vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The GSMArena review of the vivo V21 5G highlights a specialized mid-ranger prioritizing design and superior selfie capabilities, featuring a 44MP front camera with OIS and dual LEDs. Its standout features include a very slim 7.3mm profile, a 90Hz AMOLED display, and a 64MP rear camera with OIS, balanced by solid battery life and 33W charging. However, compromises include the lack of stereo speakers and a 3.5mm jack, alongside disappointing 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras. The Dimensity 800U chipset provides decent daily performance, though it is not ideal for heavy gaming.

The Vivo V21 5G is described as a mid-range phone excelling in design and photography, particularly for selfie enthusiasts, featuring an ultra-slim 7.29mm profile and a 6.44-inch FHD+ AMOLED 90Hz display. Its primary strengths are the 44MP front camera with OIS and dual-LED flash, enabling high-quality selfies and 4K video even in low light, and a 64MP rear sensor also with OIS that delivers impressive Night mode results. However, compromises include a smaller 4,000mAh battery, a MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor adequate for daily tasks but struggling with high-end gaming, the lack of IP-rated water resistance, no 3.5mm headphone jack, and an occasionally unreliable in-display fingerprint sensor.

The Vivo V21 5G offers good still image performance in bright light, with accurate exposure and controlled noise, often outperforming rivals in dynamic range. However, it struggles with a lack of fine detail, occasional inaccurate color, poor texture preservation in low light, and weak auxiliary lenses and zoom. Video quality includes accurate exposure and white balance but suffers from limited dynamic range, highlight clipping, undersaturated colors, unreliable autofocus, and noise in low light.

The Vivo V21 5G is presented as a mid-range phone primarily appealing to selfie enthusiasts, featuring a 44MP front camera with OIS and dual LED flashes. While the selfie camera is highlighted as "best in class," the main 64MP rear camera is described as competent, and the ultra-wide and macro lenses are considered mediocre. The phone has a slim design and a good 90Hz AMOLED display but suffers from an underpowered processor for its price and has disappointing secondary rear cameras.

Digital Camera World positions the Vivo V21 5G as a mid-range phone specifically designed for selfie enthusiasts and vloggers, highlighting its 44MP front camera with OIS and dual-LED flash as a standout feature. While praising its slim design and vibrant 90Hz AMOLED display, the review notes compromises including a middling MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor, an underwhelming rear camera, and the lack of features like stereo speakers or IP water resistance.

According to T3, the Vivo V21 5G is a stylish and budget-friendly smartphone highlighted by an exceptional selfie camera, though it makes some compromises on other features to keep the price down. Pros include its slim design, vibrant AMOLED display, and a 44MP front camera with OIS and dual LED flashes ideal for selfies, while cons include an average rear camera system, less powerful processor compared to rivals, and a tinny speaker.

The Vivo V21 5G stands out in the mid-range market primarily for its 44MP front-facing camera with OIS and dual LED spotlights, a feature praised alongside its slim design and bright 6.44-inch 90Hz AMOLED display. However, the review notes significant compromises, including an underpowered MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset and an average 64MP triple rear camera system with inconsistent colors and lack of detail. Additional drawbacks are a tinny mono speaker, no IP rating for water resistance, and Funtouch OS 11.1 software with pre-installed bloatware, despite the phone offering solid battery life and 33W fast charging.

The Vivo V21 5G is presented as a mid-range phone targeting social media creators due to its exceptional 44MP selfie camera with OIS and dual-LED flash, capable of high-quality front-facing photos and 4K video. While it features a bright 6.44-inch 90Hz AMOLED display and impressive battery life with 33W fast charging, the review notes compromises including a plastic build, a dated waterdrop notch, and average performance from the MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset that struggles with demanding games. Additionally, the 64MP rear camera system is considered mediocre, and the Funtouch OS software features are often superficial, leading to the conclusion that better all-around options exist if the user is not primarily focused on selfies or vlogging.

According to TechRadar, the Vivo V21 5G is a mid-range phone specifically targeting users interested in selfies and vlogging, primarily due to its impressive 44MP front camera with OIS and dual LED lights. Pros include its slim 7.3mm design, lightweight feel, and a bright 6.44-inch 90Hz AMOLED display, along with a 4,000mAh battery offering up to two days of life for light users. Cons include the underpowered MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset for its price, a dated teardrop notch design, pre-installed bloatware, and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack or stereo speakers.