Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21a and Y21s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21s is the clear winner. Its Helio G80 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the Y21a's, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer decent battery life, the Y21s's improved processor efficiency makes it the better choice overall.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 | 2021, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | 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 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 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) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Midnight Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | - | V2110 |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21a
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Underpowered chipset
- Basic camera system
- HD+ display
vivo Y21s
- Improved performance (Helio G80)
- Better camera (depth sensor)
- Slightly more efficient battery
- More responsive display
- Slightly more expensive than Y21a
- Still an HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is standard for this price range, the Y21s's more powerful processor *might* allow for slightly better color processing and responsiveness, though the difference will be minimal. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
The Y21a typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. The Y21s usually boasts a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The addition of the depth sensor on the Y21s allows for better portrait mode performance. Image quality is generally decent on both, but the Y21s tends to produce slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Y21s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Y21a's Helio P22/P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved performance in games. The Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent all-day battery life. However, the Y21s's more efficient Helio G80 chipset means it will likely last slightly longer on a single charge, especially with moderate to heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a slightly more capable camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money compared to the Y21a?
Yes, the Y21s's improved performance and camera make it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows. The Helio G80 chipset provides a significantly better user experience.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable.
