The Samsung Galaxy M21 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite represent compelling options in the competitive budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The M21 relies on Samsung’s in-house Exynos 9611, while the Redmi Note 10 Lite leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 720G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Galaxy M21’s 10nm Exynos 9611. While the M21 offers a slightly lower initial price, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s superior chipset justifies the small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, March 23 | 2021, October 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Raven Black | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | SM-M215F, SM-M215F/DS, SM-M215F/DSN | M2002F4LG |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | £ 279.99 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 129.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Samsung brand recognition and software ecosystem.
- Reliable build quality (typical of Samsung).
- Less efficient Exynos 9611 chipset.
- Prone to throttling under sustained load.
- Slower 15W charging.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- More efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset.
- Faster 18W charging.
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Slightly higher initial purchase price.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing.
- Potential for bloatware (though often removable).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Snapdragon 720G’s superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even if the panel characteristics are similar. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will depend heavily on software calibration, an area where Xiaomi and Samsung have differing approaches.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi Note 10 Lite likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), known for its efficient noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. The M21’s camera performance will rely heavily on Samsung’s software processing. It’s reasonable to assume both phones include a standard macro camera, but these 2MP sensors are generally of limited utility. The larger sensor size (if present in the Redmi Note 10 Lite) would be a significant advantage in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M21’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with similar peak clock speeds (2.3 GHz), the Snapdragon’s Kryo 465 Gold cores are architecturally more advanced than the Cortex-A73 cores in the Exynos. This results in better single-core and multi-core performance, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and games. The Exynos 9611 is prone to throttling under sustained load, impacting long gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s 18W charging is faster than the Galaxy M21’s 15W charging, offering a quicker top-up. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 720G’s superior efficiency means the Redmi Note 10 Lite will likely deliver comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The 8nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby, extending the time between charges. The faster charging also minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 if you prioritize brand recognition within the Samsung ecosystem and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you value smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, appreciate a more efficient processor for longer battery life under load, and seek a device that feels more responsive in everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Yes, the Exynos 9611 is known to throttle under sustained load, meaning it reduces performance to manage heat. This can lead to noticeable frame drops and a less enjoyable gaming experience during longer sessions. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G, with its more efficient 8nm process, handles heat much better.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 10 Lite significantly faster than the 15W charging on the Galaxy M21?
Yes, while the difference may not seem massive on paper, 18W charging will noticeably reduce the time it takes to fully charge the Redmi Note 10 Lite. Expect a faster top-up, especially from lower battery percentages. Combined with the Snapdragon 720G’s efficiency, you’ll spend less time tethered to a charger.
❓ Will I notice a difference in app loading times and overall responsiveness between the two phones?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 720G’s superior CPU and GPU architecture will result in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface compared to the Galaxy M21’s Exynos 9611. This difference will be particularly noticeable when switching between apps or performing demanding tasks.
