The vivo V series consistently delivers stylish designs and competitive features at mid-range prices. Choosing between the V23e 5G and the V21 5G can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V23e 5G edges out the V21 5G thanks to its slightly faster chipset and quicker charging. However, the V21 5G boasts impressive battery life and a brighter display. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 23 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 01 | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.3 x 7.4 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.29 in) | 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | 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 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 69% in 30 min | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4050 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Gold), Moonlight Shadow (Midnight Blue) | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | V2126 | V2050 |
| Price | About 350 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 V23e 5G
- Slightly faster chipset
- Faster 44W charging
- Modern design
- Battery life not as impressive as V21 5G
- Display brightness lower than V21 5G
vivo V21 5G
- Exceptional battery life (123h endurance)
- Brighter display (761 nits)
- Potentially lower price
- Slightly older chipset
- Slower 33W charging
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 761 nits, offering a noticeably brighter viewing experience, especially outdoors. While the V23e 5G's display is good, it doesn't reach the same level of brightness. The V21 5G's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal specification, but suggests strong contrast.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Both are advertised as having Photo/Video capabilities. The V23e 5G likely benefits from slightly newer image processing algorithms due to its later release. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The V23e 5G holds a slight advantage in performance thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset (6nm) versus the V21 5G's Dimensity 800U (7nm). While both offer Octa-core CPUs, the 810 generally provides a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 5G shines in the battery department, boasting an endurance rating of 123 hours – a truly impressive figure. The V23e 5G's battery life is still respectable, but doesn't match the V21 5G's longevity. The V23e 5G's 44W charging does offer faster top-ups, reaching 69% in 30 minutes, compared to the V21 5G's 33W charging (63% in 30 minutes).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V23e 5G? Users prioritizing performance and faster charging. Who should buy the vivo V21 5G? Those seeking exceptional battery life and a vibrant display, and potentially a slightly lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V23e 5G worth the upgrade from the V21 5G?
If performance and faster charging are your priorities, then yes. Otherwise, the V21 5G's exceptional battery life and brighter display might be sufficient.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo V23e 5G likely offers slightly better gaming performance due to its newer and more efficient chipset.
