The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the vivo Y21a and Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G are two key players. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the vivo Y21a’s Helio P22/P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi 10 5G’s more efficient processor also contributes to better battery life.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | - | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21a
- Potentially lower initial cost
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- 18W fast charging
- Significantly weaker performance
- Less efficient processor
- Limited 5G capabilities due to chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- Superior performance with Dimensity 700
- More efficient processor for better battery life
- Enhanced 5G connectivity
- Improved image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The focus here is on internal differences. The Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful chipset can drive more complex display features, potentially offering smoother animations. The Y21a, with its older processor, may exhibit slight lag in UI transitions.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but we can infer some differences. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors. However, the Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Y21a’s Helio P22/P35 lacks the advanced image processing capabilities of the Dimensity 700. While megapixel counts aren’t specified, the Redmi 10 5G is likely to deliver more detailed and vibrant photos.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y21a’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) or P35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores alongside A55 efficiency cores, offering a noticeable boost in CPU and GPU performance. The Y21a relies on older Cortex-A53 cores, which are less efficient and slower. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Redmi 10 5G. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (around 2 hours for a full charge). However, the Redmi 10 5G’s more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset will consume less power during typical usage, resulting in longer battery life. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Redmi 10 5G is likely to offer a more comfortable all-day experience, especially with 5G connectivity enabled.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21a if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost (depending on regional pricing) and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you want a more future-proof device capable of handling demanding apps, smoother gaming, and benefiting from the faster speeds of 5G networks without significant compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P22/P35 in the vivo Y21a struggle with modern app multitasking?
Yes, the Helio P22/P35 is a relatively older and less powerful chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, running multiple apps simultaneously or demanding applications will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The Redmi 10 5G’s Dimensity 700 is far better equipped for multitasking.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in 5G speeds between the vivo Y21a and the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G?
Potentially. While both support 5G, the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi 10 5G has a more advanced 5G modem and better overall connectivity capabilities. This could translate to faster and more stable 5G speeds, especially in areas with congested networks. The Y21a’s older modem may limit its 5G performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones equally effective?
While both have 18W charging, the Redmi 10 5G’s more efficient processor means it will likely reach a full charge faster and with less heat generation. The Y21a’s less efficient processor may take longer to charge and potentially experience more heat buildup.
