1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | The A24 is noticeably larger and thicker, impacting one-handed use and pocketability. The V21 5G is slimmer and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | The V21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, particularly during long calls or gaming sessions. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard build. No specific mention of materials used. |
Display
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size; both provide a similar viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both displays are very similar in sharpness; the difference is unlikely to be noticeable to most users. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 396 PPI | Both are sharp and detailed for daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and contrast-rich displays with deep blacks, offering an excellent viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The A24 has much higher peak brightness, significantly improving outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The Helio G99 in the A24 is slightly newer, offering better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 411,900 | The A24 has better raw performance. Expect smoother gaming and faster app loading times in the A24. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The V21 has a slightly more powerful GPU, which might lead to better performance in specific games. |
Camera
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | The V21 has a higher resolution sensor for capturing more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | The V21 takes much higher resolution selfies, beneficial for social media and detailed self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | The V21 has a better wide-angle lens allowing for more expansive shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have basic macro lenses, good for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with OIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | The V21 is capable of higher-resolution 4k videos with OIS for stable shooting, whereas the A24 is limited to 1080p with EIS. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, 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, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, 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 | The V21 offers additional features such as front flash for low-light selfies and Ultra stable video mode. |
Battery
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The A24's larger battery will provide significantly longer usage between charges, ideal for heavy users and long days away from a charger. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The V21 charges slightly faster, reducing time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard in modern smartphones |
Connectivity
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The A24 has the newer version which might have slightly improved connectivity and battery efficiency. The V21 supports additional audio codecs (APT-x, LDAC, SBC). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A24 has more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM usage. |
Storage
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 128 GB | The V21 offers a higher maximum storage variant, good for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8GB | The V21 and A24 offer up to 8GB RAM options, beneficial for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage via microSD card. |
Software
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The A24 has a newer OS version out of the box with feature advantages and longer security support. |
| Max Version | NA | Android 17 | The A24 is scheduled for more OS updates. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Selfie Camera: 44MP high-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, resulting in detailed photos and better low-light performance for selfies.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: 4K video recording with OIS offers sharper, stabilized videos, ideal for content creation or high-quality video capture.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, reducing the time needed to recharge the device.
- More Storage Options: Available with a 256GB internal storage option for users with large media libraries.
- Slightly More Powerful GPU: Might lead to better performance in graphics-intensive apps and games
- Additional Audio Codec Support: The device supports APT-x, LDAC, and SBC for potentially better audio quality.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended usage.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits peak brightness, significantly improves visibility in bright, outdoor conditions.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, crucial for power users.
- Newer Chipset: The Helio G99 is a slightly newer chip, offering better raw performance and efficiency.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, with a long-term update to Android 17 planned, ensuring longer software and security support.
- More GPS satellites: Support for QZSS provides more accurate location tracking
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 is a newer and more efficient standard
Trade-offs
- vivo V21 5G: Compromises on battery life and outdoor display visibility for better selfie performance and video recording capabilities. Older OS out of the box with fewer update chances.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Sacrifices selfie camera resolution and video recording quality for better battery life and performance, with a newer software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who frequently take selfies and prioritize high-resolution front-facing cameras.
- Content Creators: Users who record videos often and need 4K quality with optical image stabilization.
- Users Prioritizing Lightweight Design: Those who want a slim and lightweight phone for easy handling and portability.
- Users who need additional audio codecs: Users who wish to get the best audio quality through wireless earbuds.
Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:
- Social media content creation, capturing detailed selfies, and recording high-quality vlogs.
- Casual use, gaming, and media consumption.
- Users who value a light, comfortable, and sleek phone.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- Heavy Phone Users: Users who require long battery life for long days without needing to recharge.
- Outdoor Users: People who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight and need a highly visible screen.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize better raw performance in demanding games.
- Users who want the latest software features: Users who need the newest Android OS and long-term updates.
- Users who value accurate location tracking: Users who need accurate and reliable navigation
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A24 4G:
- All-day use without frequent charging, navigation, and intensive gaming.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors, who need a brighter screen for visibility.
- Users who want the latest software features with a longer update cycle.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- vivo V21 5G: Offers better front-facing camera features, with a better video recording system, but a smaller battery, and a slightly less powerful chip.
- Samsung Galaxy A24 4G: Delivers better battery life, better performance and a newer software experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do I prioritize taking high-quality selfies, making videos, and need a lightweight phone over battery life and outdoor visibility? (If yes, V21 5G may be a better choice)
- Do I need all-day battery life and maximum visibility for outdoor use? (If yes, A24 is better)
- Is a newer Android OS and future software updates important to me? (If yes, A24 is better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler, Social Media Enthusiast. Choose the vivo V21 5G for its superior selfie camera and 4K video recording capabilities. You'll appreciate the lighter design for carrying around, while a portable charger will help with battery life.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Worker, Heavy Phone User. The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G with its larger battery, brighter screen, and newer OS is more suitable, ensuring that you will be able to use your phone all day, even in bright sunlight, and benefit from a newer OS.
- Scenario 3: Casual User. Both phones will perform well, but the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is more future-proof thanks to the newer Android OS and better battery life.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G. While the vivo V21 5G has a better selfie camera and video recording capabilities, the A24's superior battery life, brighter display, and newer OS make it a more practical choice for my day-to-day use. The A24 will last longer on a single charge, and its newer OS and planned updates provide long-term security and feature advantages. Also, the better GPS and faster chipset are advantages that are too significant to ignore. Although the camera quality is less, I would rather prefer the features of the A24.
