1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | V21 5G is more compact and thinner, easier to handle and pocket; A75 4G is bulkier. |
| Weight | 176g | 189g | V21 5G is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use; A75 4G is heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.6" | A75 4G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | V21 5G has a much sharper display, text and images will be much clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 267 | V21 5G offers sharper and more detailed visuals, less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | V21 5G provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, better for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, feels more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same maximum brightness, but the value is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | V21 5G has a more powerful and efficient chip, better for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 240,000 | V21 5G provides significantly better performance, faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MP1 | V21 5G has a more powerful GPU, better graphics processing for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A75 4G has a larger battery, should offer longer battery life, especially under load, but it depends on the chipset efficiency and software. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | V21 5G charges faster, quicker top-ups and less time plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | V21 5G has higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, slightly better low-light images. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.0 | 8MP | V21 5G offers significantly higher resolution selfies, more detail in self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not available | V21 5G has a wide-angle lens, for more versatile photos. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | V21 5G offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | V21 5G records higher resolution and smoother videos, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | A75 4G has a newer OS version, potentially better security, performance, and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar standards, good for general use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | V21 5G has a newer version, supports more advanced audio codecs (aptX, LDAC) |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/8 GB | V21 5G will perform better than the 4 GB variant of A75 4G, offering smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither offer expandable storage, consider this based on needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | DTS / DTS X | A75 4G may have a slightly better audio experience via headphone/earphones, surround sound, spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | A75 4G has a more convenient fingerprint sensor and more ergonomic placement for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither screen protection level is known, consider a screen protector. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | V21 5G includes a Compass sensor, useful for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with significantly higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in a sharper, more vibrant visual experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Quality Cameras: Significantly higher resolution front-facing camera, better main camera, and the addition of wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, convenient for users on the go.
- Advanced Video: 4K video recording with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for more detailed and stable videos.
- Advanced Audio Codecs: Bluetooth 5.1 with support for aptX, LDAC and SBC for better wireless audio fidelity.
- Compass Sensor: Useful for navigation and augmented reality (AR) apps.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, potentially providing access to the latest features and better security.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomically placed and convenient for unlocking the phone.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X technology may provide a better surround sound audio experience through headphones.
- Newer Device: Launched much later (July 2024 vs May 2021), might have newer features and software optimization.
Trade-offs:
- V21 5G: Older device that lacks a newer OS version, it also features a smaller battery capacity and lacks a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- A75 4G: Noticeably lower resolution display with an IPS panel, less powerful chipset, lower quality cameras and a slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and playing graphic-intensive games.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who take a lot of selfies and prioritize front camera quality, as well as social media use, streaming and other demanding apps
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a snappy and responsive device for multitasking and gaming, with more power at hand.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera setups with good image and video quality.
- Users on the Go: Benefit from the quicker charging and slimmer design.
- Users with compatible devices who want to enjoy the higher quality audio that the vivo V21 5G offers through higher quality codecs like aptX, LDAC and SBC
ZTE Blade A75 4G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a functional smartphone with a larger battery and newer OS at a more affordable price.
- Basic Users: Users with more basic needs such as browsing, social media, and email, who value a long-lasting battery.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who prefer enhanced audio through headphones.
- Users who value Ergonomics: Those who prefer the side-mounted fingerprint sensor for a quick unlock.
- Users who value a newer device: Those who are seeking a more modern device, with a newer OS, even if other specs are less impressive.
Specific Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Shooting high-quality selfies and videos for social media.
- Watching high-resolution content on streaming platforms.
- Demanding use-cases that benefit from the higher quality processing power.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Everyday use, browsing social media, and email.
- Long trips or days without access to charging.
- Users who value having a more recent OS
- Casual photography and video recording.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The V21 5G likely offers a better value for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera features.
- The A75 4G offers a better value for users on a budget who want a long battery life and a newer operating system, but with other trade-offs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority: display quality and performance, or battery life and a newer OS?
- How important are camera quality and video recording features to your usage?
- What is your budget and what is the value for each device in that budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you use your phone heavily for gaming, media consumption, and photography, the vivo V21 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2 (Budget User): If you prioritize battery life, a newer OS, a more convenient fingerprint sensor and are on a tight budget, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you value good performance, higher quality cameras and display, despite having a smaller battery and being an older phone, the vivo V21 5G is still the more balanced choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the vivo V21 5G. Here's why:
While the ZTE Blade A75 4G has a larger battery and a more recent version of Android, the V21 5G's advantages in display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, sharpness), performance (chipset and GPU), camera quality, and faster charging are too significant to ignore.
I value a sharp, vibrant display for daily use, including browsing and media consumption. The performance boost offered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U makes the phone feel faster and more responsive. I also appreciate the higher resolution front and main cameras, as well as the inclusion of wide-angle and macro lenses, and the better 4k video recording. The slightly smaller battery of the V21 5G is not a major issue for me, as it is balanced with the faster charging rate.
The V21 5G also has a more complete package with more features and benefits. Despite being an older device, the overall user experience of the V21 5G will be superior, especially for a user who values a high-quality display, powerful performance and better camera experience.
