Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.44 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP

vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB)
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.4

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of smartphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

4.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.5

Camera

15%

6.1

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

5.8

Connectivity

4%

2.2

Audio

3%

6.8

Design

â–¼Worse than 91%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 70%
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Technical Specifications of smartphone vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

4.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.5

Camera

15%

6.1

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

7.2

Software

10%

5.8

Connectivity

4%

2.2

Audio

3%

6.8

Design

5.4
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 7.1 points, which is higher than 65.9% of smartphones.
7.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.7
Brand name
vivo
Processor model
Unisoc T606
This smartphone uses the Unisoc T606 processor model which is slower than processors in 84.8% of smartphones and equal to processors in 3.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
1.6 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 1.6 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 95.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 13
Android version
Android 13
This smartphone runs Android version Android 13 which is older than that found in 50.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 16.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 57.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.79 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.79 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 75.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
32 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 32 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 42.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.2% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
1.6 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.44 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.44 inches which is smaller than the screens of 84.4% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
409 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 409 ppi which is higher than that of 66.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.5% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,400 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,400 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 84.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1.2% of smartphones.
Charging speed
10 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 10 W which is slower than in 93.7% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 5.8% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
159.7 mm
This smartphone has a height of 159.7 mm which is shorter than 81.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Width
73.9 mm
This smartphone has a width of 73.9 mm which is narrower than 84.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.3 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.3 mm which is thinner than 94.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Weight
176 g
This smartphone weighs 176 g which is lighter than 89.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.3% of smartphones.
Device volume
81,249 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 81,249 cm³ which is smaller than 92.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.5% of smartphones.
Show more

vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (123 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    123 vs 99.5
  • 2x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 3.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (409 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    409 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 10.3% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (176 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    176 g vs 196.2 g
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 1 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.3 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.3 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 1.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    vivo V21 5G
    the average smartphone
    vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.09 vs 8.000).
    8.09 vs 8
  • 29.7% more popular
    vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.05 vs 5.4).
    7.05 vs 5.44
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (10 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    10 W vs 6 W
  • 2x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.79 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.79 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 3.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (409 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    409 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (123 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    123 vs 99.5
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 10.3% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (176 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    176 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.3 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.3 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 2.1 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (73.9 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    73.9 mm vs 76 mm
  • 3.9 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (159.7 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    159.7 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 16.9% smaller volume
    This smartphone has a smaller device volume than the average smartphone (81249 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    81,249 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc T606 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc T606 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • 9% worse value for money
    vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.73 vs 7.3).
    6.73 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc T606 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc T606 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • 29.8% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (7,574 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    7,574 vs 10,783
  • 33.3% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (1.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    1.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 75% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (1024 KB vs 4096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4096 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 41.8% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1600 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2750 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 50% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (12.8 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    12.8 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 68.9% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (189 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    189 vs 608
  • Lacks NX Bit security
    This smartphone does not support NX Bit, the average smartphone does. 94.6% of smartphones support NX Bit.
  • 48.3% lower 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in the 3DMark Wild Life benchmark than the average smartphone (1,611 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115 in this benchmark.
    1,611 vs 3,115
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x1.6 GHz & 6x1.6 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x1.6 GHz & 6x1.6 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 61.2% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (476 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    476 vs 1,226
  • 1 fewer memory channels
    This smartphone supports fewer memory channels than the average smartphone (1 vs 2). The average smartphone supports 2 channels.
    1 vs 2
  • 12.5% lower PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone has a lower PassMark score than the average smartphone (3,842 vs 4,389). The average smartphone scores 4,389 in PassMark.
    3,842 vs 4,389
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 13 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 13 vs Android 14
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • No slow-motion recording
    This smartphone does not support slow-motion recording, the average smartphone does. 90.3% of smartphones offer slow-mo features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.0 vs 5.2
  • No gyroscope
    This smartphone does not have a gyroscope, the average smartphone does. 84.4% of smartphones feature a gyroscope.
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 0.23 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.4 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.44 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 27.9% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (476 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    476 nits vs 660 nits
  • 69.7% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (10 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    10 W vs 33 W
  • 12% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4400 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • No ultra power-saving mode
    This smartphone does not have an ultra power-saving mode, the average smartphone does. 93.8% of smartphones include ultra power-saving.
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    April 2021
    2021 vs 2024

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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gsmarena.com
01/06/2021
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24/09/2021
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11/02/2022
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31/01/2022
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02/12/2021
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techadvisor.com
22/12/2021
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22/12/2021
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techradar.com
07/08/2021
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tomshw.it
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smartworld.it
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smartphonology.it
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20/12/2021
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andreagaleazzi.com
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W
wired.it
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB)

  • Exceptional 44MP front/selfie camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), autofocus, and dual LED flashes, making it ideal for vlogging and sharp stills.
  • Sleek, stylish, ultra-slim design (around 7.3mm thick) with a premium-feel matte finish that resists fingerprints.
  • Vibrant 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, providing a punchy and smooth viewing experience.
  • Solid everyday performance for general tasks, supported by an 8GB RAM and the MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor.
  • Good battery life (4,000mAh) that can last a full day or even two with light use, and fast 33W charging support.
  • Generous base memory configuration (8GB/128GB) which is expandable via a microSD card slot.
  • Includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, a feature often found in more expensive phones.
  • Funtouch OS 11 (based on Android 11/12) is described as lightweight and smooth compared to previous versions.

What we don't like about vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB)

  • The MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor is considered mid-powered for the price point and struggles with high-end gaming or resource-intensive tasks, with performance lagging behind competitors.
  • The main rear camera performance (64MP) is inconsistent and can be mediocre, sometimes producing muted colors, artifacts, or struggling in low light, especially compared to the excellent front camera.
  • Lack of expected features in its price range such as IP-rated water resistance, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, or wireless charging.
  • The ultra-wide and macro cameras are generally disappointing, with the 2MP macro lens considered nearly pointless by some reviewers.
  • The design includes a 'water drop' notch instead of a more modern hole-punch cutout, and the plastic build feels less premium than some rivals.
  • The single bottom-firing speaker is easy to cover up and does not get very loud.
  • Some users reported issues with camera software updates causing lag in video recording or poor white balance in sun exposure.

Verdict

The Vivo V21 5G (8GB + 128GB) is an ultra-slim, mid-range smartphone with a 6.44-inch 90Hz AMOLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor, notable for its exceptional 44MP selfie camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and dual LED flash, making it ideal for vlogging and night portraits. Key specs include a versatile 64MP OIS triple rear camera setup, 8GB RAM (expandable via virtual RAM), and a 4000mAh battery with 33W FlashCharge support. Major pros are its excellent, OIS-stabilized front and main cameras and sleek, lightweight design. Potential cons include the lack of an official IP water resistance rating, no 3.5mm headphone jack, a single mono speaker, and a processor that can struggle with demanding 3D games compared to other phones in a similar price bracket.

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