1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the vivo V21 5G and Huawei nova Y90, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | V21 5G is noticeably thinner and shorter, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Y90 feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | V21 5G is significantly lighter, which will be more comfortable for extended use, while the Y90 may feel heavy over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.7" | Y90 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming; V21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer sharp, clear displays for everyday use; the difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 391 PPI | Both offer a very similar sharpness. The difference is unlikely to be noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | V21 5G's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, ideal for media consumption. LCD on Y90 is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both displays refresh smoothly for scrolling and some gaming; resulting in a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, impacting outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | V21 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 249,000 | V21 5G benchmarks higher, translating to better general performance and faster gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 610 | V21 5G's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics processing in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | V21 5G has a higher resolution sensor with a wider aperture, potentially capturing slightly more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | V21 5G's selfie camera is much higher resolution, resulting in more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | Not available | V21 5G offers a wide angle camera for more flexible photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not available | V21 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, although often of low quality. |
| Secondary Camera | Not available | 2MP f/2.4 | Y90 has a secondary 2MP depth sensor that is most likely used for portrait mode blurring. |
| Tertiary Camera | Not available | 2MP f/2.4 | Y90 has a tertiary 2MP sensor, typically used for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS | 1080p@30fps | V21 5G records much higher quality video with better stabilization, suitable for content creation; Y90 is limited to 1080p. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Y90 has a larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life between charges; real-world usage depends on the user. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Y90 charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | OS information for Huawei is incomplete, but will impact the user experience in terms of functionality, UI and available apps. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, with similar speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | V21 5G has a slightly newer standard, potentially offering better power efficiency and range; V21 has better audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Y90 supports additional satellite navigation systems, potentially leading to more accurate and reliable positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM, allowing the use of two numbers or carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | V21 5G offers a larger storage option, allowing for more apps and media; Y90 has only one option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8 GB | V21 5G always has 8 GB of RAM, while the Y90 has multiple options which will impact the multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports MicroSD cards, limiting storage space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both offer the same baseline audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Y90 has a faster and more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | V21 5G has a gyroscope, important for gaming, and standard proximity sensor. Y90 has a virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor, likely less reliable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better image quality, contrast, and viewing experience than the LCD on the Huawei nova Y90.
- Stronger Performance: The Dimensity 800U chipset and Mali-G57 MC3 GPU provide better performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, along with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, enable more versatile and higher quality photography.
- Superior Video Recording: 4K recording with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) will allow you to shoot much higher-quality videos and better stabilize them.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Always comes with 8GB of RAM and has 2 storage options.
- Better Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth standard with better audio codec support.
- More sensors: Includes gyroscope sensor.
Thinner and Lighter: More comfortable to hold and carry around.
Practical Implication: Better for users who prioritize display quality, performance, camera versatility and content creation.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly more battery life than the V21 5G, appealing to users who need extended usage without recharging.
- Faster Charging: 40W charging allows you to charge the device faster.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more modern fingerprint sensor, which is usually faster and more ergonomic.
- More GPS Systems: More accurate GPS navigation.
Secondary and Tertiary Cameras: Although they're 2MP cameras, they provide the ability to have slightly better portrait and macro pictures.
Practical Implication: Better for users who prioritize battery life and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The V21 5G sacrifices battery capacity for a more premium display and better performance.
- The nova Y90 gains battery life and charging speed, but compromises on display quality and processing power.
- The software situation for the Huawei is unkown, which makes it a huge downside compared to the V21 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Content Creators: The superior camera system (especially the front camera and 4K video) makes it excellent for social media content.
- Gamers: More powerful chipset and better GPU mean better graphics performance.
- Media Consumers: AMOLED display enhances the viewing experience for movies, shows and videos.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who need a phone for multitasking, app launches and demanding apps.
- Users who value a more premium experience: The AMOLED display, better camera system and overall better performance will lead to a more premium experience.
Ideal User for Huawei nova Y90:
- Heavy Users: The larger battery and fast charging mean you can use the device for a long time without worrying about battery.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers a reliable experience at a lower price point.
- Users who prioritise ergonomics: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a more ergonomic solution for unlocking your phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G: Mobile vlogging, high-end mobile gaming, binge-watching videos and movies, fast multitasking between apps and social media.
- Huawei nova Y90: Long days away from a power outlet, GPS navigation, using a phone for work or school without needing to recharge during the day, general purpose use on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask when choosing between these phones:
- How important is display quality to you? If you enjoy vibrant colors and deep blacks for media consumption, the AMOLED of the V21 5G is much better than the LCD on the Y90.
- How much do you prioritize battery life? If you frequently find yourself away from a power outlet, the Huawei's larger battery will be a better fit. However, if battery life isn't the most important factor the V21 5G will be sufficient.
- What is your primary use case for the camera? For selfies, videos, and versatility, the V21 5G is superior, while the Y90 is more basic.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Avid Social Media User: If you're frequently creating content, the V21 5G's higher-quality cameras, video, and performance are much better.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go User: If battery life is your primary concern, the Y90 offers better endurance.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Gamer: The V21 5G is superior with its powerful chipset and GPU, while the Y90 might struggle a bit. However, if price is a factor and you are not a demanding user, the Y90 might be enough.
- Scenario 4: All-Around user: The V21 5G has a more premium experience with the AMOLED display, more performance and a better camera.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the vivo V21 5G. Here's why:
While the Huawei nova Y90 has some advantages, such as better battery and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the V21 5G offers a much better overall experience:
- Superior display: The AMOLED display is much more enjoyable for media consumption.
- Performance: The Dimensity 800U is a significantly more powerful chipset, which will make the phone feel faster and snappier during everyday use and is also better for gaming.
- Camera System: The higher-resolution main camera, the amazing front-facing camera and the 4K video recording capabilities provide a much better photography experience.
The better performance, display, and camera on the V21 5G outweigh the battery advantage of the Huawei Y90 for my usage. Also, the fact that the operating system is missing from the Huawei Y90 makes it a dealbreaker.
Even though both phones have their strengths, the V21 5G simply offers a more complete and enjoyable smartphone experience for my needs.
