vivo V21s vs vivo V23 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V21s and V23 5G are both compelling contenders in the mid-range market, offering stylish designs and capable features. But which one is right for you?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo V23 5G edges out the V21s thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 920 chipset, brighter display, and slightly faster charging. However, the V21s remains a solid choice for those prioritizing a more budget-friendly option and a slightly more compact design.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V21s vivo V23 5G
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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Launch
Announced2022, November 172022, January 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 17Available. Released 2022, January 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back
Dimensions159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g / 177 g (6.21 oz)179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
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 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, Funtouch 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
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/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Color changing back panel when exposed to sunlight
Battery
Charging33W wired, 63% in 30 min44W wired, 68% in 30 min
Type4000 mAh4200 mAh
Misc
ColorsDusk Blue, GradientSunshine Gold, Stardust Black
Models-V2130, V2303
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 280 EUR
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 103h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.5 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 406498 (v8), 476058 (v9) GeekBench: 8421 (v4.4), 2140 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo V21s

  • More affordable
  • Slightly more compact design
  • Good selfie camera

  • Older chipset
  • Slower charging
  • Lower display brightness

vivo V23 5G

  • More powerful chipset (Dimensity 920)
  • Brighter display
  • Faster charging
  • Excellent battery life

  • More expensive
  • Potentially larger size

Display Comparison

The vivo V23 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 629 nits, significantly brighter than the V21s. While the V23 5G's contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' (likely a marketing term), the higher brightness provides a noticeable advantage in outdoor visibility. Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the V23 5G's brightness is a clear winner.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V23 5G likely has an edge due to the improved image processing capabilities of its chipset. Both offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera comparisons would require more in-depth testing. Expect good selfie performance from both devices.

Performance

The Dimensity 920 in the V23 5G is a step up from the Dimensity 800U in the V21s. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games on the V23 5G. While the V21s is still capable for everyday tasks, the V23 5G offers a more premium feel.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the V23 5G achieving an endurance rating of 103 hours. The V23 5G also charges slightly faster with 44W wired charging (68% in 30 minutes) compared to the V21s' 33W charging (63% in 30 minutes). While both offer all-day battery life, the V23 5G has a slight advantage.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo V21s? Users seeking a stylish and capable phone on a tighter budget, who don't need the absolute latest performance. Who should buy the vivo V23 5G? Those prioritizing a smoother experience, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a slightly faster charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo V23 5G worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and faster charging, then the V23 5G is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget, the V21s still offers a solid experience.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
While both have capable cameras, the V23 5G's more powerful chipset likely translates to slightly better image processing and overall camera quality. More detailed testing would be needed for a definitive answer.