The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo Y21e and the Realme Narzo 50. Both promise a solid experience, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50 edges out the vivo Y21e thanks to its significantly faster charging, slightly better performance, and a more modern design. While the Y21e offers a decent experience, the Narzo 50 provides a more compelling package for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 14 | 2022, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| 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) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 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) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| 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/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | V2140 | RMX3286 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 610 EUR |
vivo Y21e
- Long battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Sleek design (subjective)
- Slower charging
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially lower camera quality
- HD+ display
Realme Narzo 50
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better performance (Helio G96)
- More versatile camera system
- Modern design
- Slightly larger size
- 12nm process (less efficient than 6nm)
- May lack some vivo-specific features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Narzo 50 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Realme's generally more refined display tuning. However, the difference is likely minimal for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50 typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Narzo 50 is likely to produce better results in low-light conditions and offer more creative options.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 50's MediaTek Helio G96 chipset generally outperforms the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680. The G96's Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost in gaming and multitasking compared to the Y21e's Kryo 265 cores. Expect smoother app launches and less lag on the Narzo 50.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Realme Narzo 50's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to charge much faster than the Y21e's 18W charging. The reverse wired charging on the Y21e is a minor bonus.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21e? Users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks and extended battery life. Who should buy the Realme Narzo 50? Those seeking faster charging, a smoother user experience, and a more modern aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G96 chipset.
❓ Does the vivo Y21e have 5G?
No, both the vivo Y21e and Realme Narzo 50 are 4G devices.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Software support varies, but Realme generally provides quicker updates than vivo. Check recent update history for both devices before purchasing.
