The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi 10C and the vivo Y21G aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with Xiaomi opting for a newer, more efficient chipset while vivo relies on a slightly older, but still capable, processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Helio G70 in the Y21G, translating to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi 10C’s chipset gives it a slight edge in overall usability.
| 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, April 07 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 07 | Available. Released 2022, March 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) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | V2152 | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21G
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Improved image processing capabilities
- May have a less refined software experience (depending on MIUI version)
- Build quality may be slightly less premium
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Familiar vivo user interface
- Potentially more comfortable in-hand feel
- Competitive pricing
- Less efficient Helio G70 chipset
- Lower peak performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Redmi 10C benefits from the Snapdragon 680’s improved image signal processor (ISP), which can contribute to slightly better image quality even on a similar panel. The Y21G’s Helio G70 lacks this advantage. Expect similar 720p+ resolutions on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar budget camera setups. The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 ISP provides a processing advantage, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. The Y21G’s Helio G70 lacks this advanced image processing capability. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the vivo Y21G’s MediaTek Helio G70 (12nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – offers a higher peak clock speed compared to the Y21G’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 680 also features an Adreno 610 GPU, likely providing a better gaming experience than the Helio G70’s Mali-G52 MC2. Thermal management will also favor the Redmi 10C due to the more efficient chipset.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi 10C means it will likely achieve a full charge slightly faster and, more importantly, offer longer battery life during typical usage. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Redmi 10C’s chipset will extract more usage from a given mAh capacity than the Y21G’s Helio G70.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21G if you prioritize a familiar vivo user experience and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Helio G70 is adequate for these scenarios. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you want a phone that can handle more demanding applications, occasional gaming, and offers better long-term performance thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset. It’s the better option for users who anticipate pushing their phone a bit harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it’s a significant step up from the Helio G70 in the Y21G and will provide a more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support fast charging beyond the advertised 18W?
While the Redmi 10C supports 18W charging, it also supports Power Delivery (PD) charging. This means you can use a compatible PD charger to potentially charge the phone faster, although the maximum charging speed will still be limited by the phone's internal circuitry.
❓ Is the software experience on the vivo Y21G significantly different from Xiaomi’s MIUI?
Yes, the vivo Y21G runs Funtouch OS, which is known for its distinct visual style and features. MIUI, on the Redmi 10C, is more customizable and feature-rich, but can also be more resource-intensive. Preference is subjective, but many users find MIUI more versatile.
❓ How does the Helio G70 in the Y21G perform with multitasking?
The Helio G70 can handle basic multitasking, such as switching between messaging apps and web browsing. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks like running multiple apps simultaneously or editing large files. The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 offers a smoother multitasking experience.
