Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Vivo X500
The Samsung Galaxy S21 (2021) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2100, while the Vivo X500 (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M; launch prices were $799 and $820. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo X500 leads — 89/100 vs 55/100 (a 34-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo X500 has the bigger battery (7500 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 12 MP vs 50 MP; the Vivo X500 is faster in AnTuTu (3,930,719 vs 1,081,778); the Samsung Galaxy S21 is noticeably lighter (169g vs 211g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S21
Vivo X500
What makes Samsung Galaxy S21 better?
- Lighter: 169g vs 211g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $820
- Better portability (79/100 vs 50/100)
What makes Vivo X500 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3930719 vs 1081778
- Better Geekbench Single: 3302 vs 1435
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10240 vs 3555
- Bigger battery: 7500 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 90W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 12MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 40W vs 15W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 63/100)
- Better camera (87/100 vs 42/100)
- Longer battery life (84/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (94/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 vs the Vivo X500, the Vivo X500 scores 34 points higher (89/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 leads (96/100 vs 63/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 leads (87/100 vs 42/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 leads (84/100 vs 31/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S21 — 24/100, Vivo X500 — 92/100; 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 X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (96/100 vs 63/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (87/100 vs 42/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (84/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 notably outperforms the Vivo X500 (79/100 vs 50/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 | Vivo X500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2100 | MediaTek Dimensity 9600M | |
| AnTuTu | 1081778 | 3930719 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1435 | 3302 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3555 | 10240 | |
| Display | 6.2" AMOLED | 6.6" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2750 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 7500 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 90W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 40W | |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 64 MP | 64 MP | |
| Front camera | 10 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 17 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1300 nits | 4000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68/IP69 | |
| Dimensions | 161.5×75.6×7.8 mm | 157.0×75.0×8.2 mm | |
| Weight | 169 g | 211 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $820 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21
- Main: 12MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 10MP
Vivo X500
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21
- 6.2" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Vivo X500
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1260x2750
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S21
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Vivo X500
- 7500 mAh
- Wired: 90W
- Wireless: 40W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S21 and Vivo X500, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo X500 leads Samsung Galaxy S21 by 72.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $21. Samsung Galaxy S21 was $21 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (96/100 vs 63/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 82/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (87/100 vs 42/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 (84/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S21 notably outperforms the Vivo X500 (79/100 vs 50/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 by 34 points (89/100 vs 55/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a MobileRank rating of 55/100, the Vivo X500 — 89/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on camera score (87/100 vs 42/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on performance (96/100 vs 63/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 over the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a better fit for active users. The Vivo X500 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.