Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 254.3 × 165.8 × 6.5 mm | The Tab S9 FE is significantly larger and less pocketable than the V21 5G, it is 94.6mm taller and 91.9mm wider. The V21 is slightly thicker at 7.3mm compared to the Tab's 6.5mm thickness. The Tab is less portable but has a much larger screen. |
| Weight | 176g | 523g | The V21 5G is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods of holding it, the Tab is heavy and best suited to be used on a flat surface or with a stand. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | Information is lacking, making it difficult to compare the feel in hand and the durability. |
Display
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 10.9" | The Tab S9 FE provides a much larger screen which is great for multimedia consumption, multitasking and creative work. The V21 5G provides a more portable and pocketable form factor |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x2304 | The Tab S9 FE offers higher resolution with more pixels, it will appear crisper and sharper if viewed up close. However, the difference may not be visible in daily usage depending on viewing distance |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 249 | The V21 5G has a significantly higher pixel density, leading to sharper text and images on the smaller screen. Images will be clearer on V21 5G while the Tab S9 FE with a lower PPI will have a less sharp image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The V21 5G’s AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles than the IPS LCD of the Tab S9 FE. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both phones provide a smooth scrolling and viewing experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which makes it difficult to compare their outdoor visibility and screen vividness. The lack of this information limits the comparison. |
Performance
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE is a more modern and powerful chip with a smaller process node offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 507,000 | The Tab S9 FE has a higher benchmark score, suggesting snappier app loading, smoother multitasking and better performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Mali-G68 MP5 in the Tab S9 FE offers superior graphics performance, leading to better gaming and GPU-intensive application experiences. |
Camera
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.79 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The V21 5G captures significantly more detail with its higher resolution sensor. The wider aperture on the V21 5G allows more light, improving low-light performance, this gives V21 5G a better low light performance |
| Front Camera Resolution | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" | 8MP | The V21 5G takes far more detailed selfies with much higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | The V21 5G includes a wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive scenes; Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE does not offer this. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The V21 5G includes a macro lens for capturing detailed close-up shots; Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE does not offer this. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS, 1080p@30/60fps with OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | The V21 5G's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will produce far more stable video recordings, especially in low light or when moving. The Tab S9 FE lacks this feature. |
| Slow-motion Video | 120 fps | 60 fps | The V21 5G provides smoother, slower slow-motion video capabilities than Tab S9 FE. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Front Flash | The V21 5G has more advanced camera features like OIS, PDAF and a dedicated triple camera system and front flash making the image quality better, with more advanced capabilities compared to the Tab S9 FE |
Battery
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 8000mAh | The Tab S9 FE has a much larger battery, offering considerably longer usage between charges, this could be beneficial for heavy users. |
| Charging Speed | 33W | 45W | The Tab S9 FE supports slightly faster charging speeds, reducing the time it takes to fully charge the larger battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The Tab S9 FE’s bypass charging feature allows you to power the device directly from the charger without charging the battery, reducing heat when gaming or using the device while charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED display offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles than the Tab S9 FE's IPS LCD screen, resulting in a better visual experience.
- Higher Pixel Density: With a significantly higher PPI, the V21 5G display will appear sharper and clearer, especially for text.
- Better Camera System: The V21 5G offers a far superior camera system, it includes high-resolution main and selfie cameras, a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, OIS for videos, and a front flash for better quality photos and videos.
- Lighter and More Portable: The V21 5G is significantly lighter and smaller, making it more convenient for daily use and carrying in your pocket, perfect for on the go usage.
- Dual SIM: Supports using two SIMs simultaneously, useful for travelers or those with separate work and personal numbers.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 10.9" display is great for consuming media, multitasking, and using creative apps. This larger screen allows for more content to be viewed at once.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides significantly better performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 8000mAh battery offers longer usage between charges which is beneficial for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: The 45W charging is a slightly faster charging speed than the V21 5G.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heat when using the device while charging which is beneficial for gamers.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: Support for newer Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 standards, enabling faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The V21 5G trades the larger screen, processing power, battery life, and enhanced audio of the Tab S9 FE for a much more portable form factor, better display technology, superior camera system.
- The Tab S9 FE compromises on portability, camera quality and display vibrancy for a larger screen, improved performance and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos in daily life, with advanced camera features, will prefer the V21 5G.
- Casual Users On The Go: Individuals who value portability and a comfortable one-handed experience will appreciate the compact form factor.
- Media Consumers: Users who prefer high-quality visual experience, superior display technology and sharpness will appreciate this phone.
- Dual SIM users: Those who need to use two SIM cards simultaneously and want a very portable phone.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE:
- Power Users: Those who need a larger screen for productivity, multitasking, and creative work will favor the larger screen.
- Frequent Media Consumers: Ideal for users who stream videos, browse the web and read a lot.
- Gamers: Users who demand a larger screen, better performance, and long battery life will benefit from this device.
- Tablet Users: Users who prefer to use the larger screen to replace their laptops.
Specific Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G: Capturing high-quality photos and videos on the go, general mobile usage, social media browsing, and casual gaming.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Multitasking, creative work, watching movies and shows, playing high-end games, and tasks requiring a larger screen.
Price-to-Value: Without pricing information, determining the best price-to-value is not possible, however, the V21 5G being a much older device will be available for a much cheaper price. This does not necessarily mean that the value for money is better.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: portability or screen size? Consider if you value a compact device for easy handling or a large display for media and multitasking.
- How important is camera quality? If capturing high-quality photos and videos is a must, the V21 5G is superior, if photos are of lesser importance then the Tab S9 FE might be a better fit.
- How do you plan to use this phone? Will you mainly use it for portability, social media and some photos, or are you looking for a media consumption and productivity device that is used in one place?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-go User: If you need a device for daily use, capturing photos, and portability is crucial, then the vivo V21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you plan to consume a lot of media and want a larger screen with better battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Productivity User: If you need a large screen for multitasking, creative work, and productivity, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a better fit.
- Scenario 4: Hybrid User: If you want a very portable phone with a great camera and good enough daily usage performance then the V21 5G might suit you, if you need a device that doubles up as a laptop with great multimedia consumption abilities then the Tab S9 FE is more suitable.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. While I appreciate the V21 5G’s superior camera and display technology, my typical use case leans more towards productivity, content consumption, and gaming. The Tab S9 FE's significantly larger screen, better processing power, and longer battery life make it more suitable for my needs. The portability trade-off is acceptable because I mostly use my phone at home or work. The better audio and slightly faster charging, and bypass charging are additional benefits that make the Tab S9 FE a more compelling option for my needs. The V21 5G will be a good fit for photographers or content creators on the go but the Tab S9 FE’s larger display for editing, media consumption, better performance and battery make it my preferred device in this comparison.
