Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21a and Y22s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y22s is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset offers significantly better performance and efficiency compared to the Y21a's Helio P22/P35. While both offer decent battery life, the Y22s' faster charging and more modern processor make it the superior option.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2022, August 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2022, August 23 |
| 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 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| 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 | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired, 70% in 70 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Dark Blue, Yellow Green |
| Models | - | V2206 |
| Price | - | About 250 EUR |
vivo Y21a
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Less impressive camera
vivo Y22s
- Improved performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Better camera
- Faster charging
- Modern design
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget phone - limited premium features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) display. While the panels are similar in resolution, the Y22s' slightly newer design and potentially improved color calibration might offer a marginally better viewing experience. Expect similar brightness and viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
The Y22s generally boasts a better camera system. While both have a primary 50MP main camera, the Y22s often includes additional features like macro and depth sensors, and benefits from the more powerful image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Y22s.
Performance
This is where the Y22s shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22/P35 found in the Y21a. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Y22s. Gaming performance will also be significantly improved.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Y22s' faster 18W charging (with a claimed 70% charge in 70 minutes) provides a significant advantage over the Y21a's standard 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Those on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a slightly lower price point. Who should buy the vivo Y22s? Anyone seeking a smoother, more responsive experience, better camera performance, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y22s worth the extra money compared to the Y21a?
Yes, the Y22s offers a significant performance upgrade and better camera capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
❓ Does the reverse wired charging on the Y21a work well?
The 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Y21a is a convenient feature for topping up accessories, but it's quite slow and not intended for fully charging other devices.
