Vivo x21 and x21UD smartphones - advantages and disadvantages

In today's reality, the consumer is increasingly faced with a dilemma where it is more profitable to buy a smartphone or which company is the best device. Increasingly, many are paying attention to the phones of Chinese companies. Indeed, for a completely democratic price, you can take a productive device.

The Chinese company Vivo, founded in 2009, is not very well known in our country, but the most popular phone models in India and Southeast Asia are precisely the Vivo brand. The capacity of these markets allowed the company to enter the ranking of the best manufacturers of high-quality smartphones and take 5th place in it.

Vivo smartphones

Vivo position their products strictly by classes:

• X (premium class) - represents reliable devices with high performance;
• Y (budget smartphones) - the average price ensures the incredible popularity of these models;
• V (represents models for the middle segment at a reasonable price) - inexpensive devices aimed at a young audience.

This classification allows you to adapt to any criteria for choosing a consumer: how quickly to choose a model, which one is better to buy.

The company introduced the following novelties to the Russian market:

• x21;
• x21 with UD scanner.

Average cost - 35,000 rubles.

At the moment in China, these phones occupy the first line of the popularity rating. The only difference between the models is the location of the fingerprint scanner. The x21 with UD has it located directly at the bottom of the screen, which makes it unique at the moment, while the x21 has a scanner on the back.

Equipment

When unpacked, the box contains:

• smartphone;
• micro-USB cable (cable length 1m);
• network adapter;
• headphones;
• clip;
• silicone protective case.

Since Vivo is a sponsor of FIFA, a special x21 phone kit has been released for the Russian football championship. The branded box contains the championship logo, and the set includes an additional case with the same logo.

Appearance

Although Vivo has used materials such as aluminum and glass to make the device, sometimes you can feel the presence of plastic to the touch. In general, a smartphone of the Spartan look, no frills. Doesn't look as good as it stands at all.

The rear glass cover on the left vertically houses the dual rear camera and flash, the Vivo logo, and the x21 has a fingerprint scanner.

The front panel has a gorgeous bezel-less screen. At the top are the earpiece, front camera, infrared illumination.

At the bottom, there is an outdated micro-USB connector, a music speaker and a slot for two SIM cards. The power and volume buttons are located on the right edge of the phone. A headphone jack and an additional microphone are located at the top of the device.

Dimensions

The weight of the device is 156 g, height - 154 mm, width - 74 mm, thickness - 7.37 mm.Despite its rather large size, the device is convenient, it is possible to work with it with one hand. Probably due to the rounded edges.

Design

The smartphone is presented in three colors:

• the black;
• white;
• red.

Both panels are glass, enclosed in an aluminum frame, which is designed to protect the phone in case of a fall. The design is modest, not defiant. When reading a review or reviews about this device, you can often see expressions such as "bangs" or "monobrow". Indeed, a small strip at the top of the screen, where the front camera, earpiece and infrared illumination are placed, looks a little strange and takes up the display area.

Screen

The display reproduces bright, dense colors, especially deep blacks. The dark interface looks especially advantageous here. The convenient screen is equipped with a Super AMOLED matrix. Full HD + resolution, 2280 x 1080 pixels, 19 x 9 cm sides.Diagonal - 6.28 inches with excellent viewing angles. No framework. Ideal for watching videos and movies, as well as playing games. There is no screen calibration in this model. Now reading from the screen in the sun is easy and simple, the display perfectly solves this problem.

There is an Always on Display function on the screen, which will allow you to view missed calls, received messages, various notifications. But it is impossible to read emails and messenger messages. You can set the clock, date, the amount of charge in the battery. It is also possible to customize the color and background of this function.

The device has a blue filter, but the color profile does not change.

Fingerprint scanner

Vivo x21 UD became the world's first smartphone with a built-in fingerprint scanner. Today it is the original highlight of the company. It works well, it works most of the time. The scanner is highlighted on the screen with a special icon - it is impossible to get confused. There are three interesting unlock animations offered. Tip - if you can't unlock it, you should press harder on the scanner label.

Face wake

Unlocking is also done using face recognition. Within 0.1 second, Vivo x21 analyzes the wearer's appearance in 128 points. The device unlocks faster than using a fingerprint. Face Wake slows down at night. It is also best to remove your sunglasses before using Face Wake unlock.

Specifications

The 8-core Snapdragon 660 processor is responsible for the performance here. The graphics chip is Adreno 512. The smartphone is smart, many open applications do not make it slow down or freeze.

The operating system is Funtouch OS 4.0, which madly resembles the Apple shell. They even copied a curtain sliding from the bottom through which you can turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, volume.

The network catches almost everywhere. No communication problems were observed. Getting online is easy. Connecting to GPS is also straightforward.

Memory

Manufacturers presented customers with a rich gift in the form of a huge stock of memory. Now you can download and save, if not all your fantasies and desires, then their lion's share for sure. RAM is 6 GB, built-in - 128 GB. Anyone who wants more can use an SD card and expand the memory up to 256GB. The card is inserted into the tray for the second sim card.

Games

For active games, there is a really powerful filling. There is also a dedicated game mode that turns off distracting notifications and calls. There are no problems with launching games. You can open two games at once and the device will not refuse to work. The bright, comfortable, bezel-less screen also offers gaming experiences.

Sound

Advertising campaign Vivo x21 is held under the motto: "Camera and Music". A hi-fi converter is available, so you should expect great sound here. Even simple bundled headphones unexpectedly produce stereo.

The sound is passable, clean, but not so clear due to the rather weak speaker. In addition, the speaker is one and can be easily closed by hand when placing the smartphone horizontally, which naturally affects the playback quality. There is a built-in FM radio.

The sound quality during telephone calls is good.

Camera

In continuation of Vivo's motto "Camera and Music", let's take a closer look at the quality of photographing the device. Main rear camera 12 MP with phase detection autofocus. The second assistant camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels. Front camera 12 MP.

The camera is equipped with a document scanner that saves them in an easy-to-read format.

How to take pictures

The dual camera aims to achieve the results of professional DSLRs. This is evidenced by the presence of various techniques for macro photography and portrait. Indeed, in good lighting, the pictures are of high quality. The effect of bokeh is realistic.

But you don't always have to shoot in ideal conditions. When the lighting changes, the sharpness of the photo drops. For example, how the device takes pictures at night leaves a lot to be desired. Phase focusing does not prevent graininess. Lack of stabilization also negatively affects quality.

The front camera produces good selfies. There are many functions to enhance or embellish the face, mask flaws, add fun elements, which is extremely important for those who like to upload pictures to social networks.

Sample photo:

Video

When recording a video, you can choose a different quality of shooting, including 4K. The shooting mode is supported by both the rear camera and the front one. The recording time has no limitation, which will delight many buyers (especially parents filming children's parties). True, there is no stabilization, so camera shake can be observed when viewing. In some reviews, you can read that the colors look acidic, unnatural, oversaturated. But, again, this is not for everybody.

Autonomy

The battery capacity of the Vivo x21 is 3200 mAh. But the thickness of the smartphone and the demanding screen in practice will force the device to be charged every evening. You should buy an adapter for the adapter in advance, since the charging from the kit is not oriented for our sockets.

The device charges up to 100% in about 1.5-2 hours. In total, the Vivo x21 is enough for about 14 hours of active work, which includes games, watching videos and social networks. Economical standby mode.

The glass back cover is misleading many about wireless charging. The device does not support it.

Optional accessories

Interesting accessories that can be purchased with the phone on the official Vivo website. A neat yet roomy backpack is a useful travel companion. You can put everything you need there. It can be easily converted into a bag. The waterproof fabric will protect the contents of the backpack from any weather.

The original speaker will delight you not only with excellent sound quality, but also with a fun design. Powered by Bluetooth. It catches a smartphone signal at a distance of up to 6 meters. Works continuously for about 7 hours. The glossy body has a backlight and touch buttons.

The branded Power Bank will not be superfluous. A lightweight, portable power source that will suit your travel or hike. The 5000 mAh capacity will allow you to quickly charge your device in any situation. The metal case will protect the battery from accidental bumps and drops.

Football fans will appreciate the design honoring the FIFA World Cup in Russia. In addition, the company is arranging a raffle of tickets for the next championship when purchasing Vivo x21 now.

Conclusions: pros and cons of smartphones

• sophisticated design;
• great screen;
• in-screen fingerprint scanner;
• face recognition;
• speed of work (smart phone);
• very thin;
• large amount of memory;
• dual sim.

• lack of NFC;
• no Type-C;
• no dust protection;
• unfinished functionality;
• The AC adapter is not suitable for Russian sockets.

The Vivo x21 is presented as a premium device, but upon closer inspection, it clearly falls short of it. The price-performance ratio makes you think clearly not in favor of Vivo. For many, the proposed unique technologies do not outweigh the banal flaws. For example, antediluvian micro-USB, when competitors in this segment have long offered Type-C.The lack of NFC also does not add x21 glasses, because it is out of step with the times. Long charging time.

At the same time, the innovative in-screen fingerprint scanner technology and well-functioning wearer face recognition make the device extremely attractive to consumers. Many consumers will want to play with these functions, especially since there are enough fans of Chinese devices in our country. Vivo x21, with its stunning display quality, is great for watching videos and movies. Game fans will appreciate the phone's performance: more than 5 simultaneously running applications will not put the device into a stupor. The camera, even in the absence of a stabilizer, will compete with many opponents in this segment.