Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21s and Y21 are both strong contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21s emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G80 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost for gaming and multitasking. While both offer decent battery life, the Y21s' reverse charging is a handy bonus. The Y21 remains a solid option if budget is the absolute priority.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 21 | 2021, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2021, August 20 |
| 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) | 164.3 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 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 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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) | 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 | 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 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, Pearl White | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue |
| Models | V2110 | V2111 |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y21s
- More powerful processor (Helio G80)
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly better performance for gaming
- Similar camera quality to Y21
- Slightly higher price than Y21
- HD+ display (not as sharp as some competitors)
vivo Y21
- More affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent camera for the price
- Weaker processor (Helio P35)
- No reverse charging
- Lower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is adequate, don't expect vibrant colors or exceptional sharpness. Viewing angles and brightness are typical for phones in this price range. There's little to differentiate them here.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y21s typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens, while the Y21 also has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, with both producing decent, though not exceptional, results. Low-light performance is average on both devices. Video recording capabilities are standard for the price point.
Performance
This is where the Y21s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Y21's Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better performance in games. The Y21 can handle basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Y21s has a slight edge with its 2.5W reverse wired charging capability, allowing you to charge other devices in a pinch.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Users who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and occasional gaming will appreciate the Y21s' superior chipset. Who should buy the vivo Y21? Those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing will find the Y21 a suitable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money?
If you value performance and smoother multitasking, the Y21s is definitely worth the extra investment. The Helio G80 chipset makes a significant difference.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. The Y21s has reverse charging, which is a bonus.
❓ Can the vivo Y21 handle gaming?
The vivo Y21 can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Y21s is a much better choice for gamers.
