The vivo V series consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo V23e and the vivo V21. Which one offers the best value and performance for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21 edges out the V23e thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly faster charging. However, the V23e boasts a newer processor and potentially improved camera capabilities. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities – battery life and performance lean towards the V21, while camera and newer tech favor the V23e.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 09 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 09 | Available. Released 2021, May 05 |
| 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 (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 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, 256GB 8GB 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 | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | 64 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 | 50 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 | Black, Aurora | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle |
| Models | - | V2066, V2108 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 320 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| 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
- Newer Chipset (Helio G96)
- Potentially Improved Camera
- Faster Charging (44W)
- Stylish Design
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Shorter Battery Life
- May have slightly lower color accuracy on display
vivo V21
- More Efficient Chipset (Dimensity 800U)
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Proven Endurance
- Slightly better color accuracy on display
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Older Chipset
- Potentially less advanced camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a vibrant AMOLED display with a nominal infinite contrast ratio, promising deep blacks and rich colors. The V21 likely has slightly better color accuracy due to its age and calibration. Resolution and refresh rate are likely similar, offering a smooth viewing experience for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The V23e is expected to have a slightly improved camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and enhanced image processing. Both phones likely offer a versatile setup with ultrawide and macro lenses. Low-light performance is a key area to watch, and the V23e's newer hardware may provide an edge.
Performance
The vivo V21’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the V23e’s Helio G96 (12nm). The 7nm process is more efficient, resulting in better performance and potentially less heat generation. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 800U’s higher clock speeds contribute to a snappier user experience.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 123h is significantly higher than what's typically expected from the V23e. While the V23e offers 44W fast charging (reaching 69% in 30 minutes), the V21’s 33W charging is still respectable, and the longer battery life compensates for the slightly slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo V23e? Users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and potentially better camera performance, especially those who enjoy mobile gaming. Who should buy the vivo V21? Those seeking exceptional battery life and a smoother overall experience with a more efficient processor, and who value a proven track record of endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo V23e's newer chipset might offer a slight edge in gaming performance, but the V21's efficiency could prevent overheating during extended sessions.
❓ Is the vivo V23e worth the upgrade from the V21?
It depends on your priorities. If camera improvements and a slightly newer processor are important, then yes. Otherwise, the V21 remains a strong contender with its exceptional battery life.
