Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | V21 5G is more compact & thinner, making it easier to handle, A23 5G is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 176g | 197g | V21 5G feels significantly lighter in hand, less tiring to hold for long periods, A23 5G is heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.6" | A23 5G has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. V21 5G is still a good size for most users |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer similar sharpness; negligible real-world difference |
| PPI | 409 | 400 | Both displays are quite sharp; negligible difference for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | V21 5G has a superior AMOLED display with better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, providing a more premium viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G's 120Hz display offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Note: This is unusual, real-world brightness can be significantly different. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | A23 5G has a newer chipset with slightly better overall performance (22% higher Antutu score) for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 418,000 | A23 5G is noticeably faster for gaming, app loading and general use. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G's Adreno 619 is slightly better for gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A23 5G offers significantly longer battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | V21 5G charges faster, reducing downtime compared to A23 5G. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 5G can be used while charging without damaging the battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | V21 5G captures more detailed images in good light and low-light due to higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | V21 5G excels in selfies with much higher resolution for detailed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | V21 5G captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro lens performance. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps w/ OIS | 1080p@30fps | V21 5G records higher quality videos (4K) with OIS. Both support video stabilization and slow-motion. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | A23 5G has a newer Android version with more software support and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Hotspot, Direct | V21 5G can utilise dual-band WiFi and has screen mirroring. A23 5G has WiFi Hotspot and Direct. |
| 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 | Both have A2DP, LE, APT-x, A23 5G supports more advanced audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 5G uses more satellite systems for improved location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Single SIM | V21 5G allows for two active SIM cards, A23 5G only one. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | Unknown | V21 5G has higher maximum internal storage option, but the A23 5G might have a different variant available in the market. |
| RAM | 8GB | Unknown | V21 5G has a fixed RAM of 8GB for smoother multitasking. A23 5G ram is not known in the specifications given. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both phones offer standard audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A23 5G offers faster fingerprint unlocking; both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 5G is more durable against drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity, Geomagnetic | A23 5G offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, including a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better colors, contrast, and blacks.
- Better Selfie Camera: High-resolution 44MP front camera for detailed self-portraits.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging refills the battery faster.
- Higher Video Quality: Can record 4K videos, and has OIS on all cameras.
- Dual SIM Support: Ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- More internal storage: Comes in 128GB and 256GB variants
- More RAM: 8GB for smooth multitasking and gaming
Practical Implications: Ideal for those who value display quality, selfie performance, and faster charging.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh offers longer battery life.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 695 5G offers slightly better performance in benchmarks.
- More Advanced OS: Comes with a newer version of Android with up to date upgrades.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides more durability against scratches and drops.
- Bypass Charging: Battery charging bypass allows the phone to be used while charging without damaging the battery.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and Geomagnetic sensors included.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize battery life, display smoothness, durability, and newer software.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Display Technology: V21 5G’s AMOLED wins over A23 5G’s PLS LCD.
- Battery Life: A23 5G wins in battery life over the V21 5G.
- Charging Speed: V21 5G charges faster than the A23 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G:
- Ideal User: Social media users, selfie enthusiasts, and those who appreciate vibrant displays.
- Use Cases: High-quality selfie/video capture, social media posting, media consumption, gaming on a vibrant screen.
- Value: Offers a premium display and camera experience at a reasonable price.
- Limitations: Shorter battery life
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who need a reliable device with long battery life, a durable screen, and updated software.
- Use Cases: Extended usage, gaming, everyday productivity tasks, navigation.
- Value: Offers excellent battery life and a smoother display experience, with a more rugged design.
- Limitations: Inferior display and selfie camera compared to the V21 5G
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a superior display and selfie camera, or a longer battery life?
- Is faster charging more important to you than screen durability?
- Do you need dual SIM capability, or a more complete sensor suite?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a content creator focusing on high-quality photos and videos, and you don't mind slightly shorter battery life: Choose the vivo V21 5G.
- If you're a heavy smartphone user who needs all-day battery life, with a modern OS: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.
- If display is very important, but you need longer battery life, consider that the Galaxy A23 has better battery life, but inferior display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the vivo V21 5G.
While the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has significant advantages, like the larger battery, 120Hz display, and more durable build, I value display quality and camera performance more. As someone who consumes media and takes frequent photos, the vibrant AMOLED screen and the high-resolution selfie camera of the V21 5G are more appealing. The faster 33W charging also helps mitigate the smaller battery capacity. Additionally, the dual sim feature is something i need regularly. The A23 5G's advantages are important, but my personal use case leans more towards the strengths of the vivo V21 5G.
I believe that, for my usage, the V21's better display, selfie capabilities and video recording are more practical for my use case.
