The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G and the vivo Y21s aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Redmi Note 10 5G leverages the more advanced Dimensity 700 chipset, while the Y21s relies on the Helio G80. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is the superior choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Y21s’ Helio G80, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer similar battery endurance and charging speeds, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s brighter display and potentially better software optimization give it the edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 21 | 2021, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Pearl White | Chrome Silver, Graphite Gray, Nighttime Blue, Aurora Green |
| Models | V2110 | M2103K19G, M2103K19C |
| Price | - | € 96.62 / £ 107.59 |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1795:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
vivo Y21s
- More powerful Dimensity 700 chipset
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially better image processing with MediaTek Imagiq ISP
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y21s
- Software experience can vary (MIUI)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Less powerful Helio G80 chipset
- Likely dimmer display
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 492 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage over the vivo Y21s, which lacks specific brightness data but is likely lower. Both displays share a 1795:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. However, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s higher brightness improves visibility in outdoor conditions. While neither display is expected to feature high refresh rates, the Redmi Note 10 5G’s brighter panel provides a more enjoyable viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize budget-friendly sensors. The Redmi Note 10 5G likely benefits from MediaTek’s Imagiq image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 700, potentially offering better image processing capabilities. The presence of a dedicated ISP often leads to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The Y21s relies on the Helio G80’s ISP, which is less advanced.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes more efficient architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) than the vivo Y21s’ Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores outperform the Y21s’ 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores in CPU-intensive tasks. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 700 translate to a smoother, more responsive user experience, particularly in gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi Note 10 5G and the vivo Y21s feature 18W wired charging. Both phones also share an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified for the Y21s). The 18W charging will likely deliver a 0-100% charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours for both devices. The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process efficiency may contribute to slightly better battery life under heavy load, but the difference is likely minimal in typical usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21s if you prioritize a simple, streamlined experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display. The Redmi Note 10 5G is the better option for users who anticipate needing more processing power and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 10 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it's not a flagship gaming chip, its Cortex-A76 cores and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU provide sufficient power for enjoyable gaming sessions. The 7nm process also helps prevent excessive throttling during prolonged gameplay.
❓ The vivo Y21s has reverse wired charging. Is this feature actually useful?
The 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Y21s is a niche feature. It's primarily useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency. Don't expect to significantly charge another phone with it; the charging speed is very slow. It's more of a convenience feature than a core selling point.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Redmi Note 10 5G and the vivo Y21s?
The Redmi Note 10 5G runs Xiaomi's MIUI, which is known for its extensive customization options but can also include pre-installed bloatware. The vivo Y21s typically runs Funtouch OS, which is generally considered cleaner and more streamlined, though it may lack some of the advanced features found in MIUI. Software preference is subjective, but the Y21s is likely to offer a less cluttered experience out of the box.
