Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21a and Y16 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21a edges out the Y16 thanks to its faster charging and slightly more powerful chipset (especially in the Egyptian variant). However, the Y16 remains a solid choice for those prioritizing a longer-lasting battery and a more streamlined experience, especially if charging speed isn't a top concern.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | 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 | 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/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black |
| Models | - | V2204, V2214 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21a
- Smaller Battery (4000mAh)
- Potentially Lower Battery Life
vivo Y16
- Larger Battery (5000mAh)
- Longer Battery Life
- Potentially better fingerprint resistance on display
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Slightly less powerful chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of sharpness and color accuracy. The Y16 might have a slightly improved display coating for reduced fingerprints, but overall, display performance is comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Y16 typically features a 13MP main camera with depth sensor, while the Y21a often has a 13MP main camera, macro lens, and depth sensor. Image quality is generally decent in good lighting conditions for both, but low-light performance is expected to be average. The Y21a's macro lens offers a slight versatility advantage.
Performance
The Y21a has a slight advantage here. While both use the Mediatek Helio P35, the Egyptian variant of the Y21a boasts a slightly faster CPU clock speed (2.35 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). This translates to marginally better performance in demanding apps and games. Both phones will handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging without issue.
Battery Life
The vivo Y16 generally has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) compared to the Y21a (4000mAh). This translates to noticeably longer battery life on the Y16, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. The Y21a's battery will still provide a full day's usage, but it may require a top-up in the evening.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21a is ideal for users who value faster charging speeds and a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and light gaming. The vivo Y16 is a better fit for users who prioritize battery life and a simpler, more user-friendly experience, and are less concerned about rapid charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y21a, particularly the Egyptian variant, has a slight edge due to its marginally faster processor. However, neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
The vivo Y16 typically offers longer battery life, easily lasting a full day. The vivo Y21a will also last a full day, but may require a top-up in the evening.
