Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y33s and Y21s are popular contenders in the budget segment. Both offer decent specs and features, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y33s edges out the Y21s primarily due to its slightly improved camera capabilities and faster reverse charging. Both share the same processor and display, making the camera and charging speed the key differentiators for most users. Ultimately, the Y33s offers a bit more value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 24 | 2021, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 24 | Available. Released 2021, September 21 |
| 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 | 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 (~81.8% 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Midday Dream | Midnight Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | V2109 | V2110 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y33s
- Slightly better camera quality
- Faster reverse wired charging
- Stylish design
- Good battery life
- Can be slightly more expensive than Y21s
- HD+ resolution may not appeal to all
vivo Y21s
- More affordable
- Good battery life
- Decent performance
- Stylish design
- Slightly inferior camera
- Slower reverse wired charging
- HD+ resolution may not appeal to all
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y33s and Y21s feature a 6.51-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Y33s might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential software optimizations, though this is often subtle. Viewing angles and overall display quality are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y33s boasts a more capable camera system. It features a 50MP main camera, an 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Y21s has a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Y33s' higher resolution main sensor should result in more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Both offer similar selfie camera performance with a 16MP front-facing camera.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both phones are powered by the Mediatek Helio G80 chipset and 6GB of RAM. Expect smooth everyday usage, comfortable multitasking, and decent gaming performance at medium settings. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they're perfectly adequate for their price range.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Y33s offers 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, while the Y21s has 18W wired charging and 2.5W reverse wired charging. The faster reverse charging on the Y33s allows it to act as a power bank for other devices more efficiently.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y33s? Users prioritizing slightly better camera quality and faster reverse charging will appreciate the Y33s. Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Those seeking a very budget-friendly option with a solid core experience and don't heavily rely on camera or reverse charging will find the Y21s a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y33s worth the extra money compared to the Y21s?
If camera quality and reverse charging speed are important to you, then yes. The Y33s offers a noticeable improvement in these areas. If you're on a very tight budget, the Y21s remains a solid option.
❓ Can both phones handle gaming?
Yes, both phones can handle casual gaming and less demanding titles. However, for more graphically intensive games, you'll need to lower the graphics settings for smooth gameplay.