Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) vs Samsung Galaxy M21s: A Performance and Charging Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy M21s has long been a stalwart of the budget smartphone market, offering a solid experience at an attractive price. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China variant) enters the arena with a significantly more powerful chipset and a game-changing charging solution, forcing a re-evaluation of the value proposition. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1100 chipset delivers substantially better performance, and the 67W charging is a massive convenience. While the M21s remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget, the Pro offers a significantly improved experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M21s Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, November 06. Released 2020, November 062021, May 26
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, June 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 420 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 9611 (10 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 10, One UI 2.5Android 11, MIUI 12.5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens64 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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, BlackStargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White
ModelsSM-F415F, SM-F415F/DS-
PriceAbout 230 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR0.38 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.48 W/kg (head)     1.13 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy M21s

  • Lower price point
  • Potentially larger battery capacity (based on M-series history)
  • Samsung’s established brand reputation

  • Significantly slower processor
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Inferior gaming performance

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)

  • Much faster Dimensity 1100 processor
  • Blazing-fast 67W charging
  • Superior image processing capabilities

  • Higher price
  • Potentially smaller battery capacity
  • Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Redmi Note 10 Pro benefits from the Dimensity 1100’s superior image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality and faster processing of photos and videos. The M21s, with its Exynos 9611, will likely exhibit slower image processing times. Bezels and color accuracy are unknown, but the chipset difference suggests a more responsive and visually refined experience on the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, we can infer advantages for the Redmi Note 10 Pro based on its chipset. The Dimensity 1100’s ISP is more capable, allowing for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. While both phones likely include multiple rear cameras, the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s processing power will likely result in more detailed and dynamic images. The M21s’ camera will likely be adequate for casual photography, but will struggle to match the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s capabilities in challenging conditions. We can assume the Redmi Note 10 Pro will have better video recording capabilities as well.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 1100, built on a 6nm process, is a significant leap forward from the Samsung Galaxy M21s’ 10nm Exynos 9611. The Dimensity 1100 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, offering a considerable performance advantage over the M21s’ Cortex-A73 cores at 2.3 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is better equipped to handle graphically intensive games at higher settings. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s 67W charging is a game-changer. A full charge in just 42 minutes is a massive convenience compared to the M21s’ 15W charging. While the M21s may have a larger battery capacity (data not provided, but typical for the M series), the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s charging speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21s if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are content with basic performance for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) if you value faster performance for gaming and demanding apps, and if the convenience of incredibly fast charging is a priority. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is also the better choice for users who frequently capture photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to throttle under sustained load, meaning performance will decrease over time during gaming to manage heat. While it won't necessarily become dangerously hot, expect frame rate drops and a less consistent gaming experience compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Redmi Note 10 Pro compatible with all USB-C chargers and cables?
While the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports PD3.0, to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need to use the charger and cable included in the box. Standard USB-C chargers and cables may limit the charging speed to a lower wattage.
❓ How does the Dimensity 1100 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 1100 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. Genshin Impact will also be playable, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance. The Redmi Note 10 Pro offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Galaxy M21s.
❓ What are the potential downsides of Xiaomi's MIUI software compared to Samsung's One UI?
MIUI is known for its customization options, but it can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware. Some users find MIUI’s interface less intuitive than Samsung’s One UI. However, Xiaomi has been improving MIUI with each iteration.