Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V21s and V20 SE are both solid contenders in the mid-range market, offering stylish designs and capable features. But which one is right for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21s takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and improved performance. While the V20 SE remains a decent option, the V21s offers a smoother experience and better future-proofing, justifying its likely slightly higher price.
| 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, 38, 39, 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 | 2020, September 24. Released 2020, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 17 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 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 | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 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 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | 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 | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 1000 contacts, Photo call |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| 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) | 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 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 | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Gradient | Gravity Black, Oxygen Blue |
| Models | - | V2022, V2023 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 250 EUR |
vivo V21s
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 800U)
- Likely higher refresh rate display
- Improved camera performance
- Better future-proofing
- Potentially higher price
- May have slightly less RAM in some configurations
vivo V20 SE
- More affordable
- Sleek design
- Reliable for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 665)
- Standard 60Hz display
- Slower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21s likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 90Hz, based on general V21 series specs) compared to the V20 SE's standard 60Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 6.4 inches, with FHD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast impressive camera setups. The V21s likely features a higher resolution main sensor (potentially 64MP vs 48MP on the V20 SE) and improved image processing capabilities. Both offer selfie cameras with good quality, but the V21s might have additional features like autofocus. Low-light performance should be better on the V21s.
Performance
This is where the V21s shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 800U is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 665. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the V21s. The V20 SE will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding games or heavy applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacities are likely similar, around 4000-4500 mAh. Both support 33W fast charging, achieving roughly the same charging speed (62-63% in 30 minutes). Battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the more efficient Dimensity 800U in the V21s *could* offer slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
The vivo V21s is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and future-proof hardware. The vivo V20 SE is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and appreciate a sleek design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21s worth the extra money compared to the V20 SE?
If you value performance and future-proofing, the V21s is definitely worth the investment. The chipset upgrade makes a significant difference in everyday use and gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer similar battery life with 33W fast charging. The V21s *might* have a slight edge due to the more efficient chipset, but it's not a major difference.
