experience
- Excellent Image Processing
- Good Value for Money
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 730)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21e 5G typically has a slightly larger screen (6.44 inches vs 6.44 inches for the V20 2021), but the resolution is generally the same (FHD+). Viewing experience is comparable, with both offering good brightness and clarity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast impressive camera setups. The V20 2021 often receives praise for its image processing and color accuracy. The V21e 5G generally offers a slightly more versatile camera system, potentially with improved low-light performance due to the chipset. Both have capable selfie cameras.
Performance
The V21e 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the V20 2021's Snapdragon 730. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the V21e 5G. Gaming performance is also improved.
Battery Life
The V21e 5G has a clear advantage with its 44W fast charging, significantly reducing charging times compared to the V20 2021's 33W charging. Battery capacities are similar (around 4000mAh), so real-world battery life should be comparable, but the faster charging of the V21e 5G is a significant benefit.
Buying Guide
The vivo V21e 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a future-proof chipset. The vivo V20 2021 is a good choice for those prioritizing a sleek design, a slightly more mature software experience, and don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21e 5G worth the extra cost over the V20 2021?
If 5G connectivity and faster charging are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the V20 2021 remains a strong contender, especially if you find it at a lower price.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, vivo's software support has been inconsistent. However, the V20 2021, being slightly older, might have received more updates by now. It's best to check vivo's official website for the latest software information.
