Looking for an affordable Android phone? The vivo Y21e and Y21 are both strong contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21e edges out the Y21 thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, offering a smoother and more responsive user experience. While both offer decent battery life, the Y21e's reverse charging is a nice bonus. Overall, the Y21e provides better performance for a similar price.
| 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, 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 | 2021, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2021, August 20 |
| 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| 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, QZSS | 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, gyro, 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 | V2140 | V2111 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo Y21e
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly more modern design (potentially)
- Good battery life
- Camera performance is average
- HD+ display resolution
vivo Y21
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Weaker Helio P35 chipset
- Can feel sluggish
- Average camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y21e's slightly newer chipset *might* allow for marginally better color accuracy and brightness, though this is unlikely to be a significant difference in real-world use. Viewing angles and overall display quality are comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. The Y21e's newer chipset *could* offer slightly improved image processing, resulting in marginally better photos in certain lighting conditions. However, don't expect a dramatic difference in image quality. Both cameras are adequate for casual photography.
Performance
This is where the Y21e truly shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the Y21e. The Y21 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both devices pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Y21e has a slight advantage with its 2.5W reverse wired charging capability, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21e? Users prioritizing performance and a slightly more modern chipset will appreciate the Y21e. Who should buy the vivo Y21? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option and are less concerned with top-tier performance might find the Y21 sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21e worth the extra money compared to the vivo Y21?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio P35, making the Y21e a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
Both phones have similar camera setups. The Y21e *might* have slightly better image processing due to its newer chipset, but the difference is minimal.
❓ Can the vivo Y21e charge other devices?
Yes, the vivo Y21e supports 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank.
