The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y21e and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and subtle design choices. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, efficient performance and potentially longer software support, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y21e, despite both phones offering similar charging speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 14 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 14 | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | V2140 | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Y21e
- Potentially longer battery life during light usage due to Snapdragon 680's efficiency.
- Reliable brand reputation for software updates (vivo).
- 2.5W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Dimensity 700.
- May struggle with demanding multitasking and gaming.
- 6nm process isn't as efficient as 7nm for sustained performance.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- More powerful Dimensity 700 chipset for smoother performance.
- 7nm process offers better thermal efficiency.
- Faster app launches and multitasking capabilities.
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive and include bloatware.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life during heavy usage.
- Xiaomi's software update policy can be less consistent than vivo's.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be moderate on both, prioritizing affordability over an immersive edge-to-edge experience. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the price range, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Redmi Note 11R’s image processing pipeline, while often heavily saturated, generally offers more aggressive noise reduction and sharpening, potentially resulting in more visually appealing images in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi Note 11R could also provide an edge in low-light photography. The common inclusion of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a clear architectural advantage over the vivo Y21e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 700 utilizes two Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, providing a significant boost in single-core performance compared to the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores at 2.4 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes power efficiency, which may result in slightly longer battery life during light usage, but at the cost of overall processing power.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 680’s power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life during typical usage scenarios. However, the Dimensity 700’s superior processing power means it may drain the battery faster during demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming. The 2.5W reverse wired charging on the vivo Y21e is a niche feature, useful for topping up accessories but not a primary selling point.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21e if you prioritize a brand known for reliable software and a potentially more refined user experience, and your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you prefer a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and future-proofing, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG?
The Dimensity 700's 7nm process and Xiaomi's thermal management solutions should prevent significant overheating during moderate gaming. However, extended, high-graphics-setting gameplay may still lead to some throttling to maintain thermal stability. Expect playable frame rates, but not necessarily consistently high performance.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y21e sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 680 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging. It's optimized for efficiency, ensuring smooth performance for these common use cases. However, it will show its limitations when multitasking or running demanding applications.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging beyond the advertised 18W?
While both phones advertise 18W charging, they may support Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) protocols, allowing for slightly faster charging with compatible chargers. However, don't expect a dramatic increase in charging speed without a dedicated PD or QC charger.
❓ How does Xiaomi's MIUI software compare to vivo's Funtouch OS in terms of user experience?
MIUI is known for its extensive customization options and feature set, but it can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware. Funtouch OS, on the other hand, generally offers a cleaner, more streamlined experience, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency. Preference is subjective, but Funtouch OS is often considered less intrusive.
