The vivo V series consistently delivers stylish phones with impressive features at competitive prices. The V21e 5G and V21s are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21s edges out the V21e 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and faster charging. While the V21e 5G offers 5G connectivity, the V21s provides a smoother performance and quicker top-ups, making it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 24 | 2022, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.7 or 7.8 mm | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g or 167 g (5.82 oz) | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) |
| 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 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, 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, 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, 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 |
| 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 |
| 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, Gradient |
| Models | V2055 | - |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo V21e 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Stylish Design
- Good Selfie Camera
- Affordable Price
- Slightly Slower Performance
- Slower Charging
- Less Powerful Chipset
vivo V21s
- Faster Performance
- Faster Charging
- Slightly Better Camera
- Premium Feel
- No 5G
- Slightly Higher Price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 440Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. While the panels are similar in quality, the V21s might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potential calibration differences. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them enjoyable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor. The V21s generally captures slightly better images in various lighting conditions, thanks to its more powerful processor assisting with image processing. Both offer excellent selfie cameras with 32MP sensors, delivering detailed and flattering portraits. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both devices.
Performance
The V21s boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 800U, a step up from the V21e 5G's Dimensity 700. This translates to noticeably smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games. The V21e 5G is still capable for everyday tasks, but the V21s provides a more premium feel.
Battery Life
The V21s has a clear advantage here. It supports 33W fast charging, allowing it to reach 63% in 30 minutes, compared to the V21e 5G's 44W charging (72% in 30 minutes). While both have similar battery capacities (around 4000mAh), the faster charging on the V21s makes it more convenient for users.
Buying Guide
The vivo V21e 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a stylish design. The vivo V21s is a better fit for those seeking a more responsive performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it means foregoing 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21e 5G worth buying if I need 5G?
Yes, if 5G is a priority and you're on a tight budget, the V21e 5G is a solid choice. However, consider if the performance trade-off is acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo V21s with the Dimensity 800U offers significantly better gaming performance than the V21e 5G.