Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 Plus is larger, might feel less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 176g | 201g | vivo V21 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus provides more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a much sharper display; text and images are noticeably clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 460 | iPhone 15 Plus offers finer details and sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | vivo V21 5G has smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid overall feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly brighter, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U | Apple A16 Bionic | iPhone 15 Plus delivers significantly faster performance, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus is dramatically faster for gaming, app loading, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 Plus offers a superior GPU for better gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4383mAh | iPhone 15 Plus has slightly better battery life, though real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | vivo V21 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | Not Specified | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | iPhone 15 Plus offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 48MP, f/1.6 | iPhone 15 Plus's larger sensor and wider aperture allow better low-light performance, despite lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/1.9 | vivo V21 5G boasts higher resolution; iPhone 15 Plus may offer better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | vivo V21 5G offers a dedicated ultra-wide lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | vivo V21 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 15 Plus combines wide-angle and macro into a single lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS | 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone 15 Plus has superior video recording with higher frame rates, HDR, and Stereo Sound capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Main: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 153 | iPhone 15 Plus has excellent camera performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | iOS 17 | Different ecosystems; iOS is known for its user-friendliness and app quality. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone 15 Plus supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 15 Plus has better GPS accuracy with QZSS support. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 15 Plus offers eSIM support for flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone 15 Plus offers more storage options; higher storage availability for larger files and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | vivo V21 5G may handle more concurrent apps, while iOS manages RAM efficiently. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones, noise cancellation | iPhone 15 Plus offers clearer calls and more immersive audio. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint | Basic Security | vivo V21 5G offers fingerprint security for faster unlocking; iPhone 15 Plus has basic security options |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use unspecified screen protection methods. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus offers additional environmental data with Barometer; vivo V21 5G includes fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable for prolonged use and easier to handle.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging replenishes the battery quicker.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Separate wide-angle and macro lenses for more versatility.
- More RAM: 8GB may offer slightly better multitasking for some users.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The A16 Bionic chip provides vastly superior speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display Quality: Higher resolution and brightness lead to a sharper, more vibrant screen, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: Superior low-light performance, better video recording capabilities, and overall image quality.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging adds convenience.
- Latest Software and Ecosystem: iOS is optimized for performance and user experience.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation provide a superior audio experience.
- Longer Software Support: Apple devices generally receive software updates for longer periods.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexibility in carrier switching.
Trade-offs:
- The vivo V21 5G offers a smoother display and faster charging at the cost of processing power and a lower resolution screen.
- The iPhone 15 Plus provides superior performance, display quality, and camera, but it is heavier, more expensive, and has a lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a capable device at a lower price point.
- Users who prioritize display smoothness and value a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Users who prioritize faster charging
- Users who prefer a lighter phone for comfortable handling.
- Users who enjoy photography with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:
- Everyday social media browsing, basic gaming, and casual photography.
- Users who want a lighter phone for reading and media consumption.
- Users who are looking for faster charging on a daily basis.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 15 Plus:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Users who want the best possible display quality for media consumption and content creation.
- Users who prioritize camera quality and video recording capabilities.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem and enjoy its software and services.
- Users who value wireless charging and long-term software support.
- Users who want the best possible outdoor visibility.
Use Cases for Apple iPhone 15 Plus:
- Demanding gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, utilizing services like iCloud, Apple Music, etc.
- Users who need a phone for outdoor use, with its high brightness screen.
- Users who want a phone that will last for years due to long-term software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 15 Plus is likely to be significantly more expensive.
- How important is performance? If you need top-tier performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is the clear choice.
- Which operating system do I prefer? Do you prefer Android (vivo V21 5G) or iOS (iPhone 15 Plus)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you value a smooth display and lightweight design, the vivo V21 5G is a good option.
- Performance-Oriented User: If performance is your priority and you can afford the premium, the iPhone 15 Plus is a much better option.
- Photo Enthusiast: If you want the best photo and video quality available, the iPhone 15 Plus offers superior image processing and features.
- Ecosystem User: If you already own other Apple devices and prefer iOS, the iPhone 15 Plus is the logical choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the vivo V21 5G has some compelling features like its lighter design and 90Hz display, the significant performance advantage of the A16 Bionic chip, along with the superior camera quality, display brightness, and overall ecosystem integration, makes the iPhone 15 Plus a better long-term investment for my needs. I value a device that will remain performant for several years, and the superior software experience and long-term support of iOS are critical factors for me. Although the vivo offers some great points, for me, the iPhone 15 Plus's advantages in core areas make it the superior choice. The higher price is an investment in a much better phone.
