1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | vivo V21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Xiaomi is larger and thicker; vivo is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 176g | 208.4g | vivo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.67" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail; sharp and clear images. |
| PPI | 409 | 395 | Virtually identical sharpness; both offer a detailed display experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; very comparable display technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming or fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Unspecified) | 900 nits | Xiaomi is much better for outdoor use with significantly higher brightness, making it visible under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Xiaomi's chipset is newer and more efficient, leading to better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 573,100 | Xiaomi offers substantially better performance for gaming and demanding apps; vivo is less powerful in comparison. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Xiaomi has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi's larger battery means it will likely last longer on a single charge; better for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery, much more convenient. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.80µm pixel size | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm pixel size | Xiaomi captures far more detail in photos; has a slightly better aperture for low-light. |
| Front Camera Res | 44MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", 0.70µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, pixel size unspecified | vivo offers higher resolution selfies, and a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, unspecified pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm pixel size | Both have similar wide-angle lenses in resolution and aperture, Xiaomi has slightly bigger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, unspecified pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm pixel size | Both have similar macro lenses in resolution and aperture, Xiaomi has much bigger pixel size. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps w/ OIS | Up to 4K@30fps | Both record 4K; vivo has OIS even at 1080p@60fps, Xiaomi offers higher slow motion frame rates. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 113 Mobile, 117 Photo, 117 Video | Xiaomi has a confirmed good overall camera performance; No data for Vivo. |
| Camera Features | Front Flash | Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi has more professional features available; vivo has a front facing flash. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Xiaomi is newer and offers a more up-to-date Android experience; longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi offers faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Xiaomi has a slightly newer Bluetooth version; Both have similar audio codec support; vivo has aptX, Xiaomi has AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Xiaomi has better location tracking accuracy; more satellite system compatibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage capacities, offering flexibility for various user needs. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Xiaomi has the option for more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking with more apps open. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, limiting capacity to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi offers far superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio, high quality playback, and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more convenient, fast and modern fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones include standard sensors for functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocketable, great for those who prefer smaller phones.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Better for selfie lovers, particularly in low-light situations, due to the wider aperture.
- Front Facing Flash: Useful for better lit selfies in low-light situations.
Practical Implications: The vivo V21 5G is good for users who prioritize portability, selfie quality, and prefer a more compact design.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processing power for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger and Brighter Display: Better viewing experience, especially in outdoor settings with vibrant colours.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging times, offering greater convenience.
- Better Main Camera: Captures much more detail with its 200MP sensor, better all-round camera performance.
- More Modern Features: Includes features like better WiFi, audio, and is upgradable to a newer version of Android.
- Better Audio: Provides superior audio immersion via Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better protection of the screen against scratches and minor impacts.
Practical Implications: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is better for users who prioritize performance, display quality, overall camera quality, and a more modern and feature-rich phone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The vivo sacrifices performance, display brightness, camera quality, and battery capacity for its more compact design.
- The Xiaomi is bulkier, heavier, and has a slightly lower resolution front camera, sacrificing in portability and selfie quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for vivo V21 5G:
- Users who prefer a light, compact phone that’s easy to handle.
- Individuals who prioritize high-resolution selfies.
- Those who use their phone mainly for social media, calls, and basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize OIS for smooth video recording.
Specific Use Cases for vivo V21 5G:
- Casual use, browsing and social media.
- Users who prioritize selfies and video calls.
- Users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone for everyday use.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Gamers and power users who need strong performance.
- Multimedia enthusiasts who watch videos and play games.
- Users who want the best camera and display quality possible.
- Those who need a phone with fast charging.
- Users who want more modern features (latest software, best connectivity).
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Gaming, including high performance games.
- Photography and videography, including low-light situations.
- Heavy multitasking and running demanding apps.
- Users who want a future proof phone with the latest features and software.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- vivo V21 5G: May be better for users who need a more affordable option, but still has good overall performance,
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Offers superior value for users who need high performance, a good camera, and a better display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my main use case? Am I a casual user, a gamer, a photographer, or a multimedia consumer?
- How important is portability? Do I prefer a light and compact phone, or a bigger phone with larger battery?
- How important is performance, camera quality and battery life to me? Do I need the latest technology, or can I sacrifice for a lower price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User: If you mainly use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing, the vivo V21 5G is more than capable. It’s more compact and will be easier to handle.
Scenario 2: Gaming and Multimedia: If you need strong performance for gaming and want a large, high-quality display for consuming media, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better choice, offering a smooth performance, faster charging and better audio quality.
Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ takes better quality images, has more pro features, a higher pixel count and a better low-light performance.
Scenario 4: Budget Conscious: If budget is a primary concern, assess the trade-offs. The vivo is cheaper but, the Xiaomi offers more value for the price if the features you are looking for are the ones provided by the Xiaomi.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. While I appreciate the compactness of the vivo V21 5G, the sheer power and advanced features of the Xiaomi are compelling. Specifically, the superior performance, significantly brighter display, better camera and battery with fast charging, make it a much more versatile and future-proof device. The difference in performance between the phones, especially in demanding apps, is too big to overlook, and the improved features such as Dolby Atmos, and faster charging make it a much better device for my use. The Xiaomi also has a more modern design, a better built screen and more up-to-date software, making it the clear choice. Although the vivo is a solid phone, the Xiaomi offers a better experience overall.
