Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y21a and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 edges out the vivo Y21a thanks to its superior chipset, slightly better camera capabilities, and faster reverse charging. While the Y21a is a decent option, the Redmi Note 9 provides a more well-rounded experience for a similar price.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2020, April 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2020, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent)M2003J15SG (Yes); M2003J15SS (No) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired
9W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Forest Green, Midnight Grey, Polar White |
| Models | - | M2003J15SC, M2003J15SG, M2003J15SS |
| Price | - | € 88.99 / $ 85.68 / £ 136.28 |
| SAR | - | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 125h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1242:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.1 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 200414 (v8)
GeekBench: 1292 (v5.1) |
vivo Y21a
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reverse wired charging (2.5W)
- Potentially more affordable
- Weaker chipset
- Less capable camera
- Lower brightness display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
- More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Better camera performance
- Faster reverse charging (9W)
- Slightly brighter display
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can be cluttered (Xiaomi's MIUI)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) with a respectable contrast ratio. However, the Redmi Note 9 boasts a slightly higher measured brightness (370 nits) compared to the Y21a, potentially offering better visibility in bright sunlight. Screen sizes are likely comparable, around 6.5 inches.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi Note 9 generally offers a more versatile camera system. While specific megapixel counts are not provided, the G85 chipset typically supports better image processing. Expect improved low-light performance and potentially more features on the Redmi Note 9. The Y21a's camera is adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Redmi Note 9's Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Y21a's Helio P22/P35. The G85's dual Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in processing power, making the Redmi Note 9 smoother for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. The Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries and 18W wired charging. The Redmi Note 9 has a slight edge with its 9W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. Both phones are expected to deliver all-day battery life, with the Redmi Note 9 potentially lasting slightly longer due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Users prioritizing a simple, straightforward experience and potentially reverse charging for accessories. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9? Those seeking better performance, a more capable camera, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the vivo Y21a have 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y21a nor the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 support 5G connectivity.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Software support varies. Xiaomi generally provides more frequent updates, but their MIUI software can be more resource-intensive. vivo's Funtouch OS is lighter but may have fewer features.
