Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | The V21 5G is more compact and easier to handle, while the A23 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use, especially for users with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | The V21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. The A23 is heavier and may feel more substantial, or cumbersome depending on preference. |
Display
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 6.6" | The A23 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. The difference is not dramatic, though noticeable when compared side-by-side. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have similar sharpness; differences are negligible for normal use. |
| PPI | 409 | 400 | Both have very sharp displays; the difference isn't noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | The V21 5G's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, which is superior for media consumption. The A23's LCD is likely less vibrant, and black levels will appear gray in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness information not available, so performance in direct sunlight cannot be judged. |
Performance
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The A23 has a newer chipset which performs better in benchmarks, and has more efficient power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 401,000 | The A23 will likely have a smoother experience with demanding apps and some games, though both can handle day-to-day tasks well. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 610 | The A23's Adreno 610 is slightly more powerful and more optimized for graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | The V21 5G's main camera has a higher resolution, allowing for more detailed images, and the slightly wider aperture means better low-light performance. However, the A23's sensor is a more modern model. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", Samsung S5KGH1, 0.70 µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | The V21 5G's selfie camera is dramatically superior, which is critical for selfie enthusiasts. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The V21 5G captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A23 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which provides better bokeh effects, while the V21 5G lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro performance. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ OIS, 1080p@30/60fps w/ OIS, 120fps Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | The V21 5G can record in higher resolution, enabling more detailed video footage, and its optical image stabilization will result in smoother video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Both offer many similar features, but the V21 5G is capable of recording in 4K, and offers a front-facing flash. The A23 has a quadruple camera setup. |
Battery
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The A23 is likely to have a much longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more for most users, while the V21 5G might require a recharge for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | The V21 5G will charge faster than the A23. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The A23's bypass charging will allow users to continue using the phone when gaming for example, without causing extra heat buildup by charging at the same time. |
Other
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradeable to 14) | The A23 has a newer operating system and will receive more software updates, including two more OS updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | The V21 5G offers Dual band and WiFi display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | The A23 supports a wide range of profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A23 supports additional location services, and might be slightly more accurate in some cases. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB, No expandable storage | 64/128 GB, No expandable storage | The V21 5G offers more onboard storage, while neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | The V21 5G offers more RAM, which enables better multitasking and is an advantage in gaming. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The A23 has a modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is generally faster and more reliable than older models. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A23 offers greater scratch and impact protection to the screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The A23 offers more sensors and a more advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers a better visual experience with deeper blacks, higher contrast and vibrant colours, ideal for media consumption.
- Superior Selfie Camera: The 44MP front camera provides dramatically better quality for selfies and video calls, with a wider aperture, a larger sensor and higher resolution.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging will get you back to full power quicker.
- More RAM: 8 GB of RAM will allow better multitasking and be useful for intensive gaming.
- More Internal Storage: Offers 256 GB of storage in one of its variants.
- Better video recording: Capable of 4K recording with OIS for better and smoother footage.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides much better battery endurance, and is likely to last a full day for most users.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Modern sensor means more detail and more flexibility.
- More Software Updates: Android 12 out of the box and upgradeable to Android 14 means the phone will receive updates for longer than the Vivo.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score translates to slightly smoother performance in everyday tasks and gaming.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides better scratch and impact resistance.
- Additional Sensors: Features a barometer and Ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for charging while playing games without excessive heat buildup.
Trade-offs:
- The V21 5G has a much better display and selfie camera but may require charging more often and has an older OS.
- The A23 has a much longer battery life and better performance, and an expandable operating system but has a less impressive display and selfie camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a vibrant display for watching videos and playing games, and who value 4K video recording.
- Users Who Value Sleek Design: Those who prefer a lighter, more compact phone for comfort and portability.
Specific Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:
- Social media influencers who regularly post high-quality selfies and videos.
- Users who enjoy watching movies and TV shows on their phone.
- Those who do not need a long battery life but value a great display.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A23:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge.
- Budget-conscious users: Those who value great battery life and don't mind missing out on top-tier display and camera features, and want the option of having two further OS updates.
- Everyday users: Those who value a reliable and durable device with good all-around performance, and those who have historically struggled with battery life on their smartphones.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A23:
- Travelers who need a phone with long battery life.
- Users who play mobile games for extended periods.
- Users who are rough on their phones and want a durable device.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality? (AMOLED vs. LCD)
- How important is front camera quality? (44MP vs. 8MP)
- How important is battery life? (5000 mAh vs. 4000 mAh)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Primary focus is selfies and media consumption: Choose the vivo V21 5G for its superior front camera and AMOLED display. The additional RAM and storage space are additional bonuses.
- Scenario 2: Primary focus is battery life and software updates: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 for its extended battery life and guaranteed future software updates, and also offers screen protection.
- Scenario 3: A balance of needs for a modern mid-range phone: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 for its modern and efficient chipset, additional sensors, and modern OS features. The superior battery life is also an asset.
My Choice and Why:
Given my personal priorities, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23. While the AMOLED display and superior selfie camera of the vivo V21 5G are tempting, the significantly better battery life, better performing chipset, and guaranteed future software updates of the A23 are more critical for my daily use. The more modern build and inclusion of a screen protector also put the A23 ahead. I tend to value all-day battery life and long-term software support over other features, and the A23 addresses these needs effectively. Also, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is superior to the older basic fingerprint sensor of the Vivo.
