Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Foldable design offers a larger screen in a more portable form. Standard design is generally more durable. |
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | vivo V21 5G is taller and thicker when folded, the Fold 3 is significantly wider when opened. |
| Weight | 176g | 271g | vivo V21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended single-handed use and carrying in a pocket. The Fold 3 is heavier due to its foldable design. |
Display
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 7.6" | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's larger display is better for multitasking, media consumption, and gaming. vivo V21 5G offers a more compact display for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1768x2208 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers sharper images and more screen real estate for apps and content, resulting in better overall visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 374 PPI | vivo V21 5G has slightly sharper images on paper, but the difference is minor in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | vivo V21 5G's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, leading to more vibrant viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical brightness at 0 nits. Note: This is likely a data error. Typical smartphone peak brightness is measured in hundreds of nits. |
Performance
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 898,700 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has significantly higher benchmark scores, leading to noticeably faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 660 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's Adreno 660 provides better graphics performance for gaming and demanding graphical applications. |
Camera
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm pixel size | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.8µm pixel size | vivo V21 5G offers higher megapixel count, but Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" sensor, 0.7µm pixel size | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22µm pixel size | vivo V21 5G has higher resolution, but Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has larger pixel size, which translates to better low light performance in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm pixel size | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without losing quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixel size | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | vivo V21 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with OIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers a more versatile video recording with more frame rates and HDR support. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 120, Selfie: 83 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a higher overall camera score, especially in photos, indicating superior camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's slightly larger battery may provide a slightly longer usage time. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | vivo V21 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Non-removable | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers more versatility with wireless charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging, which can extend battery life while gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: The vivo V21 5G's lighter weight and slimmer profile make it more comfortable for single-handed use and portability.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, reducing time spent tethered to a charger.
- AMOLED Display: The AMOLED screen delivers better contrast and richer colors compared to the unknown screen technology on the Samsung Z Fold 3.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 44MP front camera takes more detailed selfie photos.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro camera offers greater creative versatility for close-up shots.
- Lower Price: The vivo V21 5G is likely more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G due to its non-foldable nature and less complex hardware.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages
- Foldable Design: The foldable form factor offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides much better performance for demanding tasks, heavy gaming, and multitasking.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and larger display offer a better user experience for viewing and interacting with content.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features telephoto and ultra-wide lens, as well as superior video capabilities.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Adds versatility for convenient battery management.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Offers WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and newer Bluetooth technology.
- More RAM: The 12GB of RAM facilitates smoother multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Comes in 256GB or 512GB variants, providing more storage for the user.
- Better Build Quality: Offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM, offering additional flexibility for carrier switching.
Trade-offs
- vivo V21 5G: Lacks the cutting-edge features of the Fold 3 such as a foldable screen, top-tier performance, advanced camera features, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Significantly heavier and bulkier due to its foldable design, more expensive, and has slower charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a mid-range phone with a good display and camera at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight and compact phone for general use, social media, and casual photography.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who frequently take selfies and require a high-resolution front camera.
- Users who prefer lighter devices: For those who don't like heavier phones, the V21 5G will be a better fit.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal User
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Content Consumers: Those who watch videos, read, and use apps requiring a large screen.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently use multiple apps simultaneously and would benefit from the large, foldable display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest in smartphone technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Users who want top of the line features: Users that don't have price restraints and want the best features will find them in the Z Fold 3.
Specific Use Cases
- vivo V21 5G: Social media browsing, casual photography, watching videos, general communication, and use as a daily driver due to its lighter profile.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Mobile gaming, professional multitasking, content creation, reading ebooks, and productivity tasks due to its large screen and powerful performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The vivo V21 5G offers good value for its price, delivering a solid mid-range experience, but may fall short in terms of performance for power users.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G commands a premium price, but offers cutting-edge technology and features that justify the higher cost for its target users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is my primary use case for the phone? (General use, photography, gaming, productivity, etc.)
- How much do I value portability and pocketability vs. a larger screen? (Weight, size, convenience)
- What is my budget and price tolerance for advanced features? (Is the price premium of the Z Fold 3 acceptable?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If your focus is on essential smartphone tasks, photography, and you value a lightweight device and cannot spend too much, the vivo V21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Content Consumption: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a large display for immersive media, and are willing to invest more, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will be the ideal choice.
- Scenario 3: Hybrid User: If you're a hybrid user who sometimes wants high performance but also want a compact phone and dont want to pay too much for the high end features, and do not mind compromising on certain things like the Fold's foldable screen, then the vivo V21 5G is a better choice, offering a more balanced package of features and performance.
- Scenario 4: User that values having the best phone experience: If you don't mind the weight and price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the choice that offers the most premium and cutting edge technology.
My Choice
Based on my personal preferences and typical use cases, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. While I appreciate the lighter form factor and lower price of the vivo V21 5G, the vastly superior performance, larger, high refresh rate display, and the versatility of the foldable screen are more compelling to me. I frequently engage in tasks that would benefit from the Z Fold 3's larger screen, including multitasking, reading, and playing games. The better camera system and wireless charging are also features that I value. Although I am not crazy about the higher weight, I would prefer to make that compromise for all the other features the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G provides. Ultimately, the Z Fold 3 offers a more premium and future-forward experience that aligns with my needs.
