vivo S21 Series: Can a Small-Screen Flagship Strategy Ignite Sales in the Mid-Range Market?

vivo S21 Series: Can a Small-Screen Flagship Strategy Ignite Sales in the Mid-Range Market?In today's increasingly competitive smartphone market, differentiation is key to success. In recent years, small-screen flagship phones have emerged as a popular choice for many users

vivo S21 Series: Can a Small-Screen Flagship Strategy Ignite Sales in the Mid-Range Market?

In today's increasingly competitive smartphone market, differentiation is key to success. In recent years, small-screen flagship phones have emerged as a popular choice for many users. This trend is expected to extend further into the mid-range market in 2025. vivo's upcoming S21 series, particularly the S21 Pro, with its unique configuration, seems poised to deliver a "dimension-reducing blow" to the mid-range segment.

The vivo S21 series will comprise a standard and a Pro version. The standard version features a 6.67-inch 1.5K screen, which falls into the large-screen category. Consistent with previous vivo designs, it's expected to have a straight screen with ultra-narrow bezels for an excellent visual experience. A 120Hz refresh rate, high-frequency eye-protection PWM dimming, and an optical fingerprint sensor ensure a smooth and comfortable user experience. Reports suggest it will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (codename SM7750). Priced around 2000 yuan, the vivo S21 standard version, with its excellent design, imaging capabilities, and strong performance, is expected to make waves in the market.

The vivo S21 Pro is even more noteworthy. Its biggest selling point is its 6.31-inch 1.5K OLED straight screen, a size that sits between traditional small-screen phones (6.1 inches) and mainstream models (6.7 inches), cleverly balancing portability and usability. The 1.5K resolution (approximately 27801260 pixels) strikes a balance between display detail and power consumption, while the 120Hz refresh rate and high-frequency PWM dimming cater to both smoothness and eye protection. Notably, this screen size is identical to the vivo X200 Pro mini (6.31 inches), but the S21 Pro is positioned lower, offering a more cost-effective option for budget-conscious users. The S21 Pro is also expected to feature a straight screen, a departure from the curved screens of previous vivo S series phones.

Beyond the screen size, the vivo S21 Pro's core specifications are also impressive. It will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, a 4nm chip with a super-core frequency of up to 3.4GHz. Compared to the Dimensity 9300 in the previous S20 Pro, the Dimensity 9300+ boasts significant upgrades in AI computing power and image processing capabilities, crucial for the vivo S series' focus on photography. Considering its estimated price of around 3000 yuan, the S21 Pro will likely feature 12GB+256GB storage to meet users' higher storage demands.

The imaging system is another highlight of the vivo S21 series. Leaks suggest a triple rear camera system with a 50-megapixel, 1/1.5-inch main sensor and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. Compared to the S20 Pro's "soft-light quad-main camera," the S21 series emphasizes telephoto capabilities, a configuration rare in mid-range phones and even surpassing some flagships. Combined with the Dimensity 9300+'s powerful APU, portrait mode, night scene algorithms, and video stabilization are expected to be further optimized, enhancing image quality.

vivo's strategy for the S21 series is noteworthy. It caters to budget-conscious small-screen enthusiasts while avoiding internal competition through price differentiation. Previously, the vivo X200 Pro mini, with its 6.31-inch screen and Dimensity 9400 processor, targeted the high-end small-screen market, while the S21 Pro, with a similar screen size and Dimensity 9300+, covers the 2000-4000 yuan price range, forming a "high-low combination" product matrix. Further enhanced by OriginOS 5.0, the user experience will be significantly improved.

The launch of the vivo S21 Pro will enrich user choices and drive the mid-range market towards "refinement." From the X200 Pro mini to the S21 Pro, vivo's small-screen strategy has shifted from "high-end testing" to "widespread adoption." With upgrades in performance, imaging, and design, the S21 Pro aims to redefine the standards for mid-range phones, offering users the "best of both worlds." Its market performance is highly anticipated.

The arrival of the vivo S21 Pro is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the mid-range market. Its compact size, powerful performance, and excellent imaging system will attract many users seeking high value for money. The vivo S21 standard version provides an alternative, catering to a broader range of users. The success of the vivo S21 series will depend on its ability to effectively capture market demand and deliver an exceptional user experience. Ultimately, the market will determine whether vivo's strategy can successfully ignite sales. Consumer anticipation is high, and its market performance warrants close attention. The release of the vivo S21 series has sparked a discussion about "small-screen flagships" in the mid-range market, and its ultimate market performance will be a key focus for the industry. The launch also reflects vivo's keen market insight and its continued pursuit of product innovation.

In conclusion, the vivo S21 series offers more choices for consumers and injects new vitality into the mid-range smartphone market. Its ultimate market performance will be a crucial indicator of the success of vivo's strategy. We await to see if the vivo S21 series can stand out in the fiercely competitive market and ignite sales.