1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is larger and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 176g | 187g | The V21 5G is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a screen with better scratch and impact resistance. The screen protection of the V21 5G is unknown, but is more likely to be standard glass. |
Display
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.44" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be beneficial for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Both offer a crisp display, with a negligible difference in pixel density that would not be noticeable in typical use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Redmi Note 12 Pro will have smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to better performance and potentially improved battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 573,200 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides much better performance, noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro's GPU offers better graphical capabilities, resulting in a better gaming experience and smoother graphic-intensive apps |
Camera
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1.0µm, Sony IMX766 sensor, 1/1.56" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a larger sensor and larger pixels, which generally translates to better low-light performance and higher dynamic range, despite the lower MP count. |
| Front Selfie | 44MP, f/2.0, 0.7µm, 1/2.65" Samsung S5KGH1 | 16MP, Unknown sensor | The V21 5G has a higher resolution front-facing camera for detailed selfies. The exact sensor of the Redmi Note 12 pro is unknown, but its lower megapixel count suggest a less detailed selfie. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/1.9 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly wider aperture on the wide angle lens, potentially resulting in better low-light performance on this camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1/5", 1.75 µm pixel size | Both phones offer the same low-resolution macro lens, useful only in very specific cases. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with OIS, 1080p@60fps with OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Both offer 4K recording, but the V21 5G’s 4K has optical image stabilization (OIS) which is very important for quality while recording video. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's 1080p video has a 120fps recording option, allowing for slow-motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | 102 (Mobile), 108 (Photo), 98 (Video) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a decent score from the DXOMARK test. The V21 5G has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | Front Flash, OIS, PDAF, HDR, Panorama, many other features | RAW, Night Mode, OIS, PDAF, HDR, Panorama, many other features | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers RAW capture and a dedicated night mode, which the V21 5G lacks. Both have optical image stabilization (OIS). The V21 5G includes front flash for low light selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers considerably longer battery life for daily usage without charging. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, minimizing the time spent plugged in. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer version of Android, offering more recent software features and potentially better security. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, providing faster and more reliable wireless internet connectivity, where supported. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a slightly more modern Bluetooth version, potentially offering better power efficiency and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | The Redmi Note 12 Pro has support for more satellite systems for increased location accuracy. |
| Audio | Basic Audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12 Pro features stereo speakers that provide a fuller and immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support. |
Storage
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6, 8, or 12 GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro can have up to 12 GB of RAM, leading to much better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. Users must carefully manage their internal storage. |
Security
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 12 Pro's side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more convenient and responsive for most users. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Advantages of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset provides significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking, as evidenced by the much higher AnTuTu score.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother and more responsive visual experience. The significantly higher brightness makes it much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 67W charging provide significantly better battery life and quicker charging times.
- More Advanced Main Camera: While the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a lower megapixel count, its larger sensor and pixel size offer better low-light performance, and the camera received a 108 photo score on DXOMARK's testing. It also features RAW capture for photography enthusiasts, as well as a dedicated night mode.
- Superior Audio Experience: With stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is more durable than the unknown screen protection of the V21 5G.
- More RAM Options: The 12 GB RAM option is beneficial for intensive users and future-proofing.
- Modern Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds and has better GPS with more supported satellite systems.
Advantages of vivo V21 5G
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: The V21 5G is more comfortable in hand for users who prefer a lighter phone.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 44MP for those who take many selfies. It also features a front-facing flash.
Trade-offs
- vivo V21 5G: Offers a slimmer and lighter form factor, as well as a higher megapixel front facing camera, but sacrifices performance, display quality, battery life, charging speed, and main camera quality compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Is slightly larger, heavier, and has a lower resolution front-facing camera, but makes up for it with improvements in other areas.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G
- Users Prioritizing a Slim and Lightweight Design: Those who value a comfortable, easy-to-carry phone above all else.
Selfie Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize front-facing camera quality, and particularly in low light.
Specific Use Cases: Basic day-to-day usage, social media browsing, and casual photography.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who require high performance, smooth graphics, and fast loading times.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and need a vibrant display with good audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value better low-light camera performance and options such as RAW capture.
Users Prioritizing Battery Life and Fast Charging: Individuals who need all-day battery life with quick top-up options.
Specific Use Cases: Mobile gaming, watching videos, professional photography, daily intensive use, heavy multitasking, and long periods away from a charger.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Offers a much better value for performance and features compared to the vivo V21 5G. Despite a small difference in price, the Redmi Note 12 Pro provides significant improvements in critical areas such as performance, display quality, and battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is gaming and performance? If gaming and heavy multitasking are priorities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you often find yourself running low on battery, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's larger battery and faster charging are significant benefits.
- How important is the front-facing camera to you? If a detailed front facing camera is crucial, the V21 5G might be preferable. However, if the main camera is more important the Redmi Note 12 Pro is significantly better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If budget is tight and usage is light, the V21 5G can still be a decent choice. However, the difference in price for the Redmi Note 12 Pro is unlikely to be too significant and would be worth paying for.
- Scenario 2: Power User or Gamer: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the superior choice due to its performance, display, and battery.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: The Redmi Note 12 Pro's superior main camera and extra features make it a much better choice for most users who value a great camera on their phone.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Here's why:
- Superior Overall Performance: The performance difference is significant, as demonstrated by the AnTuTu scores. This makes the Redmi Note 12 Pro faster and smoother in everyday use, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and 900 nits brightness enhance the viewing experience, which is crucial for any user, particularly those who consume a lot of media. The increased visibility in bright sunlight makes it much more useful.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery provides peace of mind, especially when I'm away from a power outlet. The fast charging also means less time spent waiting.
- Improved Main Camera: While the V21 5G has a higher megapixel front camera, the overall camera experience of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is better due to its superior sensor, wider aperture on the wide-angle camera, RAW capture and night mode.
- More Modern Features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Android 12 future-proof the device for a longer period of use.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos greatly improves the audio experience compared to the basic audio features of the V21 5G.
While the vivo V21 5G is slightly more compact, the advantages of the Redmi Note 12 Pro in performance, display, battery, and camera far outweigh the benefits of its slimmer and lighter form factor, and higher megapixel front facing camera for my personal needs. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers better value for money in the long run, especially considering its feature set.
