Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21e and Y21a are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21e generally edges out the Y21a thanks to its more modern and efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the Y21e's improved performance makes it the slightly better choice for most users.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt |
| 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 |
| | 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/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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, 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, Diamond Glow |
| Models | V2140 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | - |
vivo Y21e
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Slightly better image processing
- More efficient processor (better battery life under load)
- Modern design
- Potentially slightly higher price
vivo Y21a
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Less powerful Helio P22/P35 chipset
- Can feel sluggish
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for media consumption but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. The Y21e might have slightly better color reproduction due to its newer chipset's image processing capabilities, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, producing decent but not outstanding photos. Low-light performance is average on both. The Y21e's newer chipset might offer slightly improved image processing, resulting in marginally better photos, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the Y21e shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Helio P22/P35 (12nm) found in the Y21a. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the Y21e. The Y21a 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. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, with 2.5W reverse wired charging available on both. Expect similar battery performance from both phones.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21e? Users prioritizing smoother performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option and are less concerned about top-tier performance, or those in regions where the Y21a is more readily available and potentially cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21e worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio P22/P35.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo Y21e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Do both phones support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y21e nor the vivo Y21a support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G devices.
