The vivo V21 series offers stylish designs and capable cameras, but choosing between the V21s and V21 5G can be tricky. Both phones share a similar chipset, but subtle differences in features and availability make one potentially better suited for your needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21 5G edges out the V21s thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly brighter display. While both offer excellent value, the 5G capability and improved screen brightness provide a more future-proof and visually appealing experience. However, the V21s might be more readily available in some regions.
| 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, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 17 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 17 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 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 | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) | 176 g (6.21 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 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| 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) | 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@30/60fps | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 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 | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Gradient | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | - | V2050 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 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 V21s
- Potentially more readily available
- Fast 33W charging
- Stylish design
- Slightly dimmer display
- Potentially shorter battery life
- No 5G connectivity
vivo V21 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Brighter display (761 nits)
- Excellent battery life (123h endurance)
- Stylish design
- Potentially less available in some regions
- Fast 33W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, but the vivo V21 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 761 nits, significantly brighter than the V21s. The V21 5G also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, though this is a nominal value. The V21s display is still excellent, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the 5G model provides a noticeable edge in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V21 5G likely has slightly improved image processing due to software updates. Both offer excellent selfie cameras. Detailed camera specs are missing, but expect similar results in most scenarios. Low-light performance should be comparable.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset and Octa-core CPU. Expect smooth performance for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate gaming. Demanding games might require slightly reduced graphics settings.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 5G claims an impressive endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting superior battery life compared to the V21s. While the V21s has 33W fast charging, the V21 5G's battery optimization likely contributes to its longer endurance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V21s? Users prioritizing availability and potentially a slightly lower price point. Who should buy the vivo V21 5G? Those wanting 5G connectivity and a brighter, more vibrant display for enhanced viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21s worth buying if 5G isn't important?
Yes, if 5G isn't a priority and the V21s is more readily available or cheaper, it's still a solid choice with a good display and capable performance.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
Both phones should offer comparable low-light performance, but the V21 5G might have slightly better image processing due to potential software updates.
