The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) and vivo V21e represent compelling options. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take distinctly different approaches to performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and incredibly fast charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1100 chipset offers a significant leap over the Snapdragon 720G in the V21e, and the 67W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the V21e remains a viable option for those seeking a more streamlined experience and potentially better power efficiency.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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 / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27 | 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, June 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 74.4 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.29 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-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10, 430 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro) | 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 66% in 30 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Flare, Roman Black | Stargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | V2061 | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 200 EUR |
vivo V21e
- Efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset for smooth daily use.
- 33W fast charging provides decent top-up speeds.
- Potentially more refined software experience (vivo's Funtouch OS).
- Snapdragon 720G struggles with demanding games.
- Slower charging compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China)
- Powerful Dimensity 1100 chipset for excellent performance.
- Ultra-fast 67W charging minimizes downtime.
- Likely features a higher refresh rate display for smoother visuals.
- Dimensity 1100 may generate more heat under sustained load.
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be resource-intensive and feature bloat.
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies beneath the hood. The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s performance focus suggests a higher refresh rate display, potentially 120Hz, for smoother scrolling and gaming, a feature not confirmed for the V21e. The absence of LTPO technology in either device means refresh rate adjustments won't be as dynamically power-efficient as on flagship models. Bezels and color accuracy are likely comparable given the price bracket, but the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s display is positioned to enhance the gaming experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s positioning suggests a larger main sensor, potentially 64MP or 108MP, compared to the V21e. The Dimensity 1100’s image signal processor (ISP) also offers more advanced processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. While both phones likely include standard wide, ultrawide, and macro lenses, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is more likely to feature optical image stabilization (OIS) on its main sensor, crucial for sharper photos and smoother videos. The V21e’s camera is likely geared towards social media-friendly images, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro aims for greater versatility and image quality.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 1100, fabricated on a 6nm process, offering a substantial advantage over the vivo V21e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The Dimensity 1100’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.6 GHz, deliver significantly higher peak performance compared to the Snapdragon 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores at 2.3 GHz. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. The 6nm node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, the superior chipset in the Redmi Note 10 Pro will maximize its potential.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s 67W charging is a game-changer, promising a full charge in just 42 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the V21e’s 33W charging, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach 66% capacity. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Redmi Note 10 Pro effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Dimensity 1100’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the higher power draw during demanding tasks. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up will greatly benefit from the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V21e if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on efficient power management and a generally smooth user experience for everyday tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (China) if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and minimizing charging wait times, even if it means potentially sacrificing some battery life for peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 1100 in the Redmi Note 10 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1100 is a powerful chip, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 720G. However, Xiaomi typically implements effective thermal management solutions, including graphite sheets and vapor chambers, to mitigate overheating. Expect some throttling during extended, graphically intensive gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo V21e sufficient for most users?
33W charging is adequate for casual users who don't mind leaving their phone plugged in overnight. It will take longer to fully charge compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro's 67W charging, but it's still a respectable charging speed. It's a trade-off for potentially better power efficiency during normal use.
❓ How does MIUI compare to Funtouch OS in terms of user experience?
MIUI (Xiaomi) is known for its extensive customization options and feature set, but it can also be perceived as bloated and occasionally intrusive with ads. Funtouch OS (vivo) generally offers a cleaner, more streamlined experience, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use. Preference is subjective, but Funtouch OS is often favored by users who prefer a less cluttered interface.
