Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE vs vivo V21: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo V21 and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity and solid performance without breaking the bank. Both devices boast similar price points and feature sets, but significant differences in their core chipsets and subtle variations in other specs make choosing between them a nuanced decision. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and thermal management compared to the vivo V21’s Dimensity 800U. While battery life is nearly identical, the Xiaomi’s superior processing power provides a smoother overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V21 Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
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, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, April 272021, September 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, May 05Available. Released 2021, October 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 in)160.5 x 75.7 x 6.8 mm (6.32 x 2.98 x 0.27 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)158 g (5.57 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)AMOLED, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 11.1Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR, panorama
Single44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.2 (Global), 5.1 (India)
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (Global), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (India)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired, 63% in 30 min33W wired
Type4000 mAhLi-Po 4250 mAh
Misc
ColorsDusk Blue, Sunset DazzleTruffle Black (Vinyl Black), Bubblegum Blue (Jazz Blue), Peach Pink (Tuscany Coral), Snowflake White (Diamond Dazzle)
ModelsV2066, V21082109119DG, 2107119DC, 2109119DI
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     0.95 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 122h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.2 LUFS (Average) -23.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 336699 (v8), 365055 (v9) GeekBench: 6516 (v4.4), 1600 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 527663 (v9) GeekBench: 2832 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo V21

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Reliable 33W fast charging
  • Capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly

  • Dimensity 800U chipset is less powerful than Snapdragon 778G
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE

  • More powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset
  • Improved power efficiency and thermal management
  • Smoother multitasking and gaming experience

  • Design may be less visually striking than the vivo V21
  • Camera specs are not significantly differentiated based on provided data

Display Comparison

Both the vivo V21 and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the context data lacks specifics like peak brightness or panel type (AMOLED vs. LCD). Given the market positioning, both likely employ AMOLED panels. The real-world difference in display quality will likely hinge on color calibration and viewing angles, areas not covered by the provided specs. Bezels are expected to be similar, as both target a similar aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the provided data lacks specifics regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. Without this information, a detailed camera comparison is impossible. However, given Xiaomi’s history of prioritizing camera features, it’s reasonable to assume the 11 Lite 5G NE may offer more advanced features or a larger main sensor. The absence of any mention of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests both rely primarily on digital stabilization.

Performance

The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) holds a clear advantage over the vivo V21’s MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 778G translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, crucial for sustained performance. The CPU architecture also favors the Xiaomi: the 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 core in the Snapdragon 778G is more powerful than the 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 800U. The Snapdragon also benefits from a more balanced core configuration (1+3+4) compared to the Dimensity’s (2+6). This translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

Both the vivo V21 and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE achieve an endurance rating of 122-123 hours, indicating comparable battery life. Both also support 33W wired charging, with the vivo V21 claiming 63% charge in 30 minutes. While the Xiaomi’s charging speed isn’t explicitly stated, it’s likely similar. The Snapdragon 778G’s superior efficiency may slightly offset the Dimensity 800U’s marginally better charging speed in real-world usage, but the difference will be minimal.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo V21 if you prioritize a sleek design and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and casual photography. Its 33W charging is reliable, and the Dimensity 800U is sufficient for these workloads. Buy the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE if you demand more from your smartphone – smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more future-proof chipset. The Snapdragon 778G offers a tangible performance advantage for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process and efficient thermal design significantly reduce the risk of overheating compared to the vivo V21’s Dimensity 800U. While some throttling may occur during extremely demanding games, the 11 Lite 5G NE is better equipped to maintain consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 778G and Dimensity 800U noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference may be subtle. However, when multitasking, opening demanding apps, or playing graphically intensive games, the Snapdragon 778G’s superior processing power will result in a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ Does either phone support expandable storage via microSD card?
The provided context data does not specify microSD card support for either device. However, based on market trends for phones in this price range, it's unlikely either phone offers expandable storage. Users should carefully consider their storage needs before purchasing.