The smartphone market is brimming with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo V21s and the Samsung Galaxy A14. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive in and see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21s boasts superior performance and faster charging, making it ideal for users prioritizing speed and convenience. The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos version, offers a more balanced experience with a potentially longer software support lifespan, appealing to those seeking reliability and value.
| 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, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 17 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 17 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 15W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Gradient | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 360 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
vivo V21s
- Superior Performance
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Excellent Selfie Camera
- Sleek Design
- Smaller Battery
- Potentially Shorter Software Support
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Larger Display
- Longer Battery Life
- Reliable Brand (Samsung)
- Potentially Longer Software Support (Exynos Version)
- Slower Performance
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Less Powerful Chipset
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 typically features a larger display (around 6.6 inches) with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The vivo V21s usually has a slightly smaller display (around 6.44 inches) with a FHD+ resolution. While both offer good quality, the A14's size and refresh rate give it a slight edge for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The vivo V21s is generally known for its excellent selfie camera, often featuring a high-resolution sensor and advanced beauty modes. The Galaxy A14 offers a versatile multi-camera setup, often including a high-resolution main sensor. Image quality is generally good on both, but the V21s excels in front-facing photography, while the A14 provides more flexibility with its rear cameras.
Performance
Here's where the vivo V21s shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio G80 (or even the Exynos 850) found in the Galaxy A14. Expect smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and overall snappier responsiveness on the V21s. The A14's performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A14 typically has a larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) than the vivo V21s (around 4000mAh). While battery life depends on usage, the A14 generally offers longer battery life. However, the vivo V21s's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the A14's 15W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V21s? Users who value smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate fast charging. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly phone with a large display and potentially longer software updates, especially if the Exynos version is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo V21s is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally offers longer battery life, but the vivo V21s charges much faster.
❓ Which phone will receive software updates for longer?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos version, is likely to receive software updates for a longer period due to Samsung's commitment to updates.
❓ Is the vivo V21s worth the extra cost?
If performance and fast charging are priorities, then yes, the vivo V21s is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Galaxy A14 offers excellent value.
