The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y21 and Y21t are two contenders in this space, but what sets them apart? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for your budget and needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset and 6nm manufacturing process, offering better performance and efficiency. While both offer 18W charging, the Y21t's reverse charging adds extra utility. The Y21 remains a viable option for those prioritizing the absolute lowest price.
| 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, January 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| 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) | 164.3 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 12 |
| 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/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (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/1.8, (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 | 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 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 | V2135 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 190 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery life (5000mAh)
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Weak performance (Helio P35)
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Older chipset
vivo Y21t
- Significantly better performance (Snapdragon 680)
- More efficient chipset
- Reverse wired charging
- Improved gaming experience
- Slightly more expensive than Y21
- Still an entry-level device
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Expect comparable viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, though the Y21t's more efficient chipset *might* lead to slightly better power management during prolonged display usage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar dual-camera setup, potentially including a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y21t's more powerful processor *could* offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both likely have an 8MP front-facing camera.
Performance
This is where the Y21t shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35 (12nm) in the Y21. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Y21t. The Y21 will struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery. However, the Y21t's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset should translate to better battery life in real-world usage, allowing it to last longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The vivo Y21t is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, better gaming performance, and the added convenience of reverse charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21t worth the extra money compared to the Y21?
Yes, if performance and battery life are important to you. The Snapdragon 680 in the Y21t offers a significant upgrade over the Y21's Helio P35.
❓ Can the vivo Y21t handle demanding games?
While still an entry-level device, the Y21t's Snapdragon 680 is capable of handling less demanding games at reasonable settings. The Y21 would struggle significantly.
