Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone in India? The vivo Y21t and Y16 are popular contenders. But which one offers the best value for your money? We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t edges out the Y16 thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset, reverse charging capability, and slightly better display. While the Y16 remains a solid budget option, the Y21t provides a more premium experience for a small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 03 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | No | 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 | - | V2204, V2214 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21t (India)
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially Better Display
- Slightly Better Performance
- Slightly Smaller Battery (potentially)
- Price may be slightly higher
vivo Y16
- Larger Battery Capacity (potentially longer battery life)
- More Affordable
- Decent Camera for the Price
- Slower Processor (Helio P35)
- No Reverse Charging
- Lower Performance
Display Comparison
The vivo Y21t typically features a 6.51-inch HD+ display, while the Y16 has a similar 6.51-inch HD+ display. Both offer adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. However, the Y21t's display might have slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to potentially better panel technology, though this can vary by specific unit.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual-camera setup. The Y16 often has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. The Y21t usually has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens as well. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y21t's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Y21t shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Y16's Helio P35. Expect smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21t. The Y16 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The Y16 generally boasts a larger battery capacity (typically 5000mAh) compared to the Y21t (usually around 4905mAh). While the Y16's larger battery *could* translate to slightly longer battery life under heavy use, the Y21t's more efficient chipset may offset this difference. Both offer all-day battery life for moderate users.
Buying Guide
Who should buy vivo Y21t (India)? Users prioritizing performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. Who should buy vivo Y16? Those seeking a very affordable option with a decent camera and long battery life, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21t worth the extra money compared to the Y16?
If performance and smoother multitasking are important to you, then yes, the Y21t is worth the extra investment. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio P35.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo Y16 generally has a slightly larger battery, but the Y21t's more efficient chipset can help it achieve comparable battery life. It depends on usage patterns.