Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21 and Y16 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21 edges out the Y16 primarily due to its faster 18W charging. Both phones share the same processor and RAM, but the Y21's quicker charging makes it a more convenient daily driver, especially for those who prioritize speed.
| 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, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 20 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Splashproof |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black |
| Models | V2111 | V2204, V2214 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Faster 18W Charging
- Slightly better front camera
- Modern design
- Smaller battery capacity
- Similar performance to Y16
vivo Y16
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- More affordable
- Decent camera
- Slower 10W charging
- Less modern design
- Weaker front camera
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y21 and Y16 feature a 6.51-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Y21 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potentially more advanced display calibration, though this is often subtle. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y21 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens, while the Y16 has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is comparable, with decent performance in well-lit conditions. Low-light photography is average on both devices. The front-facing camera on the Y21 is often a 8MP, while the Y16 has a 5MP front camera, giving the Y21 a slight edge for selfies.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both phones utilize the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and typically come with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Expect smooth performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games will struggle on both devices.
Battery Life
The vivo Y16 generally has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) compared to the Y21 (4000mAh). While both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, the Y16 will likely last longer on a single charge. However, the Y21's 18W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Y16's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21 is ideal for users who value faster charging and a slightly more modern design. The vivo Y16 is a great choice for those on a tighter budget who prioritize longer battery life and don't mind slower charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo Y16 generally offers better battery life due to its larger 5000mAh battery.
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P35 good for gaming?
The Helio P35 is adequate for light gaming, but it's not powerful enough for demanding games at high settings.
❓ Which phone is more affordable?
The vivo Y16 is typically the more affordable option.
❓ Does the Y21 support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y21 nor the vivo Y16 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
