The Wiko View5 and Samsung Galaxy A21s represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A21s is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and improved efficiency over the Wiko View5’s Helio A25. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A21s’ brighter display and more refined software experience justify the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September. Released 2020, September | 2020, May 15. Released 2020, June 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) | 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4/6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, (wide), AF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pine Green, Peach Gold | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | W-V851-EEA | SM-A217F, SM-A217F/DS, SM-A217F/DSN, SM-A217M, SM-A217M/DS, SM-A217N |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 119h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1287:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107157 (v8)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Wiko View5
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Functional for basic tasks
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display brightness
- Less efficient chipset
Samsung Galaxy A21s
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Faster 15W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Basic camera system
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A21s boasts a significantly more usable display. While both share a similar contrast ratio of 1287:1, the A21s achieves a measured peak brightness of 490 nits, ensuring better visibility outdoors. The Wiko View5’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a lower brightness level. This difference is crucial for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight. The A21s’ panel is likely to offer a more vibrant and clear viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the price point, it’s reasonable to assume both feature basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A21s is likely more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful addition. The larger sensor size, if present on the A21s, would be the primary differentiator, allowing for better low-light performance. Without further details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a camera winner.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A21s is powered by the Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, featuring eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Wiko View5’s MediaTek Helio A25, built on a larger 12nm process, and utilizing a mix of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and 1.5 GHz. The 8nm process of the Exynos 850 translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, resulting in sustained performance. The Cortex-A55 cores are also more efficient than the A53 cores found in the Helio A25, leading to a snappier user experience, especially during multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the Wiko View5 and Samsung Galaxy A21s achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A21s supports 15W wired charging, which will likely result in faster charging times compared to the Wiko View5, whose charging speed is unspecified. The Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency also contributes to the A21s’ overall endurance, potentially allowing for slightly longer real-world usage despite the identical endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko View5 if you prioritize absolute affordability and need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A21s if you value a smoother user experience, a brighter and more viewable display, and slightly better performance for multitasking and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the A21s get noticeably warm during extended use, like video playback or gaming?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient. While it will warm up during prolonged intensive tasks, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling or overheating issues, unlike some other chips in this price range. The larger process node contributes to better thermal management.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the A21s actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are limited in their usefulness. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely capable macro lens. Expect passable results in ideal lighting conditions, but don't expect professional-quality close-ups.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A21s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The A21s can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. The Exynos 850 isn't a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of providing a playable experience at medium settings. Don't expect to max out the graphics.