vivo Y21s vs. Motorola Moto G50 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y21s and Motorola Moto G50 5G represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Mediatek Helio G80 and Dimensity 700, revealing which phone delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and slightly better overall performance, the Motorola Moto G50 5G is the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in sustained performance and future-proofing, despite the Y21s' faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y21s Motorola Moto G50 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Australia
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 - Australia
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Australia
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 8, 40-
Launch
Announced2021, September 212021, August 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 21Available. Released 2021, August 25
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)167 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.57 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)206 g (7.27 oz)
 -Water-repellent design
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 11.1Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired 2.5W reverse wired15W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, Pearl WhiteMeteorite Grey
ModelsV2110XT2149-1
Price-About 170 EUR
SAR0.83 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)-

vivo Y21s

  • Faster 18W wired charging
  • 2.5W reverse wired charging for accessories
  • Potentially slightly better battery life with efficient usage

  • Older 12nm Helio G80 chipset
  • Less powerful CPU cores (Cortex-A75)
  • Potentially lower sustained performance

Motorola Moto G50 5G

  • More efficient 7nm Dimensity 700 chipset
  • Faster CPU cores (Cortex-A76)
  • Integrated 5G modem for better connectivity
  • Better long-term performance potential

  • Slower 15W wired charging
  • No reverse wired charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, suggesting both likely utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be moderate on both, and color accuracy will likely be adequate but not exceptional. Without specific brightness data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Moto G50's larger screen size (typically found in this class) may offer a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the budget segment. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The aperture of the main lens will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but without that data, it's difficult to assess. Image processing will likely lean towards vibrant colors and boosted contrast to appeal to a wider audience. The Dimensity 700’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range, but the difference will likely be marginal.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G50 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a significant step up from the vivo Y21s’ Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The 7nm node translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, allowing the Dimensity 700 to sustain peak performance for longer periods. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 700 utilizes Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) which are architecturally superior to the Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz), resulting in faster single-core performance. This difference is noticeable in app launch times and overall system responsiveness. The G50's 5G modem is integrated into the chipset, offering a more streamlined and efficient 5G experience.

Battery Life

The battery capacity is not specified for either device, but typical capacities for this class are around 5000mAh. The vivo Y21s has a slight advantage with 18W wired charging compared to the Moto G50 5G’s 15W. This translates to potentially faster charging times, though the actual difference will depend on battery capacity and charging efficiency. The Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency may offset the slower charging speed, resulting in comparable real-world battery life for moderate usage. The Y21s also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y21s if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience (18W vs 15W) and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing. Buy the Motorola Moto G50 5G if you want a more capable processor for occasional gaming, smoother multitasking, and the benefits of a more modern and efficient 5G chipset, making it a better long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Motorola Moto G50 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700's 7nm process is more efficient than the Helio G80's 12nm process, meaning it generates less heat under load. While it won't match flagship-level thermal performance, the Moto G50 5G is less likely to experience significant throttling during prolonged gaming compared to the vivo Y21s.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Moto G50 5G reliable and compatible with all 5G networks?
The Moto G50 5G supports a range of 5G bands, but compatibility will depend on your carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your provider to ensure the phone supports the specific 5G frequencies used in your area. The integrated 5G modem within the Dimensity 700 generally offers stable and efficient 5G connectivity.
❓ How significant is the performance difference between the Helio G80 and Dimensity 700 in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference won't be dramatically noticeable. However, the Dimensity 700's faster CPU cores and more efficient architecture will result in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The difference becomes more apparent with demanding apps or games.