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MagyarVivo V21 5G smartphone review - Strong cameras on both sides
Possible competitors in comparison
Rating | ratingversion | Date | Model | Weight | Drive | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.8 % | 7 | 08/2021 | Vivo V21 5G Dimensity 800U, Mali-G57 MP3 | 176 g | 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | 6.44" | 2404x1080 | |
| 83.4 % | 7 | 07/2021 | Sony Xperia 10 III SD 690 5G, Adreno 619L | 169 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.00" | 2520x1080 | |
| 80.1 % | 7 | 11/2020 | Realme 7 5G Dimensity 800U, Mali-G57 MP3 | 195 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | |
| 82.1 % | 7 | 06/2021 | Oppo A94 5G Dimensity 800U, Mali-G57 MP3 | 173 g | 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash | 6.43" | 2400x1080 |
Case, equipment and operation
The frame of the Vivo V21 5G is made of plastic, but the manufacturer uses matte AG glass on the back and the display is protected by Schott glass. The design is quite angular, but has its own charm. Only the additional black plastic frame around the display is not very appealing. The build quality is pleasing because the gaps are narrow and even. The smartphone also leaves a stable impression.
The equipment is on a standard level. USB 2.0, NFC and microSD support are included, but an audio jack or a notification LED are not on board. The latter can be replaced by the Always-On display.
Optimally, the V21 can access the data network with 5G, but it also has a wide frequency range for LTE and is inconspicuous in terms of reception. The Wi-Fi module supports Wi-Fi 5, but without MIMO antenna technology, which almost halves the data rates compared with some rivals. However, they were very stable and the range was good in combination with our reference router Netgear Nighthawk AX12.
The Vivo smartphone supports both VoLTE and WLAN calling and can manage SIP accounts directly in the system. The voice quality is good when held to the ear, but there is a subtle, tinny undertone. The noise cancellation works very well and even with very loud background noise the speaker's voice only distorts minimally. If you switch to the speaker, you also get a very decent telephony performance, which is accompanied by a weak reverb, but makes up for this with its good microphone range.
The operating system is Android 11, which Vivo covers with its Funtouch OS 11.1 interface. A few third-party apps from Booking, Netflix and TikTok are preinstalled, but they cannot all be uninstalled, but only partially deactivated. The V21 is supposed to be supplied with updates for three years.
The 90 Hz OLED display makes navigating through the system very smooth. The optical fingerprint sensor in the display is positioned quite close to the chin. It offers a good unlocking speed and high recognition rate. Two-dimensional face recognition is also available as an alternative or supplement.
| Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT) | |
| SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
| Oppo A94 5G (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (42.6 - 1269, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Vivo V21 5G (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
| SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB | |
| Oppo A94 5G (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (11.4 - 49.7, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Vivo V21 5G (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501) | |
Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)
| Networking | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
Cameras - 44 MP on the front of the Vivo V21 5G
The secret star of the Vivo V21 5G is the 44 MP lens on the front, which even has auto-focus and optical image stabilization. As an additional feature, there are two LEDs on the display's head side, which can be activated when needed to bathe the user in a soft light and are also available in video mode. The results are impressive and the smartphone masters even difficult light situations quite confidently. Videos can be recorded in Ultra HD with 30 FPS at best.
The triple camera on the back also offers good imaging performance. The 64 MP main sensor is supplemented by an ultra-wide-angle and a macro lens. The latter is not quite convincing, but the ultra-wide-angle has a decent image quality despite its 8 MP. Videos can be recorded in 4k with 60 FPS with the main camera.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Wide-angleWide-angleUltra wide-angle5x ZoomLow-Light
Display - Vivo smartphone with bright AMOLED
The 6.44-inch AMOLED display of the Vivo V21 5G works at up to 90 Hz and supports HLG as well as HDR10. The panel can get very bright when the ambient light sensor is enabled and even reaches up to 894 cd/m² in the APL50 measurements. If you prefer to adjust the brightness manually, you can use up to 425 cd/m².
Due to the use of OLED technology, the panel can display a perfect black, but it flickers. Up to a luminosity setting of 56%, it flickers between 235.8 and 367.6 Hz, above that it is a constant 90 Hz. A DC dimming mode is not available.
The best color representation is given when the Professional mode is selected in the settings, in which most colors are represented without major dE deviations and the white balance is close to ideal. However, only the smaller sRGB color space is then used.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 747 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.8 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
97.8% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.12
| Vivo V21 5G AMOLED, 2404x1080, 6.44 | Sony Xperia 10 III OLED, 2520x1080, 6.00 | Realme 7 5G IPS, 2400x1080, 6.50 | Oppo A94 5G AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.43 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | -38% | -654% | -23% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 3.6 ? | 5.6 ? -56% | 34 ? -844% | 4 ? -11% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 3.2 ? | 4 ? -25% | 18 ? -463% | 4 ? -25% |
| PWM Frequency | 367.6 ? | 242.7 ? -34% | 250 ? -32% | |
| Screen | 16% | -37% | -12% | |
| Brightness middle | 747 | 536 -28% | 490 -34% | 577 -23% |
| Brightness | 749 | 540 -28% | 455 -39% | 586 -22% |
| Brightness Distribution | 97 | 97 0% | 84 -13% | 96 -1% |
| Black Level * | 0.69 | |||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 2.7 | 1.1 59% | 4.01 -49% | 2.7 -0% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 5.8 | 1.9 67% | 8.1 -40% | 7 -21% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.8 | 1.3 28% | 2.6 -44% | 1.9 -6% |
| Gamma | 2.12 104% | 2.27 97% | 2.23 99% | 2.25 98% |
| CCT | 6450 101% | 6494 100% | 6828 95% | 6617 98% |
| Contrast | 710 | |||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -11% /
-2% | -346% /
-191% | -18% /
-16% |
* ... smaller is better
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 2 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 1.2 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 9 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 3.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 2 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 1.6 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 9 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 367.6 Hz | ≤ 56 % brightness setting |  |
The display backlight flickers at 367.6 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 56 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 367.6 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance, emissions and battery life
The Vivo V21 5G is powered by the fast MediaTek Dimensity 800U which has access to a generous 8 GB of working memory. The integrated ARM Mali-G57 MP3 is available. The SoC ensures an appealing system performance, but it can get tighter in demanding games. Although everything from the Play Store can be played, FPS and detail levels might be reduced. However, the surface temperatures remain in an unobtrusive range at all times.
The speaker on the chin side offers a quite decent sound and can also play very loud. The V21 does not have a jack, but at least an adapter is included. Media content can be streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth, for which all current codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX TWS+ and LDAC) are available.
The 4000 mAh battery also ensures good runtimes with 90 Hz, and the Vivo smartphone supports wired fast charging with 33 watts. A suitable power adapter is included with the V21.
| GFXBench | |
| on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value) | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| Average MediaTek Dimensity 800U (19 - 20, n=4) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (3.6 - 123, n=226, last 2 years) | |
| 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value) | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| Average MediaTek Dimensity 800U (21 - 22, n=4) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2.3 - 229, n=226, last 2 years) | |
| on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value) | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| Average MediaTek Dimensity 800U (12 - 12, n=4) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2.8 - 119, n=226, last 2 years) | |
| 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value) | |
| Vivo V21 5G | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Realme 7 5G | |
| Oppo A94 5G | |
| Average MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7.3 - 8.1, n=4) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (0.85 - 94, n=226, last 2 years) | |
| Vivo V21 5G | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme 7 5G | Oppo A94 5G | Average 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -5% | -42% | -8% | -4% | 69% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB | 989 | 840 -15% | 877 -11% | 941 -5% | 708 ? -28% | 1508 ? 52% |
| Sequential Write 256KB | 474 | 400.8 -15% | 188.4 -60% | 465.9 -2% | 517 ? 9% | 1118 ? 136% |
| Random Read 4KB | 185.4 | 172.3 -7% | 92.6 -50% | 163.2 -12% | 188 ? 1% | 247 ? 33% |
| Random Write 4KB | 176.9 | 210.7 19% | 95.1 -46% | 156.1 -12% | 182.5 ? 3% | 272 ? 54% |
Temperature
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 33.8 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.6 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Speaker
Vivo V21 5G audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (91.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 27.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 7.2% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 18% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 73% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 39% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 53% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Sony Xperia 10 III audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 35.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 37% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 56% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Battery life
| Vivo V21 5G 4000 mAh | Sony Xperia 10 III 4500 mAh | Realme 7 5G 5000 mAh | Oppo A94 5G 4310 mAh | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | |||||
| WiFi Websurfing | 839 | 809 -4% | 1026 22% | 1026 22% | 914 ? 9% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Good overall package in the V21 5G
The Vivo V21 5G offers a strong overall concept that is primarily aimed at selfie enthusiasts. The 44 MP front-facing camera not only has many pixels, but also scores with good picture results. It also has an autofocus, OIS and a dual LED. If you like selfies, the V21 is just right for you.
The rest of the equipment is also impressive. The MediaTek SoC in combination with the bright 90 Hz OLED ensures an appealing system speed. In addition, there is plenty of storage, which can also be expanded, as well as good battery runtimes. Furthermore, fast charging with up to 33 watts is possible. The generous scope of delivery is also positive because neither a headset, a jack adapter nor a 33-watt power supply are mandatory.
The Vivo V21 5G is a strong mid-range smartphone that stands out from the crowd with its great selfie features.
The Vivo smartphone does not have to put up with much criticism. The IP52 certification (protection against falling drops of water) is nice, but a higher protection rating would certainly have been nicer. The microSD slot also shows a very slow performance in the test. An exciting alternative is the Sony Xperia 10 III, which offers full protection against water, but scores weaker in terms of cameras. Those who simply want more speed should take a look at the realme GT 5G but this also comes at a high price in terms of camera compromises.
Price and availability
The Vivo V21 5G is offered with an MSRP of €399 (~$469). It is available at many online stores like NBB or Cyberport but also available in brick-and-mortar stores at MediaMarkt and Saturn.
Vivo V21 5G
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08/30/2022 v7
Daniel Schmidt
Pricecompare
