Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. vivo Y76 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | vivo Y76 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-06 | 2021-11-23 | Y76 is newer by roughly 6 months, potentially having slightly more up-to-date software |
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163.8 × 75 × 7.8 mm | Y76 is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, making it slightly less comfortable in hand for some users. V21 is more pocketable, but it's a small difference |
| Weight | 176g | 175g | Both phones are very similar in weight, hardly noticeable in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.58" | Y76 has a marginally larger screen, beneficial for media consumption and gaming, but the difference is subtle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer similar sharpness. Differences will be imperceptible for most users. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 401 PPI | Both offer sharp images. The slight difference will be difficult to notice in practice. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | V21 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | V21 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience more fluid compared to the Y76. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness which means both will perform identically in the same lighting environment |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Y76 has a newer chipset. Although they are both 7nm chips, they perform differently. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 389,300 | Y76 performs better in benchmarks, suggesting slightly better real-world performance during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | V21 might have a slight advantage in graphics performance due to the better configuration. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4100mAh | Both have similar battery capacities offering comparable battery life. The 100mAh difference is negligible. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 44W fast charging | Y76 charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries, which is typical of modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | V21 has a higher resolution and wider aperture, which should provide better low-light performance and slightly sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5KGH1 | 16MP, f/2.0 | V21 has a significantly higher resolution, potentially capturing better details and with a better sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | V21 offers a wide-angle lens, useful for capturing more in the frame, a feature the Y76 lacks. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Y76 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode which could provide slightly better blurred background effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a macro lens of similar resolution and aperture for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with OIS, 1080p@60fps with OIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | V21 offers 4K recording with OIS, a big advantage for video quality and stability, while Y76 has lower resolution and relies on electronic stabilization. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, OIS, Front Flash | Digital zoom, Ultra stable video | V21 has OIS, 4k recording and a front flash, which makes the camera system significantly more powerful than the Y76. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run on Android 11 which means similar software features at time of release. Future updates may vary. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC | 5.1 LE, A2DP | V21 supports higher quality audio codecs like aptX and LDAC, beneficial for audiophiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options, with no ability to expand. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones have the same amount of RAM. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting the total storage space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both have basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side mounted sensor on the Y76 is generally considered more ergonomic and convenient compared to basic sensors. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Y76 has all the standard sensors and one additional (Gravity) |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is more power efficient.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording with OIS, providing superior image and video quality.
- Audio Codecs: The inclusion of aptX and LDAC codecs for better Bluetooth audio quality.
vivo Y76 5G Advantages:
- Marginally Better Performance: Slightly higher AnTuTu score suggests better performance under demanding tasks.
- Faster Charging: 44W charging allows for faster battery replenishment.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more ergonomic and convenient fingerprint sensor location.
- Additional sensor The Y76 also has a gravity sensor, which is useful in certain apps and games.
Trade-offs:
- The V21 sacrifices a bit of benchmark performance and charging speed for a significantly better display and camera system.
- The Y76, while offering faster charging and slightly better benchmark performance, falls behind in display quality and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling when watching videos or browsing social media will find the AMOLED display a significant advantage.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who value higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions, and need optical image stabilization. The wide angle lens is also a big plus.
- Audiophiles: Individuals who prioritize higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs like aptX and LDAC for a better listening experience.
Use Cases for V21 5G:
- High-quality media viewing
- Content creation for social media or vlogging
- Frequent camera use in various conditions
- Gaming due to the better refresh rate
- Long listening sessions with bluetooth headphones
Ideal Users for vivo Y76 5G:
- Power Users on a Budget: Those who want a phone with faster charging and solid performance for daily tasks and gaming.
- Users Focused on Convenience: Individuals who appreciate a more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor and don't necessarily need a top-tier camera.
- Users focused on everyday tasks: People who need a reliable phone for basic communication and media consumption and who do not have high demands when it comes to image quality.
Use Cases for Y76 5G:
- Everyday communication and browsing
- Fast-paced lifestyles where faster charging is important
- Basic media consumption for entertainment
- Casual mobile gaming
Price-to-Value: If the price difference is minimal, the V21 offers more value given its superior display and camera system. However, if the Y76 is significantly cheaper, it might be the better option for budget conscious buyers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD, refresh rate)
- How much do you prioritize camera quality and video recording? (OIS, 4K recording, wide-angle lens)
- Is fast charging more important than having better display/camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User who loves taking photos and watches videos often. Choose the vivo V21 5G for its better camera and display.
- Scenario 2: User who needs a reliable phone that charges quickly. Choose the vivo Y76 5G for its faster charging.
- Scenario 3: User who values a better display. Choose the vivo V21 5G for its AMOLED display and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 4: User on a tight budget. Choose the vivo Y76 5G if it's significantly cheaper than the V21 5G.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the vivo V21 5G. While the Y76 has slightly better benchmark scores and faster charging, the V21's superior AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, significantly better main and selfie cameras (including the inclusion of 4k video with OIS and a wide angle lens), and better bluetooth audio codecs are worth the trade-offs in my opinion.
The superior display technology alone makes a huge difference in daily use, especially when consuming content and combined with the higher refresh rate, it offers a better user experience overall. The enhanced camera capabilities also make a more significant difference compared to the marginal gains in performance and charging speed that the Y76 offers. For my use case, which involves a lot of media consumption and photography, the V21 is the better option.
