Vivo V21e Review, Pros and Cons – The elite version of the V21 series was already released a few months ago with 4G connectivity, but recently Vivo India unveiled the Vivo V21e 5G phone. This is an engaging phone that boasts elegant features and functions, but at the same time, there are some minor differences from its non-5G counterpart. Recently we noticed a trend in the smartphone market when a company launches its mid-ranger as a 5G device.
However, it is impressive news for those people looking for a future-proof phone. But the question remains whether it’s worth buying the Vivo V21e 5G is a great choice or going with a 4G variant would be appropriate. To find the answer let’s start the detailed review of the Vivo V21e smartphone.
Table of Contents
Vivo V21e Review
Highlights
- Both the Vivo V21e 5G and 4G models offer vivid color and contrast through the 6.44 inches AMOLED panel, which includes FHD resolution.
- In terms of processing power, you can rely on the 8nm Snapdragon 720G in the 4G variant, while the 5G variant has the 7nm Dimensity 700 5G chipset.
- Next, you’ll get a 64MP main camera on both models, while the front camera is a little different.
- Besides the camera technology, the software layer is fabulous as you are getting the latest Android 11 with Funtouch 11.1 UI.
- The Li-Po 4000 mAh battery configuration arrives with the additional support of a 33W and 44W charger.
Design and Display
The thin factor has always been a charm for Vivo smartphones, and both devices follow the same criticism. Plus, the lightweight layout makes it even more attractive. You won’t have any problems due to its impressive features. Also, in terms of looks, you won’t regret buying the V21e phone as it has stylish color options.
If you are looking for aesthetic looks, you are in the right place, because the Vivo V21e 5G and V21e 4G smartphones have premium looks. But, the V21e 4G stands out more due to the cross pattern, while the 5G variant has a somewhat simple design. It’s a matter of perspective what you want to perceive from the phone, and both phones are valid to choose according to the material built.
Moving on to the front section, you’ll have a crunchy experience with 6.44 inches AMOLED display and in addition, you will have HDR10 support in the 4G variant. The U-notch design covers less screen space, although the bezels are thin. While you’re getting a fabulous look and a high-quality screen, you may not be getting gorilla glass protection. As for the safety factor, you can count on the fingerprint reader under the display.
Memory and Internal
The performance aspect is one of the main pillars that everyone should consider before buying a mid-range smartphone. In the case of the Vivo V21e smartphone line, you are not dissatisfied with the 5G variant or the 4G variant, as they have a robust processor configuration. The V21e 4G phone handles processing from the 8 nm Snapdragon 720G chipset, while the V21e 5G on the other hand comes with a 7 nm Dimensity 700 5G chipset under the hood.
Both processors won’t let you down as they’re designed to work in a performance-driven ecosystem. You can freely play multiple games in a single session, and day-to-day use is good enough to say it’s satisfying. However, things go south as Funtouch 11.1 UI based on the Android 11 OS has some random bloatware, which can be annoying. Fortunately, you won’t receive ad notifications, unlike previous phones.
In addition to rendering support, the visual rendering looks similar on both phones. You can get fascinating custom interface features. But in terms of internal storage, both models are on the same pages as they offer 128GB storage with 8GB RAM support. In contrast, the 4G version has an additional dedicated secondary storage unit slot, while the 5G version uses a shared SIM slot option.
Camera
Vivo’s mid-range smartphone camera technology produces smooth photos with fine details, and for this reason, most of its phones are known as camera phones. The same factors also apply to the Vivo V21e 5G and V21e 4G smartphones. You’ll notice a triple camera on the Vivo V21e 4G led by a 64MP main camera and supported by 8MP ultrawide lenses and a 2MP macro camera is unique to the V21e.
On the other hand, the company cut corners in the camera department to make the Vivo V21e smartphone more attractive. Normally, we never use the macro camera while the detail section can be handled through software renderings. Therefore, it is a good decision for the Vivo V21e 5G to host a dual-camera with 64MP and 8MP. In terms of the selfie camera, again the 4G variant outperforms the 5G variant as it has a 44MP lens, while the 32MP lens comes to the Vivo V21e 5G.
In addition to the lens numbers, you’re getting nearly similar results across all photo shoots, whether in low light or HDR images. Even the video recording aspect is fascinating as you can record up to 4k videos with ultra stabilization features. Hopefully, the native camera app renders several options that fit precisely as per the requirements. So take the moments of your life at ease and enjoy premium-level photography.
Battery and Others
In the era when the 7000 mAh battery smartphone becomes common, the Li-Po 4000 mAh battery might not look terrible, but it does look outdated. However, it is one of the reasons why the Vivo V21e 5G and V21e 4G are disappointing its users. Even if they have small batteries, you can still control your daily usage and easily consume the content for more than 5 hours. In terms of charging port, USB type C 2.0 is present as usual.
Then the 44W charger arrives at the Vivo V21e 5G, and the Vivo V21e 4G comes with the 33W charger. Now, let’s go to the most important section – the price range. All in all, the cost of $ 339 (Rs 24999) approx sounds like a great deal for the Vivo V21e 5G, while for the Vivo V21e 4G model price $ 290 (Rs 21,000) approx.
Vivo V21e Specifications Detail
Down below you can see the full specifications of the Vivo V21e smartphone.
Specifications | Vivo V21e | Vivo V21e 5G |
Network | 2G, 3G, 4G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
Announced | April 2021 | June 2021 |
SIM | Dual SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM |
Dimensions | 6.35 x 2.93 x 0.29 inches | 160.6 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm |
Weight | 171 g | 167g |
Size | 6.44 inches | Same |
Display | AMOLED HDR10 430 nits brightness 20:9 ratio ~409 ppi density | AMOLED 430-600 nits brightness 20:9 ratio ~409 PPI density |
Protection | No | Same |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | Same |
OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Same |
Chipset | 8nm – Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G | 7nm – MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G |
CPU | Octa-core 2×2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver | Octa-core 2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
Card slot | Yes (dedicated slot) | Yes (uses shared SIM slot) |
RAM | 8GB | Same |
Internal | 128GB | Same |
Camera | 64 MP (wide), PDAF 8 MP (120˚ ultrawide), AF 2 MP (macro) LED flash, HDR, panorama, gyro-EIS Max – 4K@30fps | 64 MP (wide), PDAF 8 MP (120˚ ultrawide), AF LED flash, HDR, panorama, gyro-EIS Max – 4K@30fps |
Selfie | 44 MP (wide), AF HDR Max – 4K@30fps | 32 MP (wide) HDR Max – 1080p@30fps |
Loudspeaker | Yes | Same |
3.5mm jack | Yes 24-bit/192kHz audio | Same |
WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Same |
Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | Same |
GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | Same |
NFC | No | Same |
Infrared port | No | Same |
Radio | Yes | Yes |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0, USB On-The-Go | Same |
Sensors | Under display fingerprint, accelerometer, proximity, compass | Same |
Battery | Li-Po 4000 mAh Fast charging 33W | Li-Po 4000 mAh Fast charging 44W |
Colors | Diamond Flare, Roman Black | Sunset Jazz, Dark Pearl |
Expected Price | $ 290 (Rs 21,000) approx. | $ 339 (Rs 24999) approx. |
Vivo V21e Pros and Cons
Down below you can see the list of pros and cons (advantages and disadvantages) of the Vivo V21e smartphone.
Pros
- Impressive camera technology.
- 4K video recording with support for image stabilization.
- Stylish Slow Motion Features.
- Decent performance.
- Convenient customization features
- Available in the 4G and 5G options.
- Vivid colors and contrast AMOLED screen.
- Long battery life with fast charging support.
- Under display fingerprint scanner.
Cons
- Without gorilla glass protection.
- Only standard 60Hz refresh rate.
- Relatively smaller battery capacity.
- Bloatwares are present.
- Lacks NFC support system.
Conclusion
Both the Vivo V21e 5G and V21e 4G are impressive phones in the mid-price range. Its specifications and features are properly designed so that you don’t have problems with regular use. But if you’re thinking about buying a camera phone, the V21e 4G is a better choice than the 5G variant. But, the Vivo V21 5G is a highly recommended option if you are looking for a decent future-proof device.
On the same note, if you’re looking for something different, take a look at the Realme X7 smartphone which has features almost similar to Vivo V21e 5G, and has a lower price.