Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y21s and Y33s are popular contenders in the budget segment. Both offer a decent feature set, but subtle differences might make one a better choice for you. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y33s edges out the Y21s primarily due to its slightly improved reverse charging capabilities and potentially better software support. Both share the same core chipset and display, making the Y33s a marginally better overall package for the price.
| 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 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2021, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| 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) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| 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, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 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) | 16 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) | Yes |
| 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
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pearl White | Mirror Black, Midday Dream |
| Models | V2110 | V2109 |
| Price | - | About 210 EUR |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y21s
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Functional design
- Reverse charging (2.5W)
- Lower resolution camera
- Basic features
- Potential for shorter software support
vivo Y33s
- Higher resolution camera (50MP)
- Reverse charging (5W)
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly more premium feel
- Still a budget phone
- HD+ display
- Performance not flagship-level
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. The Y33s might have a slightly better coating for scratch resistance, but this is not officially confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y21s typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. The Y33s usually boasts a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Y33s' higher resolution main sensor should result in noticeably better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will likely be similar.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, performance will be largely identical. Expect smooth multitasking for basic apps and decent gaming performance at lower settings. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but both phones are capable for their intended use.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The Y33s has a 5W reverse charging capability, allowing it to charge other devices slowly, while the Y21s has a 2.5W reverse charging. This is a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21s is a good option for users prioritizing a basic, functional smartphone for everyday tasks and light social media use. The vivo Y33s is better suited for those who want a bit more versatility, including slightly faster reverse charging and potentially longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s good for gaming?
The vivo Y21s can handle basic games at low settings, but don't expect high-end gaming performance. The Helio G80 is adequate for casual gaming.
❓ How much storage do the vivo Y21s and Y33s offer?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The vivo Y33s is likely to receive slightly longer software support and updates compared to the Y21s, although vivo's update track record is generally not exceptional.