Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21s and Y16 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21s takes the win thanks to its significantly faster processor, better charging capabilities (including reverse charging), and generally more modern chipset. While the Y16 offers a more budget-friendly price, the Y21s provides a noticeably smoother and more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 21 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | 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 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Splashproof |
| 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 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pearl White | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black |
| Models | V2110 | V2204, V2214 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y21s
- Faster Processor (Helio G80)
- 18W Fast Charging
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Slightly Better Front Camera
- More Modern Chipset
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design may be less unique
vivo Y16
- More Affordable
- Reliable Battery Life
- Decent for Basic Tasks
- Slower Processor (Helio P35)
- 10W Slow Charging
- Less Future-Proof
- Weaker Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel types aren't always detailed, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. The Y21s might have a slightly brighter display, but this is difficult to confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
The Y21s typically features a 13MP front camera and a 13MP + 2MP rear camera setup. The Y16 has a 8MP front camera and a 13MP + 2MP rear camera setup. While megapixels aren't everything, the Y21s' slightly better front camera and potentially improved image processing should result in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Both offer basic portrait mode functionality.
Performance
This is where the Y21s truly shines. The Helio G80 chipset in the Y21s is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35 in the Y16. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Y21s. The Y16 is adequate for basic tasks like browsing and social media, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Y21s boasts 18W fast charging, a significant advantage over the Y16's 10W charging. The Y21s also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices in a pinch.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Users prioritizing performance, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel. Who should buy the vivo Y16? Those on a very tight budget who need a reliable phone for basic tasks and aren't concerned with top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money?
If performance and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The Y21s offers a noticeably better experience. However, if you're on a very tight budget, the Y16 is a viable option.
❓ Can the vivo Y16 handle gaming?
The Y16 can handle very basic games at low settings. However, more demanding games will likely experience lag and stuttering. The Y21s is a much better choice for gaming.
