Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21t and Y21a are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t edges out the Y21a thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the Y21t's improved performance makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming, justifying a slight price premium.
| 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 | 2022, January 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt |
| 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 |
| 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/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | 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, 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 | V2135 | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | - |
vivo Y21t
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Good battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly higher price
- HD+ display (not Full HD)
vivo Y21a
- More affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Lightweight design
- Weaker Helio P22/P35 chipset
- Slower performance
- HD+ display (not Full HD)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y21t's slightly newer chipset *might* offer marginally better color accuracy and brightness, though the difference is likely minimal in real-world use. Viewing angles and overall display quality are comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally similar in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both devices. The Y21t's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the Y21t shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22/P35 in the Y21a. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21t. The Y21a is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery and support 18W fast charging with 2.5W reverse wired charging. Battery life is excellent on both, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. There's no significant advantage for either device in this category.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21t? Users prioritizing performance and smoother app usage, even in budget constraints. Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Those seeking a very affordable option with a focus on basic functionality and long battery life, willing to sacrifice some performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21t worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Y21a's chipset, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
❓ Can the vivo Y21a handle gaming?
The Y21a can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles. The Y21t is a better choice for gamers.
