Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21s and Y21a are both 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 generally edges out the Y21a thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G80 chipset, resulting in smoother performance for gaming and multitasking. Both offer decent battery life and similar charging speeds, making the Y21s the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt |
| 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 |
| 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/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 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, 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, Pearl White | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow |
| Models | V2110 | - |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y21s
- More powerful processor (Helio G80)
- Smoother performance
- Better gaming experience
- Potentially slightly better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y21a
- Similar camera hardware to Y21a
vivo Y21a
- Lower price point
- Longer software support (potentially)
- Decent battery life
- Weaker processor (Helio P22/P35)
- Slower performance
- Less responsive multitasking
- Struggles with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is standard for this price range, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The Y21s might have slightly better brightness due to its more modern chipset, but the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Y21s typically features a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor, while the Y21a often has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y21s's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Y21s shines. The Helio G80 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22/P35 found in the Y21a. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21s. The Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, with a 2.5W reverse wired charging capability for both.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Users prioritizing performance, smoother gaming, and a more responsive experience. Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are less concerned about raw processing power, focusing more on basic usage and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Helio G80 makes a significant difference in everyday use and gaming. If you're on a very tight budget and only need basic functionality, the Y21a is a viable option.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
vivo's software support can be inconsistent. However, the Y21a, being slightly older, might receive updates for a longer period, though this is not guaranteed. Check vivo's official website for the latest update information.
