Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo X50e and V21 5G are both compelling mid-range contenders, offering 5G connectivity and stylish designs. But which one truly delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V21 5G edges out the X50e thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and generally more modern chipset. While the Snapdragon 765G is capable, the Dimensity 800U offers a slight performance advantage and better power efficiency. Both are solid choices, but the V21 5G provides a more well-rounded package.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 78 SA/NSA | 78 Sub6 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (4CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 30. Released 2020, October 01 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 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 | 200.4 g (7.05 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 (~82.4% 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 (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10 | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Triple | - | 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 | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 32-bit/384kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 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 | 33W wired | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min |
| Type | 4350 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle, Arctic White |
| Models | V1930 | V2050 |
| Price | About 410 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 X50e
- Reliable Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Mature software experience
- Good build quality
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly older chipset
- Lower display brightness compared to V21 5G
- Slower charging (relative to V21 5G)
vivo V21 5G
- Brighter display
- Faster charging
- Modern Dimensity 800U chipset
- Stylish design
- Potentially better camera performance
- Dimensity 800U can be less stable than Snapdragon in some regions
- Software may have more bloatware
Display Comparison
The vivo V21 5G boasts a significantly brighter display at 761 nits (measured) compared to the X50e, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the X50e's display is perfectly adequate, the V21 5G's higher brightness provides a more immersive viewing experience. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio of the V21 5G is a nominal value and doesn't translate to a tangible difference in real-world usage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the V21 5G is generally considered to have a slight edge. The V21 5G often features improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The X50e's camera is still very good, producing detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would need to be compared for a more precise assessment.
Performance
The vivo V21 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset generally offers slightly better performance than the Snapdragon 765G in the X50e, particularly in terms of power efficiency. Both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but the V21 5G might exhibit smoother performance in demanding applications. The Snapdragon 765G is known for its stability and mature drivers.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 5G claims an impressive endurance rating of 123h, suggesting excellent battery life. While the X50e's battery life is also respectable, the V21 5G appears to have a slight advantage. The V21 5G's 33W charging also charges 63% in 30 minutes, which is faster than the X50e's 33W charging.
Buying Guide
The vivo X50e is a good choice for users prioritizing a reliable and proven chipset (Snapdragon 765G) and a slightly more mature software experience. The vivo V21 5G is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging speeds, and a more contemporary design, especially if camera quality is a key consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo V21 5G's Dimensity 800U chipset generally offers slightly better gaming performance, but both phones can handle most games at moderate settings.
❓ Is the vivo X50e still a good buy?
Yes, the vivo X50e remains a solid option, especially if you prioritize a reliable chipset and a mature software experience. However, the V21 5G offers more modern features and a slightly better overall package.
