The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y21 and Y21s are two popular contenders in this space, but what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21s is the clear winner. Its Helio G80 chipset offers significantly improved performance compared to the Y21's Helio P35. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Y21s' reverse charging capability adds extra utility. It's a worthwhile upgrade.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 20 | 2021, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2021, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| 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 (~81.8% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Midnight Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | V2111 | V2110 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21
- Affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- No reverse charging
vivo Y21s
- Improved performance
- Reverse charging
- Good battery life
- Slightly better camera processing
- Still an HD+ display
- Camera performance could be better
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is adequate for everyday use, don't expect vibrant colors or sharp details. The viewing experience is largely similar between the two devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual rear camera setup: a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Y21s' more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing, but the difference is minimal. The front-facing camera is typically 8MP on both models.
Performance
This is where the Y21s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21s. The Y21 can feel sluggish, especially when handling multiple apps or demanding games.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired. The Y21s adds a 2.5W reverse wired charging feature, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge other devices – a useful addition.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21 is a good option for users prioritizing affordability above all else and who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The vivo Y21s is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience for multitasking, gaming, and photography, and who appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money?
Yes, the improved performance of the Helio G80 chipset makes the Y21s a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you multitask or play games. The reverse charging is a bonus.
❓ What is the difference between the vivo Y21 and Y21s cameras?
While both have similar camera hardware, the Y21s' more powerful processor allows for slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance.
❓ How long does the battery last on both phones?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
