1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-06 | 2022-02-21 | Realme is almost a year newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | V21 is slightly thinner, Realme is slightly taller, but both are similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 176g | 182g | V21 is marginally lighter, potentially more comfortable for long holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.4" | Negligible size difference, both comfortable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, excellent for everyday use and media. |
| PPI | 409 | 411 | Practically identical pixel density, both displays look crisp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for media and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, better than standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Missing specification, unable to compare screen visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to better performance and potentially better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 496,970 | Realme is significantly faster for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme should offer better graphics performance, important for gamers. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Realme has a larger battery, potentially providing longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 60W fast charging | Realme charges significantly faster, beneficial for quick top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Sony IMX766 | V21 has a higher megapixel count, Realme has a larger sensor and pixel size, potentially better low light performance. |
| Front Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", 0.7µm, Samsung S5KGH1 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm, Sony IMX471 | V21 has much higher resolution selfie camera, but Realme has bigger pixels, possibly better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm, Sony IMX355 | Similar wide angle resolution, Realme has larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Similar macro resolution, Realme has larger pixel size. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ OIS, 1080p@60fps w/ OIS | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, up to 720p@960fps w/ EIS | Both offer 4k recording, Realme has more slow-motion options, V21 uses OIS, Realme uses EIS. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Front Flash | OIS, Manual Focus, RAW, Night Mode | Realme offers more manual and advanced shooting features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme comes with a newer version of Android. |
| Max OS Version | 13 | Realme is more likely to receive future OS updates. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Realme has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX, LDAC, SBC | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version with added codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme supports more satellite systems for better location. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options, no expansion available for either. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Similar RAM options depending on the variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics, Noise Cancellation | Realme offers a more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint scanners. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme has a superior screen protector. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Realme has additional sensors for fitness tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 44MP for potentially more detailed selfies.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on all cameras: Could provide better image and video stability than EIS in some situations.
- Front Flash: Can be useful for better lit selfies in dark environments.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Dimensity 920 offers better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: 4500mAh and 60W charging offer better battery life and faster top-ups.
- Larger Sensor on Main Camera: Potentially better low-light performance.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Manual focus, RAW, and Night Mode offer greater control and flexibility.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 and is more likely to receive updates.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
- Wi-Fi 6: Faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.
- Additional Sensors: Heart rate and geomagnetic sensors provide extra functionality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G: While having a higher resolution front camera, it lags in general performance, battery, charging speed, audio quality and overall camera versatility compared to the Realme 9 Pro+.
- Realme 9 Pro+: It does not have the higher-resolution front camera of the V21, and some might prefer OIS for video rather than EIS. However it makes up for those loses in almost every other aspect.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize front camera resolution for social media and video calls.
- Users Preferring OIS: Those who favor Optical Image Stabilization in cameras.
- Budget-Conscious Users: May find it at a lower price point due to its age.
Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:
- Social media content creation with a focus on selfies.
- Video calls and conferencing.
- Casual gaming and everyday tasks.
Ideal User for Realme 9 Pro+:
- Performance Seekers: Users who want smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want more versatile cameras, manual controls, and better low-light capabilities.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-quality audio.
- Users that Prefer a longer Software Support: Those who want a phone that has the potential to be supported for longer
Use Cases for Realme 9 Pro+:
- Gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Photography and videography in various conditions, especially in low light.
- Media consumption and entertainment with high-quality audio.
- Everyday usage with better battery performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize selfies and OIS or overall camera versatility and low light performance? If the former, the vivo might be a better option. If the latter, the Realme is recommended.
- How important are battery life and charging speed to you? If they are important, the Realme with it's bigger battery and faster charging is the better option.
- Do you need the absolute best performance for gaming or heavy app usage? The Realme is the obvious choice here, having a better processor and GPU.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User Focused on Selfies: If budget is a top concern and selfies are essential, the vivo might be suitable.
- Everyday User Wanting Solid All-Rounder: If you need a balanced experience with a focus on speed, camera quality, and audio, the Realme is recommended.
- User Focused on Gaming or Heavy Usage: If you need the most performance and will be pushing your phone hard, choose the Realme.
- User Focused on Future Software Updates: If you prefer to have the most software updates, choose the Realme.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
While the vivo V21 5G has a higher-resolution front camera, the Realme 9 Pro+ offers a far more compelling overall package that aligns with my priorities. The newer and more powerful chipset ensures better performance for gaming and general use. The larger battery, coupled with faster charging, provides more convenience. While I appreciate a great selfie camera, the Realme's main camera with a larger sensor would provide better low-light photos and the manual mode provides versatility. The audio quality on the Realme is also important to me. The newer Android version is an additional reason why I would choose the Realme, as it will likely have a longer life cycle in terms of software updates.
While the front flash on the vivo V21 5G is useful, I believe the benefits the Realme 9 Pro+ provides in terms of performance, battery, audio and better overall camera capabilities vastly outweighs the benefits that the V21 has. The Realme 9 Pro+ is a better phone for most users who want a great everyday device that performs well in multiple areas.
