Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is larger and may feel less comfortable in hand for users with smaller hands. Vivo is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 199g | vivo V21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both provide a sharp viewing experience, minor differences are negligible |
| PPI | 409 | 396 | Both have very similar sharpness, the difference is not noticeable for most users |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | vivo V21 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, specific max brightness level is not stated. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G offers newer architecture and should provide smoother performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G offers significantly better benchmark performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 (ARM Mali-G57 MC3) | Adreno 613 (Qualcomm Adreno) | Redmi 12 5G GPU is more powerful for gaming, but actual performance varies by game. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 5G offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day or more on a single charge. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | vivo V21 5G charges significantly faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | vivo V21 5G has higher resolution, possibly more detail in well-lit conditions; both perform well for average snapshots. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65" | 5MP, f/2.2 | vivo V21 5G excels in selfie quality with its high-resolution sensor and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | vivo V21 5G allows for wider group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode and bokeh effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | vivo V21 5G allows capturing of close-up photos with some details, but not as detailed as a dedicated macro sensor |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps, OIS | vivo V21 5G captures higher-resolution, more detailed video with superior stabilization. |
| Camera DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 63 (Photo: 57, Video: 76) | Redmi 12 5G has available scores; vivo V21 5G has no score. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradeable to 14 | Redmi 12 5G offers a newer OS and more likely to get more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band | Both have similar Wi-Fi performance for everyday use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, aptX, LDAC | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | vivo V21 5G has newer version and better audio codec support for higher quality audio over wireless. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | vivo V21 5G has better satellite support providing more accurate positioning |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer adequate storage for most users, though neither has expandable storage option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | vivo V21 5G has consistent RAM. Redmi 12 5G offers flexibility based on user budget/needs. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both phones offer basic audio output, no advanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Redmi 12 5G has more convenient and faster fingerprint unlock on the side |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G provides better screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity (Ultrasonic virtual) | vivo V21 5G has more traditional sensors while Redmi 12 5G has ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED offers better colors and contrast than the IPS LCD of the Redmi 12 5G.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 44MP front camera is significantly better for selfies and video calls.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for much faster battery replenishment.
- More versatile rear camera setup: The additional wide-angle and macro lenses provide more shooting options.
- Better Video Recording: 4K video recording capability along with OIS for smoother footage.
- Better Bluetooth support: Bluetooth 5.1 with better audio codec support provides superior wireless audio experience
- GPS: Supports more satellite systems
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: A larger 6.79-inch display provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming
- Significantly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life.
- More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 provides better performance and efficiency.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, providing access to newer features, with an upgrade to 14 available.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers more durability against scratches and impacts.
- More convenient Fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted for more convenient unlock
- Available camera DXOMARK score: Provides camera evaluation from third party
Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G sacrifices battery life for faster charging, superior display and better selfie camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G prioritizes battery and performance but has inferior display quality, slower charging and lower selfie quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Content Consumers: Users who appreciate a vibrant display for watching videos and browsing.
- Users who value fast charging: Someone who need to top up battery quick.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy taking wide angle, macro and quality video
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Heavy Mobile Users: Users who need a long-lasting battery throughout the day.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance and can sacrifice display quality.
- Users on a budget: Those looking for a good mid-range device with excellent battery and performance.
- Users seeking a phone with a larger screen: For immersive viewing and comfortable interaction
Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G: Ideal for vlogging, social media content creation, and watching high-quality videos, with better location tracking for navigation.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Best for extended gaming sessions, long travel days where charging access is limited and for users who need a reliable all-day work phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: display quality or battery life? If display is key, choose the vivo, for battery, go for the Xiaomi.
- How often do you use the front-facing camera? For selfie-focused users, the vivo is better.
- Do you need very fast charging and wireless audio codecs? The vivo has the edge here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a student who takes lots of selfies, uses social media, the vivo V21 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: If you are a business traveler who needs long battery life and reliable performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: If you are a casual user who does not care much about camera and is after a value phone with a large screen, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 4: If you are a content creator who need high quality videos, the vivo V21 5G is better
My Choice
I would choose the vivo V21 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers a newer chipset and larger battery, the significantly better AMOLED display, superior front camera, and faster charging of the vivo V21 5G align better with my personal use case. I often prioritize display quality, taking higher quality video and selfies with my phone, and I value fast charging for convenience. The additional wide-angle lens is also a feature that I would frequently use when taking photos of my surroundings.
