The Phone Apple Couldn't Make...

The video kicks off with Linus introducing a rather unusual phone, the Vivo X21, highlighting that this will be a first for him in several respects. He explains that the device uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 660 AI processor and runs FunTouch OS, noting the impressive screen to bezel ratio achieved through a top notch and an under-display fingerprint sensor. Early on, he demonstrates the fingerprint sensor, explaining how the OLED display lights up to read the ridges on a finger and comparing the sensor speed to other devices, while acknowledging it is slower than some newer on-screen systems. He also contrasts the Vivo X21 against other devices as a baseline for performance and camera capabilities, setting the stage for a detailed feature comparison rather than a pure flagship review. Throughout, he questions the value proposition for a device at this price point, considering the lack of wireless charging and NFC, while praising the display quality and design, including the curved glass back and the overall build feel. He then shifts toward camera performance, performing a stabilization test while walking, and comparing real-world results against an iPhone X for stabilization, dynamic range, and color science. The video moves into low light performance, color fidelity, and noise handling, with Linus noting the X21’s camera processing often yields more aggressive noise and color shifts than competing devices, but still acknowledging decent overall image capture. He wraps the hands-on portion by weighing value, storage, RAM, and the device’s overall balance, concluding that for the price the X21 appears to offer solid value, especially given its screen, build quality, and the novelty of an under-display fingerprint sensor. In the closing segments, Linus discusses the AI processor’s potential for battery and camera optimization, while noting it will require more time to mature, and he remarks on audio quality and speaker performance as areas that could improve in future updates. The review ends with a practical shopping note and a light plug for Ting as a sponsor, followed by a call to action to like, subscribe, and check the description for where to buy the showcased gear, merch, and community forum.

Topics · consumer_tech · smartphones · camera_performance · display_technology · hardware_design · reviews