Both the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R target the budget-conscious smartphone user, but they approach this segment with different strategies. The M21 2021 represents a refinement of Samsung’s established formula, while the Redmi Note 11R brings MediaTek’s newer Dimensity 700 chipset to the table, promising a leap in processing power. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, offers a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021’s 10nm Exynos 9611, translating to smoother multitasking and improved gaming capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Familiar Samsung One UI experience
- Potentially more readily available in certain markets
- Established brand reputation
- Older, less efficient Exynos 9611 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely lower sustained performance due to thermal throttling
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful and efficient MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved gaming performance
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Potentially less brand recognition in some regions
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on battery conservation rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed and quality. The Dimensity 700’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced than the Exynos 9611’s, potentially resulting in better noise reduction and dynamic range. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, where the Dimensity 700’s processing power could again provide an advantage. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both phones suggests they are largely marketing features with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 7nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. The Dimensity 700’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the Exynos 9611’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Redmi Note 11R provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 11R’s 18W charging is faster than the Galaxy M21 2021’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi Note 11R will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The 18W charging will also reduce the time spent tethered to a wall outlet, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 if you prioritize a familiar Samsung user experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you value performance, enjoy mobile gaming, or anticipate needing a phone that will remain responsive for years to come. The Redmi Note 11R is also the better choice for users who frequently stream video or use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21 2021 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, being a 10nm chip, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles will likely experience frame drops and reduced performance after a short period. The Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, manages heat more effectively, allowing for longer and more consistent gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. You're better off using the main sensor and cropping if you need a close-up shot.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 11R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile at reasonably high frame rates, likely around 60fps on medium settings. While it may not achieve the maximum settings available, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Galaxy M21 2021, which would struggle to maintain consistent performance even at lower settings.
