Looking for a budget-friendly Android phone? The vivo Y21t and Y21 are popular contenders. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset and 6nm manufacturing process, offering a noticeable performance boost. While both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, the Y21t's improved processing power makes 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, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 03 | 2021, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2021, August 20 |
| 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) | 164.3 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.35 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 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/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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) | 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 | 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 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 | V2135 | V2111 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo Y21t
- Significantly faster performance
- More efficient chipset (6nm)
- Reverse wired charging (2.5W)
- Slightly better battery life (potentially)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y21
- Camera performance is not significantly better than Y21
vivo Y21
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Acceptable camera for basic photography
- Sluggish performance
- Less efficient chipset (12nm)
- No reverse wired charging
- Can struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for media consumption but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual rear camera setup: a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, with decent detail and acceptable color reproduction. Low-light performance is average on both devices. The front-facing camera is likely a 8MP on both models.
Performance
This is where the Y21t shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35 (12nm) in the Y21. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21t. The Y21 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Y21t's more efficient chipset might offer slightly better real-world battery performance, but the difference is likely minimal. Both support 18W wired charging, but charging speeds are generally slow.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21t? Users prioritizing smoother performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Who should buy the vivo Y21? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option where performance isn't a top priority and are happy with a more basic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21t worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio P35, making the Y21t a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo Y21t. Its more powerful chipset handles games much better than the Y21, offering smoother frame rates and less lag.