vivo V21 5G vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 6, 2021 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 86.15 cm³ 85.9 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.66 "/g 3.26 "/g
Weight 176 g 187 g
Height 159.7 mm 146.6 mm
Width 73.9 mm 70.6 mm
Thickness 7.3 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Arctic White
  • Dusk Blue
  • Sunset Dazzle
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium

Display

Screen Size 6.44 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.8 % 88.2 %
Pixel Density 409 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 500 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.45 mAh/in² 87.99 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.43 mAh/cm³ 38.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 3274 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 17
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the vivo V21 5G and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, focusing on practical implications:

Featurevivo V21 5GApple iPhone 15 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mmV21 5G is taller and wider, while the iPhone 15 Pro is thicker. V21 5G might feel less dense, the iPhone 15 Pro is more pocketable
Weight176g187gV21 5G is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for prolonged use. The iPhone 15 Pro may feel more premium.
Display
Size6.44"6.1"V21 5G offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. iPhone 15 Pro is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution1080x24001179x2556iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly sharper display, noticeable when viewing detailed content.
Pixel Density409 ppi461 ppiiPhone 15 Pro offers a noticeably sharper and more detailed display than the V21 5G.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDBoth provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, though the practical difference is minimal.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HziPhone 15 Pro has smoother scrolling and animations, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced games or when navigating the interface.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsiPhone 15 Pro is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, where the V21 5G's screen may be difficult to view .
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)iPhone 15 Pro offers drastically higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing and multitasking.
AnTuTu Score343,1501,641,883iPhone 15 Pro has superior performance for app loading, gaming, and overall system responsiveness. V21 5G is better suited for basic use cases.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Apple GPU (6-core graphics)iPhone 15 Pro has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive apps.
Battery
Capacity4000mAh3650mAhV21 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life.
Charging33W Fast Charging27W Fast ChargingV21 5G charges slightly faster than the iPhone 15 Pro, reducing downtime for charging.
Charging FeaturesNon-removableNon-removable, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W QiiPhone 15 Pro has wireless charging capabilities (MagSafe and Qi), while the V21 5G lacks wireless charging.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm pixel size48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" sensor, 1.22µmiPhone 15 Pro's larger sensor and pixel size result in better low-light performance and dynamic range despite lower megapixel count.
Selfie Camera44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" sensor, 0.7µm12MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX714V21 5G has more megapixels, but the iPhone 15 Pro's larger sensor size and wider aperture typically results in better low-light photos.
Telephoto LensNone12MP, f/2.8, 1.0µmiPhone 15 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for better image quality at zoomed-in focal lengths.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2NoneV21 5G has a dedicated wide angle camera allowing more area to be captured, beneficial for landscape photos.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4NoneV21 5G has a macro lens to capture small objects closely, beneficial for detailed close-up shots.
Wide Angle + MacroNone12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µmiPhone 15 Pro has an ultrawide lens with macro capabilities, improving flexibility of wide shots and closeups with the same lens
Video4K@30fps, OIS4K@60fps with HDR, OISiPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced video capabilities like HDR recording, as well as higher frame rates resulting in smoother video.
DXOMark ScoresNot AvailableMobile: 154, Selfie: 149iPhone 15 Pro is tested by DXOMark and has a very high photo and video score. V21 5G is untested.
Camera FeaturesFront FlashCinematic Mode, Noise Reduction, Night Mode, RAW, Pro Video ModeiPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced camera features such as cinematic mode, noise reduction and pro video mode.
Software
OSAndroid 11iOS 17Different ecosystems: Android offers more customization, while iOS offers better consistency and updates.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)iPhone 15 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better efficiency on compatible networks.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.3iPhone 15 Pro has the more recent version of Bluetooth with better connectivity and power efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5)iPhone 15 Pro supports more satellite systems, which leads to more accurate location data.
SIMDual Nano SIMNano SIM + eSIMiPhone 15 Pro allows eSIM for easy switching between carriers; V21 5G supports using two physical SIMs simultaneously.
Storage
Internal Storage128GB or 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TBiPhone 15 Pro has significantly more storage options, catering to users who require large amounts of storage.
RAM8GB8GBBoth have sufficient RAM for multitasking and smooth performance.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage, requiring users to choose sufficient internal storage at purchase.
Audio
Audio QualityBasic Audio FeaturesDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones, Noise cancellation microphoneiPhone 15 Pro offers a more immersive and better audio experience with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, better voice pickup with 3 microphones.
Security
Security FeaturesFingerprint SensorBasic Security Featuresvivo V21 5G has a physical fingerprint sensor, providing basic biometric security; Apple iPhone 15 Pro does not offer fingerprint scanner.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerApple iPhone 15 Pro includes additional environmental sensors (Barometer) to measure atmospheric pressure, useful for various applications; vivo V21 5G has additional biometric sensors (Fingerprint)

2. Key Differences Analysis

Here's a summary of each phone's key advantages and practical implications:

vivo V21 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Screen: The 6.44-inch display is great for media consumption and those who prefer larger visual elements.
  • Lighter Weight: The slightly lighter build may feel more comfortable during long usage sessions.
  • Slightly Larger Battery: The marginally larger battery could provide slightly longer battery life, although this could depend on usage.
  • Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging reduces downtime for charging the device.
  • Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers dedicated wide angle and macro lenses for a wider variety of shots.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a basic biometric security feature
  • Front Flash: Provides additional light for front facing camera.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Higher Performance: The A17 Pro chip provides substantially better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proofing.
  • Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate provide a sharper and smoother visual experience. Significantly brighter display is much better for outdoor visibility.
  • Advanced Camera System: Larger main sensor with larger pixels, a telephoto lens, and better low-light performance result in superior image quality with more versatility.
  • Advanced Video Capabilities: HDR recording, higher frame rates, and better stabilization lead to higher-quality videos.
  • Better Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for more immersive audio.
  • Wireless Charging: Includes convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options.
  • Newer WiFi and Bluetooth: Offers faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
  • More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage available to handle large amounts of media and apps.
  • More Accurate GPS: Support for more satellite systems for better navigation.
  • eSIM Support: Ability to switch carriers digitally
  • Environmental Sensor: Includes barometer for additional environmental measurements.

Trade-offs:

  • The vivo V21 5G trades performance and display quality for a larger screen, slightly better battery, and a more budget-friendly price.
  • The Apple iPhone 15 Pro has a smaller screen and higher price but boasts significantly better performance, display quality, camera, and premium features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:

  • Budget-conscious users: Those who need a good all-around smartphone without breaking the bank.
  • Media consumers: People who prioritize a large screen for watching videos and browsing content.
  • Casual photographers: Users who want a decent camera for everyday photos with a good range of lenses.
  • Users who prefer Android: Those who prefer the flexibility and customization offered by the Android OS.
  • Users who need dual sim support: Those who need to use two physical SIM cards

Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:

  • Daily social media and messaging.
  • Watching videos and movies on a larger screen.
  • Casual photography and some experimentation with different lens options.
  • Web browsing and general app usage.

Ideal User for Apple iPhone 15 Pro:

  • Performance users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
  • Photography enthusiasts: People who prioritize the highest-quality camera performance and versatility.
  • Users in the Apple Ecosystem: Those who are invested in the Apple ecosystem and value the seamless integration.
  • Premium users: Users who prefer top-end features with premium build quality and are comfortable with a higher price.

Use Cases for Apple iPhone 15 Pro:

  • Mobile gaming at the highest graphics settings.
  • High-quality photography and video recording, including professional-level work.
  • Seamless integration with other Apple devices (e.g., iPad, MacBook).
  • Demanding multitasking and app usage.
  • Work requiring high levels of reliability.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions when deciding between the two:

  1. What is your budget? The vivo V21 5G will be significantly more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro.
  2. How important is performance and future-proofing? The iPhone 15 Pro offers drastically superior performance that will remain competitive for longer.
  3. What are your camera priorities? The iPhone 15 Pro has a more advanced system with a telephoto lens and higher image quality. The V21 offers ultrawide and macro lens options with good image quality.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget is a major factor: Choose the vivo V21 5G. It provides solid performance, a good screen, and decent cameras at a lower price.
  • Top-tier performance and best camera are essential: Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. It offers the best-in-class performance, camera capabilities, and premium features.
  • Balanced user who wants a slightly bigger screen: Consider the vivo V21 5G. It will provide a good experience for a slightly bigger screen at a lower price than the iPhone.
  • Users fully invested in Apple Ecosystem: Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. It will seamlessly integrate with your other Apple products.

My Choice

Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While it comes at a significantly higher price point, the drastically improved performance, superior display quality, more versatile and advanced camera system, and premium features align better with my priorities and needs. I value the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, and engage in mobile gaming. Additionally, the long-term software support and ecosystem benefits of the iPhone make it a more compelling choice for my needs, outweighing the slightly larger screen and potentially longer battery life of the vivo V21 5G. The overall user experience offered by the iPhone 15 Pro is a compelling factor for me, making it a worthwhile investment, even considering its higher price tag.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.