Review: vivo V21 5G

At the height of creating video content such as video blogs (vlogs), tutorials, reviews, and the like, owning a smartphone with a superior camera that can capture high-quality recordings and shots in any given setting is non-negotiable. The ultra-sleek new V21 5G is one of vivo’s latest releases in their new line of midrange smartphones. With its 44MP Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) front camera technology, it does not come as a surprise that it’s recognized as “the new portrait master.” So, the question is, will this be the perfect companion for your next video shoot or call? Also, aside from the camera features it prides itself in, what else does this model have to offer? Read more to find out. 

Design and Build

The vivo V21 5G features an ultra-slim design, that is, 7.29 mm thin, weighing only 175 g. This new model also boasts a 6.44” E3 AMOLED Full-Screen Display and 90Hz refresh rate, adding to the pleasant viewing experience with its vibrant color display, while providing users a smooth experience, respectively. Meanwhile, the selection of nature-inspired phone colors include Dusk Blue and Sunset Dazzle—the former as the one being currently reviewed.

Its anti-glare matte cover provides protection from scratches and visible fingerprints, at the same time it gives off a modern and luxurious vibe. As someone who would occasionally opt to go without a case for my phone, this works to my advantage. However, I do not entirely agree with its anti-slip feature since its smooth rear comes at the cost of a firm grip. 

The power button can be found on the right side of the phone, together with the volume controls that you can adjust according to your liking. As for the bottom of the phone, you can find the Dual SIM card slots, speakers, and Type-C USB port—both for charging and listening to music. 

Alongside the phone with protective film, a phone case, headset with an earphone jack adapter, Type-C USB cable, USB power adapter, SIM eject tool, and a Quick Start Guide are all included in the box to help you get started. 

Camera

Up next is the most anticipated camera features of the V21 5G. As mentioned earlier, it comprises a 44MP OIS front camera, which will enable you to capture clearly the details of your portraits. Not to mention, you can enjoy shooting wherever you are without fussing over the lighting with the Dual Selfie Spotlight.

Aside from the aforementioned features, recording simultaneously with the rear and front camera is now possible with the Dual-View Video feature; while the 4K Selfie Video and Ultra Stable Selfie Video features allow the users to film with ease without compromising the quality of the videos. These are added bonuses that I’m certain video content creators will rave about. Last but not the least, this smartphone’s rear camera also impresses with its OIS technology; it consists of a 64MP main camera, 8MP multi-function camera (wide-angle), and 2MP super macro camera.  

Performance

For those who are always on the go and out and about like me, I find phones with fast speed and long battery life appealing as well. Fortunately, this smartphone operates with a 7nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 800U processor working at the speed of up to 2.4GHz. It’s also equipped with 8GB + 3GB Extended RAM technology and 128GB storage—the former allows the user to take delight in the additional memory and speed while running several apps. Given these features, the 5G technology is just icing on the cake for an overall smooth online and gaming experience. On the other hand, it supplies a 4000 mAh battery life, which I’d say will last long for my regular use throughout the day. In addition, I am pleased with its 33W FlashCharge that refills the battery by 63% in less than 30 minutes. Therefore, in my opinion, the vivo V21 5G does not disappoint in those two aspects. 

Its security features include an in-display fingerprint scanner that is located at the bottom-center of the screen, and a facial recognition system—both of which you can easily set up. 

We ran the device through 3D Mark and Geekbench

Here are the results after running the device through 3D Mark and Geekbench:

• Slingshot: 4418
• Slingshot Extreme – OpenGL ES 3.1: 3251
• Wild Life: 1605
• Wild Life Stress Test: 1613
• Geekbench OpenCL score: 2125

Verdict

From a video creator standpoint, I’d be sold with its camera features. Although additionally, its exterior design, screen display, and user experience are quite impressive. Everything considered, with a market price of PHP 23,999, you get your money’s worth.