Looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank? The vivo Y21t and Xiaomi Poco C31 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at affordable prices. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t edges out the Poco C31 thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset, faster charging, and reverse charging capability. While the Poco C31 offers a larger battery, the Y21t's overall performance and modern features make it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 03 | 2021, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 03 | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| 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) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% 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 MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pearl White | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | - | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21t (India)
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Reverse Charging
- Likely better camera quality
- More modern chipset
- Potentially slightly smaller battery than Poco C31
- Price might be slightly higher
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Larger Battery (5000mAh)
- Very Affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow Processor (Helio G35)
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Basic Camera
- Outdated chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The vivo Y21t might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but both are adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y21t likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range, the Y21t is expected to produce better quality photos, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect the Poco C31 to have a basic camera setup.
Performance
This is where the vivo Y21t shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Y21t. The Poco C31 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Poco C31 has a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the Y21t's likely 5000mAh battery (spec sheet doesn't explicitly state). However, the Y21t's more efficient chipset could offset this difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The Y21t also offers 18W fast charging and reverse charging, a significant advantage over the Poco C31's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21t (India)? Users prioritizing performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset. Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco C31? Those seeking the absolute longest battery life and a very budget-friendly option, even if it means sacrificing some performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y21t is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. The Poco C31 will struggle with demanding games.
❓ Can the vivo Y21t charge other devices?
Yes, the vivo Y21t supports 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides better software updates and longer support cycles, but both brands are known to be somewhat inconsistent. It's difficult to definitively say which will have better long-term support.
