Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21a and Y53s 4G are both contenders in the budget segment, but they offer different strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y53s 4G is the clear winner. Its Helio G80 chipset provides significantly better performance, faster charging, and a generally more modern experience compared to the Y21a's older processor. While the Y21a is cheaper, the Y53s 4G offers better value 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) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2021, July 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2021, July 09 |
| 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 75.5 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 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 (~84.2% 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 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Blue Purple, Black Green |
| Price | - | About 260 EUR |
vivo Y21a
- Affordable
- Long battery life (potentially)
- Reverse charging
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
vivo Y53s 4G
- Better performance (Helio G80)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Improved camera system
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than Y21a under very light use
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. However, the Y53s 4G may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology. Viewing angles and overall visual experience will likely be marginally better on the Y53s 4G.
Camera Comparison
The Y53s 4G generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While both likely have a primary 13MP front camera, the Y53s 4G typically features a triple rear camera setup (48MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) offering more creative options. The Y21a usually has a simpler dual-camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth). Image quality and low-light performance will be better on the Y53s 4G.
Performance
This is where the Y53s 4G shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Y21a's Helio P22/P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y53s 4G. The Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Y21a likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh), potentially offering marginally longer battery life under light usage. However, the Y53s 4G's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it more convenient overall.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. Who should buy the vivo Y53s 4G? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21a good for gaming?
The vivo Y21a is not ideal for gaming. Its chipset struggles with demanding games, resulting in lag and low frame rates. The Y53s 4G offers a much better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo Y21a *potentially* has slightly better battery life under very light usage due to its larger battery capacity. However, the Y53s 4G's faster charging makes it more convenient overall.