Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V21e 5G and V20 SE are both popular mid-range contenders, offering stylish designs and capable features. But which one truly delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21e 5G takes the crown thanks to its faster 5G connectivity, more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, and quicker 44W charging. While the V20 SE remains a solid choice, the V21e 5G offers a noticeable performance and future-proofing advantage.
| 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, 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, September 24. Released 2020, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 28 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.7 or 7.8 mm | 161 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm (6.34 x 2.92 x 0.31 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 (~83.9% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | 30 dialed, 30 received, 30 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| | 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) | 1.3 MP |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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 |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | Yes, MIDP 2.0 |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| 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, 62% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Jazz, Dark Pearl | Gravity Black, Oxygen Blue |
| Models | V2055 | V2022, V2023 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo V21e 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Performance (Dimensity 700)
- Faster 44W Charging
- Likely Improved Camera
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design may be less compact than V20 SE
vivo V20 SE
- More Affordable
- Compact Design
- Reliable Performance
- Good Value
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 665)
- Slower 33W Charging
- No 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21e 5G likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate (though specific details require confirmation), contributing to a sharper and smoother visual experience. The V20 SE's display is still excellent for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast capable camera systems. The V21e 5G likely features a more advanced main sensor and potentially improved image processing algorithms, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. Both likely offer a variety of shooting modes and features.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the V21e 5G is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 665 in the V20 SE. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the V21e 5G. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The V21e 5G's 44W charging is a clear advantage, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the V20 SE's 33W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the faster charging speeds make the V21e 5G more convenient.
Buying Guide
The vivo V21e 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging. The vivo V20 SE is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a compact design and a reliable, albeit less powerful, experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21e 5G worth the extra cost over the V20 SE?
If 5G connectivity and improved performance are important to you, then yes. The V21e 5G offers a noticeable upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't need 5G, the V20 SE remains a solid choice.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While battery capacity is likely similar, the V21e 5G's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns.
