Smartphone Comparison: vivo V21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Xiaomi is larger and thicker, less pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 202g | vivo is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.67" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, with no noticeable difference to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi has a smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi provides dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | vivo's chipset is more efficient due to the 7nm process, but Xiaomi’s CPU benchmarks slightly higher. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 405,259 | Xiaomi has a marginal performance advantage, but real-world difference might be minimal. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both will handle most games but Xiaomi has slightly lower GPU performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 0.70µm | Xiaomi offers higher resolution for more detail, vivo has a wider aperture for low light, but Xiaomi has a larger sensor size. |
| Front Main | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | vivo has significantly higher resolution and larger sensor for better selfies, Xiaomi has larger pixel sizes. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both are very similar, Xiaomi has a larger pixel size. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are very similar, Xiaomi has a larger pixel size. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, OIS, 1080p@60fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps | vivo supports higher quality video recording with optical image stabilization (OIS), Xiaomi is limited to 1080p. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 78, Photo: 81, Video: 85 | Xiaomi has known camera performance with a decent score, no information available for vivo. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, Front Flash | Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | vivo offers better video quality and focusing features, while Xiaomi provides features for more photography control. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has significantly larger battery, likely better battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | Xiaomi charges much faster, convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | Both are non-removable. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run the same base operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi, Xiaomi supports Wi-Fi MiMO for more stable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, SBC | 5.2, LE, A2DP, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi has a newer version with more codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi has improved GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, with Xiaomi also offering a lower 64GB variant |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer options for multitasking, vivo does not have a 6GB variant |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Xiaomi offers a superior audio experience with better quality sound output and capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted sensor offers better ergonomics. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi offers better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both offer basic sensors, vivo includes traditional proximity while Xiaomi uses a virtual one. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Superior Front Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies, especially in low light.
- 4K Video Recording with OIS: Offers higher video quality and stability for vloggers or anyone who films frequently.
- Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Slightly better performance in low-light photography with more light intake.
- Traditional Proximity Sensor: Reliable sensor type that might be preferable to some.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and a more immersive media consumption experience.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Much better visibility in bright sunlight and outdoor use.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging times.
- Better Rear Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size helps with dynamic range and detail capture.
- Superior Audio Features: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio for a better entertainment experience.
- More Capable GPS: Includes BeiDou (B1) for more accurate tracking.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better scratch and impact resistance.
- More Photography Control: Includes manual focus, RAW, and Night Mode.
Trade-offs:
- The vivo sacrifices battery size and brightness for a slimmer profile and better front camera.
- The Xiaomi, while having a better display, has a heavier and bulkier design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
vivo V21 5G Ideal User:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Prioritizes front camera quality for social media and personal use.
- Video Creators: Requires 4K video recording with OIS for stable and high-quality footage.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: Values portability and comfort over larger battery and screen.
- Moderate users: That do not need intense performance but would rather a more elegant phone.
- Users with reliable access to charging: Battery will not last as long but they have quick access to power.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoys watching videos, browsing, and gaming, valuing a larger and smoother display.
- Outdoor Users: Needs a bright display for easy visibility in sunlight.
- Heavy Users: Requires long battery life and fast charging for extended use.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Who would like more control over the photography experience.
- Audio Enjoyers: That would like better audio playback and capture.
Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G: Ideal for social media influencers, vloggers, or anyone who needs a lightweight phone with a strong front camera.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro: Suitable for gamers, commuters, travelers, and anyone who needs reliable battery life, a good display, and good audio.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price and the value each phone provides are dependent on each specific market. However, both phones provide an adequate value proposition for their cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is selfie quality and video recording for you? If they are priorities, vivo might be better.
- How important is long battery life and a bright display for you? If so, Xiaomi is more suitable.
- Do you prefer a lighter, slimmer design or a larger screen with better audio? Your preference will guide your choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is better due to its longer battery life, and brighter screen, and also performs better on GPS tracking.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Creator: The vivo V21 5G, with its superior front camera and 4K video, is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro provides a better overall experience with its display and audio for the majority of users.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro.
Here's why:
While the vivo V21 5G has its strengths, the Xiaomi Note 11 Pro provides a more well-rounded experience for my typical usage. I value the larger, 120Hz display for general use, the superior battery life, and the much brighter screen, which makes it easier to use outdoors.
I don't often use the front camera for intense vlogging or content creation, so the superior front camera of the vivo is less important to me than the Xiaomi's overall better display, battery, and audio features. The Xiaomi's performance advantage, coupled with its superior audio experience, and its camera features makes it a better phone for me.
