The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones with decent features. The Y21a and Y21G are two contenders in this space, but which one is the better choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21G emerges as the stronger contender thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G70 chipset. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the Y21G's improved performance makes it the better option for smoother multitasking and gaming, despite the Y21a's reverse charging.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 07 |
| 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 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) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue |
| Models | - | V2152 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
vivo Y21a
- Reverse charging capability
- Slightly more affordable (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Weaker processor
- Lower performance
- Average camera quality
vivo Y21G
- Significantly better performance
- Smoother multitasking
- Better gaming experience
- Decent battery life
- No reverse charging
- Average camera quality
- Similar display to Y21a
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. The Y21G's more powerful processor *may* allow for slightly better image processing, but overall, camera performance will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be average on both.
Performance
This is where the Y21G shines. The Helio G70 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Y21a's Helio P22/P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better gaming performance on the Y21G. The Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Y21a has a 2.5W reverse charging feature, allowing it to charge other devices, while the Y21G does not. Charging speeds are similar at 18W wired.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21a is a good choice for users prioritizing basic functionality, reverse charging for accessories, and a slightly more budget-friendly price. The vivo Y21G is ideal for those seeking better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness, even within the budget smartphone category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21G worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Helio G70 offers a significant upgrade over the Y21a's chipset, making it a worthwhile investment for smoother operation.
❓ Can the vivo Y21a charge other phones?
Yes, the Y21a has a 2.5W reverse charging feature, allowing you to charge other devices slowly.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo Y21G, thanks to its Helio G70 chipset, provides a much better gaming experience compared to the Y21a.
