Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V21s and V21e 5G are both compelling mid-range contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21e 5G edges out the V21s thanks to its faster 5G connectivity, quicker charging, and slightly improved battery performance. While the V21s boasts a marginally more powerful chipset, the V21e 5G’s overall package makes it the more appealing 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, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 17 | 2021, June 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 17 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.7 or 7.8 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz) | 165 g or 167 g (5.82 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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 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@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 |
|---|
| 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 | 44W wired, 72% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Gradient | Sunset Jazz, Dark Pearl |
| Models | - | V2055 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
vivo V21s
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Good image processing
- Stylish design
- Slower charging
- No 5G connectivity
- Potentially higher price
vivo V21e 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster charging (44W)
- Competitive price
- Good overall performance
- Slightly less powerful chipset than V21s
- Image processing may be slightly less refined
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar AMOLED displays, likely around 6.44 inches with a Full HD+ resolution and a 44/45W refresh rate. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V21e 5G might have a slightly smaller notch or punch-hole camera, offering marginally better screen-to-body ratio, but the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup, likely including a 64MP main sensor. The V21s might have slightly better image processing due to its chipset, but the V21e 5G's camera is still very capable. Expect good selfies from the front-facing cameras on both devices, likely around 32MP.
Performance
The vivo V21s utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 800U, offering a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the V21e 5G's Dimensity 700. This translates to marginally better performance in demanding games and applications. However, both chips are capable of handling everyday tasks and multitasking smoothly.
Battery Life
The vivo V21e 5G has a clear advantage here with 44W wired charging, allowing it to reach 72% in 30 minutes, compared to the V21s' 33W charging (63% in 30 minutes). Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4400mAh, but the faster charging speeds make the V21e 5G more convenient.
Buying Guide
The vivo V21s is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly smoother gaming experience and don't need 5G. The vivo V21e 5G is perfect for those wanting future-proof 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a generally well-rounded experience at a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V21s worth buying if I don't need 5G?
If you prioritize a slightly smoother gaming experience and don't require 5G, the V21s is a decent option. However, consider the slower charging speed.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While battery capacity is similar, the vivo V21e 5G's faster charging makes it more convenient for topping up.
