Smartphones Vivo x21 and x21UD - advantages and disadvantages

In today's realities, the consumer is increasingly faced with the dilemma of where it is more profitable to buy a smartphone or which brand of device is better. Increasingly, many people pay attention to the phones of Chinese companies. After all, for a very affordable 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 the Vivo brands. 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 class:

• 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 an affordable price) - inexpensive devices aimed at a youth audience.

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

The company introduced the following new products to the Russian market:

• x21;
• x21 with UD scanner.

The average cost is 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. On the x21 with UD it is located directly at the bottom of the screen, which makes it unique at the moment, while on the x21 the scanner is located on the back cover.

Equipment

When unpacked, the box contains:

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

Since Vivo is a FIFA sponsor, a special x21 phone kit was released for the Russian football championship. The logo of the championship is depicted on the branded box, and an additional case with the same logo is included in the kit.

Appearance

Although Vivo used materials such as aluminum and glass in the manufacture of the device, sometimes the presence of plastic is felt to the touch. In general, a Spartan-looking smartphone, no frills. Doesn't look at all like it's worth.

On the back glass cover on the left, a dual rear camera and a flash are located vertically, the Vivo logo, and the x21 model has a fingerprint scanner.

The front panel has a chic frameless screen. At the top are the earpiece, front camera, infrared light.

At the bottom end 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. The headphone jack and optional 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 “unibrow”. Indeed, a small strip at the top of the screen, where the front camera, auditory speaker and infrared illumination are placed, looks a little strange and takes up the display area.

Screen

The display delivers bright, rich colors, especially deep blacks. The dark interface looks especially advantageous here. The convenient screen is equipped with Super AMOLED a 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 for playing games. This model does not have a screen calibration.Now reading from the screen in the sun is easy and simple, the display perfectly solves this problem too.

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

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 in the screen. 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. Three types of interesting unlock animations are 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 appearance of the owner in 128 points. The device unlocks faster than with a fingerprint. At night, Face Wake slows down. It's also a good idea to take off your sunglasses before using Face Wake Unlock.

Characteristics

The 8-core Snapdragon 660 processor is responsible for performance here. The Adreno 512 graphics chip. The smartphone is nimble, a lot of open applications do not make it slow down or hang.

The operating system is Funtouch OS 4.0, which is insanely reminiscent of the Apple shell.Here they even copied a curtain that slides out from below, through which you can turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, volume.

The network catches almost everywhere. There were no communication problems. Going online is easy. It is also easy to connect to GPS.

Memory

Manufacturers presented buyers with a rich gift in the form of a huge supply 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. Those who want more can use an SD card and expand the memory up to 256 GB. The card is inserted into the tray for the second SIM card.

Games

For active games there is a really powerful stuffing. There is also a special game mode that disables 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. A bright, comfortable screen without frames is also conducive to games.

Sound

Advertising company Vivo x21 is held under the motto: "Camera and music." A Hi-Fi converter is included, so you should expect excellent sound quality here. Even simple complete headphones suddenly give out stereo.

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

The sound quality during phone calls is good.

Camera

Continuing Vivo's "Camera and Music" motto, let's take a closer look at the device's photography quality. The main rear camera is 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 documents in an easy-to-read format.

How to take a photo

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

But it's not always necessary 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 much to be desired. The presence of phase focusing does not save from graininess. The lack of stabilization also negatively affects the quality.

The front camera takes good selfies. There are many features to enhance or embellish the face, blur imperfections, add fun elements, which is extremely important for those who like to post pictures on social networks.

Sample photo:

Video

When recording video, you can choose different quality of shooting, including 4K. The shooting mode supports both the rear camera and the front camera. There is no limit to the recording time, which will please many buyers (especially parents who shoot children's matinees). True, there is no stabilization here, so camera shake may be observed during viewing. In some reviews, you can read that the colors look acidic, unnatural, oversaturated. But, again, this is an amateur.

autonomy

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

Up to 100% the device is charged in about 1.5-2 hours. In total, Vivo x21 is enough for approximately 14 hours of active work, which includes games, watching videos and social networks. Standby mode is economical.

The back cover, made of glass, misleads many people about wireless charging. The device does not support it.

Additional accessories

Interesting accessories that can be purchased with the phone on the official website of Vivo. A neat but roomy backpack will be a useful travel companion. Everything you need can be placed there. It can be easily converted into a bag. Waterproof fabric will protect the contents of the backpack from any weather.

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

The branded Power Bank will not be superfluous. A lightweight portable power source will be in place when traveling or camping. 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 in honor of the World Cup in Russia. In addition, the company is organizing a ticket raffle for the next championship when buying Vivo x21 now.

Conclusions: pros and cons of smartphones

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

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

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

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