1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-06 | 2024-04-14 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly newer, potentially having better software support and newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus is larger and thicker, feeling more substantial; Vivo is more compact, and pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 224g | Vivo is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. Asus is heavier, may feel less convenient for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.78" | Asus has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. Vivo is more compact, easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; pixel density differences are practically imperceptible. |
| PPI | 409 | 388 | Vivo has slightly higher pixel density, though the difference is minimal to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Asus has smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus is significantly brighter, offering far better visibility in direct sunlight. Vivo brightness is unknown and might be an issue outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus has a significantly faster, more modern processor, handling demanding tasks with ease; better gaming and multitasking performance. Vivo is comparatively much slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,532,000 | Asus is much faster than Vivo in everyday tasks, games and future proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a more powerful GPU, for smoother, more detailed graphics in demanding applications, better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus has a larger battery, offering significantly better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Asus charges significantly faster; useful for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless, 10W reverse | Asus offers wireless charging convenience, and reverse charging capability to power other devices. Vivo has no these features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Vivo has slightly higher resolution but Asus has a larger sensor size, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Vivo has higher resolution, wider aperture and a larger sensor, potentially resulting in better selfies in different lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Asus has a telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, useful for distant subjects. Vivo has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Asus has slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing more details in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Vivo has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Asus doesn't provide macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus offers higher video resolution, more options and more features, best for prosumers who need the highest video quality; Both have video stabilization. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main 125, Photo 131, Video 115 | Asus's camera performance is confirmed by DxOmark and has scores, while Vivo's camera performance is unknown from this source. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, Gimbal, PDAF, RAW, etc. | Asus offers gimbal stabilization, RAW image capture, and more advanced features; more powerful for more control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14, Upgradeable to 16 | Asus has a newer version of Android with extended software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus has the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and improved connectivity; Future Proof. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4 | Asus has newer Bluetooth with improved performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), etc. | Asus has more advanced GPS support, more accurate location services; Helpful for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Asus offers larger storage capacities, better for storing more files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | Asus has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Asus offers higher quality audio, better for listening and calls with Hi-Res audio, Stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has much better screen protection, more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, etc | Fingerprint, Proximity, etc, Gravity, Hall | Asus has a more comprehensive set of sensors that could support more advanced features and capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The vivo V21 5G is significantly lighter (176g vs 224g) and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods and easier to use one-handed.
- Better Selfie Camera (Potentially): The V21 5G boasts a higher resolution front camera with a wider aperture and a larger sensor, which might result in better selfie quality, especially in low light.
- Macro lens: The V21 5G has a macro lens to capture close-up shots which is not available on the Asus.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor offers a massive performance advantage over the Dimensity 800U, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming.
- Superior Display: The Asus has a larger display with a much higher refresh rate (144Hz), and much greater brightness (2500 nits), making it smoother and better for outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: The Zenfone 11 Ultra packs a significantly larger battery (5500mAh vs 4000mAh) and faster charging (65W vs 33W), ensuring all day battery life with quick top ups.
- More Features: Has wireless charging, reverse charging, a telephoto lens, better audio features, newer and more advanced wifi and GPS, more RAM and storage, and newer version of Android.
- Better Video Capabilities: Supports 8K video recording, gimbal video stabilization, and more fps options.
- Better Build: The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor on main camera which means better low-light performance.
Trade-offs:
- The vivo V21 5G trades performance and many other features for a lighter and thinner design.
- The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is bulkier and heavier in exchange for vastly superior performance and a bigger battery, and an overall more premium experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G - Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight, sleek design, a good selfie camera and a more comfortable hand fit over raw performance.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who need a good enough phone for everyday use and want to save on cost.
- Users Who Don't Need Extreme Power: People who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and basic productivity.
- Those who like a good selfie camera
- Those who need a macro lens
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use, browsing the web, and making calls.
- Taking good quality selfies and some close-up shots.
- Comfortable for light gaming and basic mobile tasks.
- Easy to carry in pockets and small bags
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra - Ideal User:
- Power Users: Gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand high-end performance and multi-tasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of video content and want the best display quality and audio experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need versatile camera capabilities, excellent low-light performance, and video recording flexibility.
- Users that prioritize a larger screen and prefer a heavier and bigger phone
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Long sessions of media consumption with immersive audio.
- Heavy multi-tasking with many apps running in the background.
- Using the latest wifi standards and accurate GPS.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and future proofing? (The Asus is massively superior in performance.)
- What is your priority: a lightweight, thin phone or a larger screen with a longer battery and better features? (Vivo is lighter, but the Asus is significantly larger but better)
- What are your main uses: basic or heavy use? (Vivo for light use and Asus for heavy use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is Paramount: Choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and higher refresh rate display offer the best experience for gaming, demanding apps, and heavy multitasking.
- Scenario 2: Lightweight and Comfortable Fit: The vivo V21 5G is a better fit. It's much more comfortable to hold for a long period and easier to handle, though lacking in power and most features.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: The vivo V21 5G may be suitable for basic use, if the user doesn't have high demands. However, considering its age, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides significantly better value and more features, and will perform much better for longer, if you can stretch your budget.
My Choice
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
While the vivo V21 5G is lighter and more compact, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect. The massive leap in performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is a significant advantage for all usage scenarios, from daily tasks to gaming and demanding applications. The 144Hz display, much higher brightness, significantly larger battery, and faster charging also provide a much better user experience. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging adds extra convenience. The cameras, especially for video, offer features like gimbal stabilization and 8K recording. The updated version of Android provides greater longevity and future-proofing.
Even if the user has no need for such power, the fact that the Asus is much newer, with newer wifi, GPS, Bluetooth and other features, will make it a better device for a much longer time. The screen protection is better, too. Although heavier and bulkier, it offers a far more modern, powerful, and feature-rich experience and provides much better value for money compared to the aging Vivo. Ultimately, the Asus provides a more complete and future-proof package.
