Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers a decent experience? The vivo Y3s (2021) and Y21t are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21t is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset offers significantly better performance and efficiency than the Y3s' Helio P35, coupled with faster charging. While both are budget phones, the Y21t provides a more modern and capable experience.
| 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, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2022, January 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 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 (~81.6% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | Unspecified | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Midnight Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | V2044 | V2135 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 190 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life (given the chipset)
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Mediocre camera
vivo Y21t
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- Improved camera
- More efficient chipset
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than Y3s
- Reverse charging may not be useful for all users
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes and resolutions (likely around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution). However, the Y21t might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset and potentially improved display panel. Expect both to be adequate for everyday use but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple camera setup (main, wide-angle, macro), the Y21t's Snapdragon 680 provides better image processing capabilities. Expect the Y21t to produce sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Y3s camera will be adequate for casual snapshots but won't impress.
Performance
This is where the Y21t shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a much more powerful and efficient chipset than the Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21t. The Y3s will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the Y21t's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset will result in significantly better battery life. The 18W fast charging on the Y21t is also a major advantage over the Y3s' 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y3s (2021) is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a simple user experience. The vivo Y21t is ideal for those who want a smoother performance, better camera capabilities, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3s (2021) good for gaming?
No, the Y3s (2021) is not suitable for demanding games due to its underpowered chipset. Casual games might be playable at low settings.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo Y21t offers better battery life due to its more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset, despite having similar battery capacities.
❓ Does the vivo Y21t support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y3s (2021) nor the vivo Y21t support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G devices.
