The vivo V series consistently delivers stylish designs and capable cameras at competitive prices. But with two strong contenders like the V23 5G and V21 5G, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21 5G edges out the V23 5G thanks to its superior battery life and slightly brighter display. However, the V23 5G boasts a more powerful chipset, making it a better choice for demanding users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities.
| 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, 8, 18, 19, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 05 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 19 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 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 | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation Up | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
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@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 |
| | Color changing back panel when exposed to sunlight | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 68% in 30 min | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunshine Gold, Stardust Black | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | V2130, V2303 | V2050 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 103h
|
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.5 LUFS (Average)
|
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 406498 (v8), 476058 (v9)
GeekBench: 8421 (v4.4), 2140 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 336699 (v8), 365055 (v9)
GeekBench: 6516 (v4.4), 1600 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V23 5G
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 920)
- Slightly better camera quality
- Modern design
- Shorter battery life
- Lower max brightness compared to V21 5G
- Potentially higher price
vivo V21 5G
- Excellent battery life
- Brighter display
- More affordable
- Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 800U)
- Slightly less detailed camera
- Older design
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G takes the lead in display brightness, measuring 761 nits compared to the V23 5G's 629 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite, nominal), ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks. While both displays are AMOLED and offer smooth visuals, the V21 5G's extra brightness makes it more visible in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V23 5G generally produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Both offer excellent selfie cameras, a key selling point for the vivo brand. Low-light performance is comparable on both devices.
Performance
The vivo V23 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the V21 5G's Dimensity 800U. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The V23 5G's 6nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 5G shines in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 123 hours, significantly higher than the V23 5G's 103 hours. While both offer 44W fast charging (V21 5G slightly slower at 33W), the V21 5G's larger battery capacity provides more longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V23 5G? Gamers and users who prioritize performance and a slightly more modern chipset. Who should buy the vivo V21 5G? Users who value long battery life, a brighter screen, and a more budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo V23 5G is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 920 chipset.
❓ Does the V23 5G have a better camera?
While both have good cameras, the V23 5G generally produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting.
❓ Which phone has longer battery life?
The vivo V21 5G offers significantly longer battery life with an endurance rating of 123 hours compared to the V23 5G's 103 hours.
❓ Is the vivo V23 5G worth the extra cost?
If performance is a priority, the V23 5G's more powerful chipset justifies the higher price. However, if battery life and value are more important, the V21 5G is a compelling alternative.
