The vivo Y21 and Oppo A16e represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they diverge in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Helio P35-powered vivo Y21 and the Helio P22-equipped Oppo A16e, focusing on performance, battery, and charging to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and slightly better multitasking, the vivo Y21 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, with its higher clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Oppo A16e’s Helio P22. However, the A16e’s lower price point may appeal to those on the tightest of budgets.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 20 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | V2111 | CPH2421 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 18W fast charging reduces downtime
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A16e
- Likely similar camera performance to the A16e
Oppo A16e
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Decent battery life for light users
- Slower processor can lead to lag
- 10W charging is significantly slower
- Less responsive for multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on efficiency. Without specific display specs, we can assume similar resolutions and brightness levels. The real difference lies elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market positioning suggests similar image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, and brand-specific tuning will play a larger role than raw hardware.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is their chipsets. The vivo Y21’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.35 GHz, utilizing a combination of Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the Oppo A16e’s Helio P22 (12nm) which has an octa-core CPU clocked at a consistent 2.0 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. The higher clock speeds of the P35 translate to faster processing, particularly noticeable when launching apps or switching between them. While both use the same 12nm process, the P35’s architecture offers a performance advantage. The P35’s CPU is better suited for handling multiple apps simultaneously, making the Y21 a more responsive device for multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily influenced by usage patterns, but the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The vivo Y21 supports 18W wired charging, allowing for significantly faster top-ups compared to the Oppo A16e’s 10W charging. While both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range (based on typical budget phone capacities), the Y21’s faster charging will minimize downtime, a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. Expect a full charge on the Y21 to take around 2 hours, while the A16e could take upwards of 3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with a bit more fluidity, and if you occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking. The faster processor will translate to a smoother user experience. Buy the Oppo A16e if you prioritize absolute affordability and your smartphone usage is limited to basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you don't anticipate demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo Y21 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P35 can run these games, expect to play on low to medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The GPU isn't powerful enough for high settings, and prolonged gaming may lead to some thermal throttling. The Oppo A16e will struggle even more with these titles.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the vivo Y21 compared to the 10W charging on the Oppo A16e in real-world use?
The 18W charging on the Y21 can add approximately 50% charge in around 30-45 minutes, whereas the 10W charging on the A16e will take closer to 1.5-2 hours to achieve the same level of charge. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio P35 and Helio P22 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio P35 in the Y21 will result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The A16e may exhibit slight lag or delays during these tasks.
