Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Nokia G21
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2022-02-15 | Nokia G21 is newer, potentially offering better software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G21 is slightly taller and thinner, but both are very similar in size. |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Both phones feel identical in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes provide similar viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers much sharper visuals; text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 405 | 270 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's higher pixel density provides a significantly sharper display with more detail and less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles associated with IPS LCD panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | 90Hz refresh rate on both phones will provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness; The real-world brightness performance may depend on panel quality and software optimizations not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's 7nm chip is more power-efficient and powerful, providing better performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 253,300 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is significantly faster, offering a smoother overall experience, quicker app loading, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Very similar battery capacity suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 18W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support 18W fast charging. The type of battery may have minor implications for degradation over time but they are unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Features | Reverse charging | In box charger (10W) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G can charge other devices. Nokia G21 includes charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Nokia G21 has slightly higher resolution on paper, but real-world image quality is dependent on other factors like sensor size and processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's wider aperture allows more light, which might lead to slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G's larger sensor can capture more light, generally leading to better image quality and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Both phones offer similar front camera resolutions. |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones have the same resolution for depth effects in portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 2MP | 2MP | Both phones offer similar macro lens resolutions. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers 120fps slow-motion capture; Both record at 1080p/30fps for standard videos. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G has additional features: 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Night Mode. Nokia G21 has additional features: Continuous shooting, Panorama, Front Flash | |||
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Nokia G21 will likely receive updates for longer, offering more recent software features. Xiaomi may not get android 13 upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G supports newer WiFi standards and MiMO, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G has a newer Bluetooth standard for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256GB | 64/128GB | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers a 256GB option and potentially a larger storage configuration for users with many files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers 8GB RAM providing better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage; Users are limited to onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | 2 Microphones | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers higher quality audio playback. Nokia G21 offers better recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers better protection with Gorilla Glass screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, better for gaming and sensor-based applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU offer much better processing power for gaming and demanding applications.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Superior Camera Sensor: The larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera can offer better low-light performance.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Newer standards lead to faster and more stable connections.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better quality audio output.
- Comprehensive Sensor suite: Gyroscope and Compass sensors included.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: Offers up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage compared to the 6GB and 128 GB on the Nokia G21.
- Slow Motion Video: 120fps slow motion video recording.
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Potentially Longer Software Support: Being newer, it is more likely to receive OS updates for a longer period, reaching up to android 13 and future security patches.
- Included Charger: comes with a 10W charger in the box.
- Slightly Higher Resolution Main Camera: Might offer slightly more detail in very well-lit conditions (though the sensor size disadvantage will make it less versatile overall).
- Continuous Shooting: Offers burst mode photography.
- Panorama Mode: Built-in Panorama capabilities.
- Front Flash: Has a front facing flash.
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia G21 trades raw performance and display quality for potentially longer software updates. The Nokia is geared for basic use.
- The Xiaomi trades longer software updates for better performance and display quality, and is geared towards performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, media consumers, and anyone who values performance and a crisp display.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming high-definition videos, multitasking, running demanding apps, and photography in varied lighting conditions.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance for the price, particularly for users seeking a budget-friendly phone with smooth gameplay and a sharp display.
Nokia G21:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize software longevity, and basic functionality over cutting-edge performance, and do not require high levels of performance.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, basic photography, and making calls; long lasting software support.
- Price-to-Value: A solid option for users on a tight budget who need a reliable device with future updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for you? (Gaming, multitasking, app loading speeds)
- Do you prioritize a sharper, more detailed display or longer software support?
- What is your primary use case for the phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If you plan to play games, use demanding applications, or want a fast, smooth experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Long-Term Software Updates: If you prioritize receiving timely security and software updates for as long as possible, and need a basic phone, the Nokia G21 would be more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Performance and Budget: For most users looking for a balance between performance and value, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offers significantly more power for a similar price point.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G. The substantially better performance, significantly sharper display, superior camera sensor, and faster Wi-Fi/Bluetooth provide a more compelling overall experience. While the Nokia G21's promise of longer software support is attractive, the Redmi Note 10 5G offers so much better value in terms of everyday performance and features that it outweighs the software longevity advantages. I would rather have a higher performing device that is a joy to use and more versatile for day to day tasks such as mobile gaming, consuming media and running applications; all of which are far superior on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G.
