1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the vivo V21 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-05-06 | 2022-04-23 | Xiaomi is newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Vivo is more compact and slimmer, easier to handle |
| Weight | 176g | 195g | Vivo is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.6" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger viewing area |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp, detailed displays |
| PPI | 409 | 399 | Practically indistinguishable in sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Vivo has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling & animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare peak brightness due to missing data |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Xiaomi has a more efficient and slightly faster chipset |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 438,700 | Xiaomi provides noticeably better overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Difficult to say without extensive benchmark data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has significantly better battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Both offer fast charging |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard for modern smartphones |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Vivo has a higher resolution sensor & wider aperture, potentially better in low light |
| Front Camera | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", Samsung S5KGH1, 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | Vivo offers much higher resolution selfies & better low light performance with a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable performance |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable performance |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS, 1080p@30/60fps with OIS | 1080p@30/60fps | Vivo offers higher quality video recording (4k) & Optical Image Stabilization |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Vivo provides better video stabilization with OIS, better footage when moving. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 120fps | Yes, 120fps | Both support slow motion video, specs not different |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | Mobile: 65, Photo: 50, Video: 83 | Xiaomi provides a decent video score and is the only tested one, but only useful when comparing the Xiaomi itself against other phones tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, PDAF, etc. | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Manual focus, Night mode, etc. | Vivo's OIS is superior for video & low light; Xiaomi has manual focus & night mode |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both are on Android 11 |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both have equivalent WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Minor differences in Bluetooth codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Vivo has better GPS support with Beidou |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Vivo offers more storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | Vivo has more RAM, better multitasking performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi offers enhanced audio quality and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more advanced fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi offers better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Vivo includes gyroscope, for more advanced motion tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, better contrast, and deeper blacks, offering a richer viewing experience.
- Better Front Camera: The 44MP front-facing camera with a wider aperture excels in selfie quality, especially in low light.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Significantly enhances video recording quality, reducing blur and producing smoother footage; also good for low-light photos.
- More RAM and Storage: 8 GB of RAM provides smoother multitasking, and the 256GB option offers more storage.
- Lighter & More Compact: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods, especially one-handed.
- Better GPS: Includes Beidou for enhanced location tracking in relevant regions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers substantially longer battery life.
- Better Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset delivers better overall performance.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers offer a much better audio experience.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more convenient than a rear or in-display sensor.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides superior protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Manual Focus and Night Mode: Offers greater control over your photos.
Significant Trade-offs:
- vivo V21 5G: Sacrifices battery life and overall performance for a better display and camera performance.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: Trades display quality and front camera prowess for longer battery life, performance and enhanced audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for vivo V21 5G:
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who heavily rely on the front camera for high-quality selfies and video content.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who prioritize display quality and color accuracy for watching videos and movies.
- Users who Value Design: Users seeking a lightweight, slim phone that is aesthetically pleasing.
- Casual Gamers: The performance is sufficient for many casual gaming titles.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and overall performance for heavy daily usage and gaming.
- Audio Lovers: Users who appreciate high-quality audio experiences through stereo speakers or headphones.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who seek a feature-rich phone at a more affordable price point.
- Practical Users: Those who value essential features like a large battery and a durable display.
Specific Use Cases:
- vivo V21 5G: Excellent for vlogging, video calls, creating social media content, and media consumption, where display and front camera quality is crucial.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G: Ideal for long days without needing a charger, on-the-go gamers, music enthusiasts, and users who value long-lasting performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? (AMOLED with superior color/contrast vs IPS LCD)
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance more? (Longer battery with good performance vs Slightly weaker battery with better performance)
- What is your primary use for the camera? (High quality selfies & OIS video vs main camera with night mode)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Content Creator): If you create social media videos and take a lot of selfies, the vivo V21 5G is better due to its superior front camera, OIS and display.
- Scenario 2 (Heavy User): If you are always on your phone, play games or listen to music, and need long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Value Conscious Buyer): If you need a good all-rounder that provides a solid experience at a more budget-friendly price point, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is a more balanced option.
- Scenario 4 (Display Prioritizer): If you prioritize screen quality for consuming media and color vibrancy, then the vivo V21 5G is your better choice due to its AMOLED panel.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G. While the vivo V21 5G has a better display and front-facing camera, I personally value the significantly better battery life and the enhanced audio features of the Xiaomi. I don't frequently take selfies, and I prefer my phone to last all day without worrying about charging. I also use headphones a lot for music and enjoy better quality sound. The added performance boost with the newer chipset also makes the Xiaomi slightly more future-proof for a longer period of time. While the AMOLED screen and OIS of the vivo are appealing, I feel the practical benefits of the Redmi Note 11S 5G better align with my typical usage patterns.
