Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12C
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | V21 5G is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. Redmi 12C is bulkier and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 192g | V21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. Redmi 12C is heavier and might feel tiring after a while. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C has a slightly larger display, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | V21 5G offers much sharper text and images due to its higher resolution, resulting in a better overall visual quality. Redmi 12C's display is less sharp, leading to potential pixelation. |
| PPI | 409 | 268 | V21 5G provides significantly higher pixel density, leading to clearer details and smoother images. The Redmi 12C will appear less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | V21 5G's AMOLED display has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the multimedia experience. Redmi 12C's IPS LCD offers a decent display but lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | V21 5G's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling. Redmi 12C's 60Hz is less smooth, and noticeable especially when gaming or scrolling through content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have the same reported peak brightness which makes it difficult to compare their real life outdoor visibility. More information needed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | V21 5G's chipset is more powerful and efficient, offering faster app loading and better multitasking. Redmi 12C is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 225,154 | V21 5G has significantly higher performance, enabling smoother gameplay and faster overall responsiveness. Redmi 12C is more prone to slowdowns. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 MC2 | V21 5G's GPU provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gaming experiences. Redmi 12C's GPU is less powerful for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12C's larger battery is expected to provide longer battery life. Actual usage will depend on optimization and user behavior, but Redmi 12C is more likely to last a full day. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 10W Charging | V21 5G charges much faster, reducing downtime when recharging. Redmi 12C's slower charging takes longer to reach full charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | V21 5G captures more detailed photos in good lighting due to higher megapixel count and wider aperture. Both perform adequately, but the V21 5G has an edge. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.0 | 5MP | V21 5G captures significantly higher quality and more detailed selfie photos. The Redmi 12C's selfie camera is very basic. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | V21 5G can capture wide angle shots, adding versatility. Redmi 12C lacks this functionality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have basic macro capabilities for close-up shots, performance is unlikely to be hugely different. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, OIS, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | V21 5G can record higher resolution videos with better stabilization thanks to OIS, resulting in professional-looking footage. Redmi 12C records basic 1080p video without stabilization or slow-mo. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Main: 45, Photo: 50, Video: 43 | Only the Redmi 12C has a DxOMark score. It provides a reasonable insight into the quality of its camera capabilities. The vivo V21 is not tested and needs an external review. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Redmi 12C comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. Both will have manufacturer specific UI on top |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support dual-band Wi-Fi, enabling fast connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, Apt-X, LDAC | 5.1 | V21 5G offers better Bluetooth codec support with Apt-X and LDAC for higher-quality audio. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Micro + Nano SIM | Both devices support dual SIM functionality, but Redmi 12C uses a Micro SIM instead of two Nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | V21 5G offers larger storage options, providing more space for apps, media and files. Redmi 12C has lower storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4/6GB | V21 5G has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and more efficient handling of memory-intensive apps. Redmi 12C may be slower with multiple apps open. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users are limited to internal storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic features | Basic features | Both devices offer basic audio quality. No difference. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Rear mounted | Both devices offer basic fingerprint sensor biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection not specified for either device. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | vivo V21 5G offers a more comprehensive sensor package, including a gyroscope which is useful for gaming and VR apps, where as the Redmi 12C uses an ultrasonic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution and refresh rate (90Hz) for a much more vibrant and smoother visual experience.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Quality Cameras: Significantly better selfie camera, with a dedicated wide-angle lens, along with better video quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM compared to Redmi 12C's 3/4/6GB options.
- More comprehensive sensor package: Gyroscope for enhanced gaming and VR apps
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery, likely providing longer battery life,
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with Android 12
- Lower Price: Usually positioned as a more affordable option.
- DxOmark Score: Has a camera score on DxOmark, useful for a point of reference for comparison.
Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G: More expensive, smaller battery, older operating system out of the box.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C: Lower resolution display, weaker performance, and a basic camera setup.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing content.
- Social Media Lovers: Those who want high-quality selfies and vlogging capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who value smoother performance for playing games.
Power Users: Those who want smooth multitasking and faster app loading.
Specific Use Cases: Watching high-resolution content, recording videos and vlogs, playing graphic-intensive games, editing photos/videos, and intensive multitasking.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for an affordable smartphone for basic use.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone to last a full day on a single charge.
Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who need a phone for calls, messaging, and basic social media browsing.
Specific Use Cases: Daily use for basic tasks, social media browsing, streaming audio, light gaming, or a secondary device with long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Redmi 12C is more affordable, while the V21 5G offers better features at a higher price.
- How important is display quality? If screen clarity and vibrancy are crucial, the V21 5G is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life vs charging speed? If you prioritize a longer battery, the Redmi 12C is better, while the vivo is better if you need fast charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Quality Multimedia Consumption: Choose the vivo V21 5G for the best display, and better performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Battery Life Priority: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12C for its longer battery life and lower price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance and Price: The vivo V21 5G offers a better experience, if your budget allows it, otherwise go for the Redmi 12C.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the vivo V21 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12C offers a larger battery and a lower price, the advantages of the vivo V21 5G are more compelling for my needs. The superior AMOLED display, smoother performance, higher quality cameras, faster charging, and higher RAM are features I value more in a smartphone. While battery life is important, the 33W fast charging on the V21 5G helps mitigate this drawback. For my use case of media consumption, photography, and light gaming, the V21 5G is a better fit despite its slightly higher cost. However, if budget was a strong constraint, the Redmi 12C would be adequate for basic tasks.
