The Realme V21 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. The V21 relies on a standard octa-core processor, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts the more powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 1100, making this a crucial comparison for performance-minded buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1100 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Realme V21’s octa-core processor, and the 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime. The V21 remains a viable option for basic tasks, but struggles to compete in demanding scenarios.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, June 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Stargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
Realme V21
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May offer longer software support (depending on Realme's policy)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Inferior gaming capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1100 chipset
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Superior gaming performance
- Potentially higher price
- May run a more feature-rich, and potentially bloated, MIUI skin
- Thermal throttling possible under sustained heavy load (though Dimensity 1100 is efficient)
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications for the Realme V21 are unavailable. However, given its market positioning, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Redmi Note 10 Pro (China), while not confirmed to have an AMOLED panel, typically features high brightness levels in this series. The key differentiator here is the processor's ability to drive a higher refresh rate display smoothly, a capability the Dimensity 1100 is well-equipped for, assuming the Redmi Note 10 Pro utilizes one. Without specific details on the V21's panel, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Realme V21 are limited. The Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) is expected to feature a capable camera system, though specific sensor details are needed for a full assessment. The Dimensity 1100’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) provides advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. Without knowing the main sensor resolution or aperture of the V21, it’s difficult to compare directly, but the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s chipset gives it a clear advantage in computational photography.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) holds a substantial advantage in performance thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6nm). This chipset features a powerful octa-core configuration with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, alongside four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Realme V21’s unspecified octa-core processor clocked at 2.2 GHz. The Dimensity 1100’s architecture, built on a more efficient 6nm process, translates to better sustained performance and thermal management, crucial for gaming and demanding applications. The Redmi Note 10 Pro will exhibit significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is currently unknown. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) features 67W wired charging with PD3.0, capable of charging from 0 to 100% in just 42 minutes. This is a significant advantage over any charging solution likely found in the Realme V21, given its price point. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed of the Redmi Note 10 Pro drastically reduces downtime and improves usability for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is the better choice for users who demand more from their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1100 in the Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1100 is a very efficient chipset, sustained high-performance tasks like gaming can generate heat. However, the 6nm process and Xiaomi's thermal management solutions (likely including heat pipes and graphite sheets) are designed to mitigate throttling and maintain stable performance for extended periods. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of significant performance degradation.
❓ Is the Realme V21 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks like calls and social media?
Yes, the Realme V21 is a suitable option for users with basic needs. Its octa-core processor is sufficient for everyday tasks, and its likely lower price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications and games.
❓ How does the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) compare to standard fast charging?
67W charging is significantly faster than typical fast charging solutions (often 18W-33W). It allows you to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 42 minutes, whereas standard fast charging can take over an hour. This drastically reduces downtime and makes it much more convenient to top up your battery throughout the day.
