vivo V21s vs vivo V21: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The vivo V21 series is known for its stylish design and capable cameras. But with two models – the V21s and the original V21 – which one offers the best value? We're diving deep into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo V21s offers a slightly newer design and potentially improved software experience. However, the V21 boasts exceptional battery life and a similar chipset. Ultimately, the V21s is a marginal upgrade, making the V21 a strong contender, especially if battery endurance is a priority.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V21s vivo V21
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, November 172021, April 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 17Available. Released 2021, May 05
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz)176 g (6.21 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G57 MC3
OSAndroid 12, Funtouch 12Android 11, Funtouch 11.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS
Triple64 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)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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR
Single44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 63% in 30 min33W wired, 63% in 30 min
Type4000 mAh4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDusk Blue, GradientDusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle
Models-V2066, V2108
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 320 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 123h
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 V21s

  • Slightly more modern design
  • Potentially faster software updates
  • Good selfie camera

  • Battery life not as impressive as V21
  • Marginal upgrade over V21

vivo V21

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Excellent selfie camera
  • Potentially lower price

  • Slightly older design
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 44MP front-facing camera. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. The V21s might have a slightly improved display calibration, but it's a subtle difference.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The V21s might have slightly improved image processing algorithms, resulting in marginally better photos in certain lighting conditions. The 44MP front camera is a highlight on both, delivering excellent selfies.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Expect similar speeds and responsiveness in most scenarios. Software optimization could be a differentiating factor, with the V21s potentially having a more refined experience.

Battery Life

This is where the V21 shines. Its endurance rating of 123h significantly surpasses what we'd expect from the V21s. While the V21s offers 33W fast charging (63% in 30 minutes), the V21's larger battery capacity provides longer overall usage time.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo V21s? Users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially faster software updates. Who should buy the vivo V21? Those seeking exceptional battery life and a great camera experience at a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo V21s worth the upgrade from the vivo V21?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a slightly newer design and potentially faster software, the V21s is a decent upgrade. However, if battery life is crucial, the V21 remains a compelling choice.
❓ Which phone has better performance for gaming?
Both phones offer similar performance thanks to the same chipset. Gaming experience will largely depend on software optimization and game settings.