The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y21e and Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Y21e focuses on Qualcomm's efficiency, while the Poco M4 Pro 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better buy. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Dimensity 810 offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680, especially for multitasking and light gaming. While the Y21e offers respectable efficiency, the Poco M4 Pro's overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 14 | 2021, November 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2021, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | V2140 | 21091116AG, MZB0BGVIN |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1553:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 296721 (v8), 353663 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y21e
- Potentially better power efficiency with Snapdragon 680
- Clean and simple user interface (typical of vivo)
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Less powerful processor compared to the Dimensity 810
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 810 processor
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially slightly lower battery efficiency
- Xiaomi’s MIUI can be resource-intensive
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Both phones share a contrast ratio of 1553:1, suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 510 nits, which will translate to better visibility outdoors compared to the Y21e, whose brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the brighter display on the Poco M4 Pro provides a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera performance. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G’s brand reputation suggests a slightly more refined camera experience, potentially with better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of details makes it difficult to assess the quality of any macro cameras that may be present.
Performance
The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810, with its 2x Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a clear advantage in CPU-intensive tasks over the vivo Y21e’s Snapdragon 680. The Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, while efficient, are clocked lower at 2.4 GHz and paired with less powerful Silver cores. The Dimensity 810’s architecture is better suited for handling demanding applications and multitasking. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 6nm process, offering good power efficiency, but the Dimensity 810’s superior core configuration provides a performance boost.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 59 minutes. The vivo Y21e’s 18W charging is considerably slower, taking much longer to replenish the battery. While both offer 2.5W reverse wired charging, the faster charging speed of the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a key differentiator for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21e if you prioritize long-term battery life and a consistently smooth experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. It's ideal for users who don't heavily rely on their phone for gaming or demanding applications. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G if you value faster charging, 5G connectivity for future-proofing, and a more responsive experience for multitasking and casual gaming. It's the better choice for users who want a phone that can handle a wider range of tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Poco M4 Pro 5G get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 810 is a capable processor, it can generate heat under sustained load. The Poco M4 Pro 5G’s thermal management is adequate for casual gaming, but prolonged, graphically intensive sessions may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. It's not a flagship-level cooling solution, so expect some performance reduction after extended play.
❓ Is the 2.5W reverse wired charging on either phone useful for anything beyond emergencies?
The 2.5W reverse wired charging on both the vivo Y21e and Poco M4 Pro 5G is primarily for emergency situations. It's too slow to efficiently charge larger devices like tablets or other smartphones. It's best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches in a pinch.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 680's 4G connectivity impact the user experience compared to the Poco M4 Pro 5G's 5G?
The lack of 5G on the vivo Y21e means slower download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. While 4G is still widely available, 5G offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency, which can improve streaming, online gaming, and overall responsiveness. The Poco M4 Pro 5G future-proofs your connectivity for when 5G becomes more prevalent.
