vivo's V-series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features at competitive prices. The V21e 5G and V21 5G are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21 5G edges out the V21e 5G thanks to its slightly faster chipset, brighter display, and quicker charging. However, the V21e 5G presents a compelling value proposition, especially if you prioritize 5G connectivity and a more budget-friendly price point.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 24 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 28 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.7 or 7.8 mm | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g or 167 g (5.82 oz) | 176 g (6.21 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 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| 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, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 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 | 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 | 44W wired, 72% in 30 min | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Jazz, Dark Pearl | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | V2055 | V2050 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| 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 V21e 5G
- More affordable
- 5G connectivity
- Stylish design
- Decent camera
- Slightly slower performance
- Lower peak brightness
- Slower charging
vivo V21 5G
- Faster performance
- Brighter display
- Faster charging
- Slightly better camera
- Higher price
- Similar battery life to V21e 5G
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 761 nits, significantly brighter than the V21e 5G. While the V21 5G advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio (a nominal claim), both phones feature AMOLED displays offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21 5G's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V21 5G generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both offer a main camera, ultrawide lens, and a selfie camera. Specific megapixel counts and features vary, but the V21 5G's image processing algorithms appear to be more refined.
Performance
The vivo V21 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost over the V21e 5G's Dimensity 700. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive gaming experience. Both phones have 8GB of RAM, but the Dimensity 800U's superior processing power gives the V21 5G the edge.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 123 hours. However, the V21 5G charges significantly faster with its 33W wired charging, reaching 63% in 30 minutes, compared to the V21e 5G's 44W charging, reaching 72% in the same timeframe. While the charging speed difference isn't massive, it's a factor to consider.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V21e 5G? Users seeking a budget-friendly 5G phone with a decent camera and stylish design. Who should buy the vivo V21 5G? Those prioritizing a slightly faster processor, brighter display, and faster charging speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21e 5G good for gaming?
The vivo V21e 5G can handle casual games, but demanding titles might experience some lag. The vivo V21 5G offers a smoother gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better selfie camera?
Both phones have good selfie cameras, but the vivo V21 5G generally produces slightly better results, especially in low light.
