Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y21 and Y33s are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their features, performance, and overall worth to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y33s emerges as the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor (Helio G80 vs Helio P35), improved camera capabilities, and the added convenience of reverse charging. While both are budget-friendly, the Y33s provides a more compelling overall experience.
| 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 | 2021, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2021, August 24 |
| 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) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 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 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Mirror Black, Midday Dream |
| Models | V2111 | V2109 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 210 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Sleek Design
- Slow Performance
- Basic Camera
- Limited Features
vivo Y33s
- Faster Processor
- Better Camera
- Reverse Charging
- Improved Performance
- Slightly More Expensive
- 720p Display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display specs – typically a 6.51-inch IPS LCD with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction, but don't anticipate flagship-level sharpness. The Y33s might have slightly better brightness due to potential software optimizations, but it's a marginal difference.
Camera Comparison
The Y33s generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While both typically feature a primary 13MP rear camera, the Y33s often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) and a higher-resolution front camera (typically 16MP vs 8MP on the Y21). Image quality, especially in low light, is noticeably better on the Y33s.
Performance
This is where the Y33s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a noticeably better gaming experience on the Y33s. The Y21's P35 struggles with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Y33s's more efficient chipset and the addition of 5W reverse charging (allowing it to charge other devices) give it a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21 is a good choice for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing basic smartphone functionality. The vivo Y33s is ideal for those seeking better performance for gaming and multitasking, a more capable camera, and the flexibility of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21 good for gaming?
The vivo Y21 can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles due to its weaker processor. The Y33s is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ Can the vivo Y33s charge other phones?
Yes, the vivo Y33s supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
vivo generally provides decent software updates, but specific update schedules can vary. Check vivo's official website for the latest information on both devices.