Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Vivo iQOO 13
The Samsung Galaxy S21 (2021) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2100, while the Vivo iQOO 13 (2024) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite; launch prices were $799 and $650. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo iQOO 13 leads — 84/100 vs 55/100 (a 29-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo iQOO 13 has the bigger battery (6150 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 12 MP vs 50 MP; the Vivo iQOO 13 is faster in AnTuTu (3,150,555 vs 1,081,778); the Samsung Galaxy S21 is noticeably lighter (169g vs 207g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S21
Vivo iQOO 13
What makes Samsung Galaxy S21 better?
- Lighter: 169g vs 207g
- Better portability (79/100 vs 55/100)
What makes Vivo iQOO 13 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3150555 vs 1081778
- Better Geekbench Single: 3013 vs 1435
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9287 vs 3555
- Bigger battery: 6150 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 120W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 12MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Cheaper at launch: $650 vs $799
- Higher performance (91/100 vs 63/100)
- Better camera (78/100 vs 42/100)
- Longer battery life (73/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (99/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 vs the Vivo iQOO 13, the Vivo iQOO 13 scores 29 points higher (84/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 leads (91/100 vs 63/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 leads (78/100 vs 42/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 leads (73/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S21 — 24/100, Vivo iQOO 13 — 82/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (91/100 vs 63/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (99/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (78/100 vs 42/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (73/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 notably outperforms the Vivo iQOO 13 (79/100 vs 55/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 | Vivo iQOO 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | |
| AnTuTu | 1081778 | 3150555 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1435 | 3013 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3555 | 9287 | |
| Display | 6.2" AMOLED | 6.8" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3168 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 6150 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 0W | |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 64 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 15, OriginOS 5 (China) | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1300 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 161.5×75.6×7.8 mm | 163.4×76.7×8.0 mm | |
| Weight | 169 g | 207 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $650 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21
- Main: 12MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 10MP
Vivo iQOO 13
- Main: 50MP f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 32MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21
- 6.2" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Vivo iQOO 13
- 6.8" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 1440x3168
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S21
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Vivo iQOO 13
- 6150 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 14:22 hrs, total 30:28 hrs
- Wired: 120W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S21 and Vivo iQOO 13, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo iQOO 13 leads Samsung Galaxy S21 by 65.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $149. Vivo iQOO 13 was $149 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (91/100 vs 63/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (99/100 vs 82/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (78/100 vs 42/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 13 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (73/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 notably outperforms the Vivo iQOO 13 (79/100 vs 55/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo iQOO 13?
The Vivo iQOO 13 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 by 29 points (84/100 vs 55/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Vivo iQOO 13?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a MobileRank rating of 55/100, the Vivo iQOO 13 — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo iQOO 13?
The Vivo iQOO 13 leads on camera score (78/100 vs 42/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo iQOO 13?
The Vivo iQOO 13 leads on performance (91/100 vs 63/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 over the Vivo iQOO 13?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a better fit for active users. The Vivo iQOO 13 is a better fit for gamers and power users, budget-conscious buyers.