Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | Vivo is taller and wider, Sony is thicker. Sony is more pocketable due to its smaller size. |
| Weight | 176g | 172g | Both are very similar in weight, no real difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.1" | Vivo has a larger screen for more immersive viewing. Sony is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Sony's slightly higher resolution offers a sharper display, though the difference is subtle. |
| PPI | 409 | 449 | Sony has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, small difference in real usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Sony offers smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, information is not available for comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony has a much more powerful processor, for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,021,542 | Sony offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, better responsiveness, gaming, and app loading times. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 730 | Sony's GPU offers much better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Sony has a larger battery, potentially offering significantly longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Vivo charges slightly faster, but both offer fast charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Sony has additional features of bypass charging and reverse charging allowing more flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor, Sony IMX557, 1.80 µm pixel size | Vivo has higher megapixel count. Sony's larger sensor and pixel size usually provide better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5KGH1, 0.70 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor RS, 1.25 µm pixel size | Vivo has a higher resolution front camera. Sony's larger pixels improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 Exmor RS, 1.00 µm pixel size | Sony has a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, while Vivo doesn't. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, Sony IMX363 Exmor RS, 1.40 µm pixel size | Sony has a higher resolution wide angle, better quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Vivo has a dedicated macro lens, while Sony does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps HDR | Sony offers higher quality video recording with more advanced features like HDR, and 120fps slow-motion |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Sony's camera quality is rated well, While Vivo doesn't have any official dxomark rating. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, 4K video, Front Flash | OIS, PDAF, 4K video, Optical Zoom, RAW | Sony offers more advanced camera features like Optical Zoom and RAW support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Sony has a newer and more up-to-date operating system, likely getting more frequent updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Sony supports a newer WiFi standard for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Sony has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1+L5) | Sony has more satellite systems for improved location accuracy in various conditions. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Sony offers eSIM support for easier switching between carriers, and Vivo offers a dual sim experience for using two sim cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both phones have the same RAM for seamless multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage capabilities. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Sony features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, might be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has a more durable screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, while protection level for the Vivo is not known. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Sony has more sensors, adding barometer functionality and gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.44" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 44MP front camera might appeal to users who prioritize high-resolution selfies.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: The 2MP macro lens provides a dedicated way to capture close-up shots of small objects.
- Slightly Faster Charging: The 33W charging allows the phone to get charged a little bit faster than the 30W charging on the Sony.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a substantially better performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Superior Display Technology: The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations.
- Better Camera System: Sony's larger sensors, telephoto lens, and advanced features provide higher quality images and more flexibility.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life, crucial for heavy users.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers improve the multimedia experience.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Comes with Android 12, offering a more modern operating system.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more accurate GPS.
- eSIM support: The Sony offers eSIM support which is convenient for international travel and switching between carriers digitally.
- Bypass Charging and Reverse Charging: The Sony offers additional battery features for enhanced versatility.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers greater durability.
- Additional Sensors: The barometer adds environmental functionality.
Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G trades off performance and overall camera quality for a larger display and higher megapixel selfie camera.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV is more expensive and has a smaller screen but offers a much higher overall performance and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G:
- Budget-conscious users: Users looking for an affordable phone with a large display.
- Selfie enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-resolution front camera.
- Casual users: Users who don't require top-tier performance for daily tasks.
- Users who enjoy casual mobile gaming: Users who are not into high-end gaming and performance.
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and content consumption
- Basic productivity tasks
- Casual gaming
- Video calls and online meetings
Ideal Users for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need high-end performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: Users who value advanced camera capabilities and features.
- Multimedia Users: Users who enjoy high-quality audio and video playback.
- Users who need longer battery life: Power users who are often away from chargers.
- Users who enjoy a smaller and more pocketable smartphone: Those who prefer a more compact device.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Content creation
- Long hours of productivity or media consumption
- Reliable performance for demanding applications
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The vivo V21 5G offers decent value for its price point, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers superior performance, camera and features, but at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., social media, gaming, professional use)
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (e.g., casual snapshots, professional photography)
- What is my budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Focused): If you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, with a large screen for media consumption, and you are budget constrained, the vivo V21 5G is suitable.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced User): If you need a phone with a decent camera, good performance for daily tasks, casual gaming and a larger screen, while on a limited budget, the vivo V21 5G is suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Performance & Camera Enthusiast): If you need the best possible performance, camera features, and overall experience, and you are willing to pay a premium, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a clear choice.
What I Would Choose
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the vivo V21 5G offers a larger screen, the gap in performance between the two devices is immense. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Sony provides a much smoother experience for gaming, multitasking and general use. Moreover, the Sony's camera system offers significantly better quality and versatility, with a dedicated telephoto lens and better image processing. The additional benefits of a 120Hz display, larger battery, and high-quality audio also provide a more premium user experience overall, which aligns with my priorities and usage style. I value performance and good camera quality more, making the Sony Xperia 5 IV a better choice for me, despite the extra cost.
