The vivo Y21t (India) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R represent compelling options in the competitive sub-₹15,000 smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Y21t leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680, prioritizing efficiency, while the Redmi Note 11R opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 700, offering 5G connectivity and a potentially higher performance ceiling. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and efficient power management, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset, despite being built on a slightly older 7nm process, delivers a noticeable performance advantage in demanding tasks and offers future-proofing with 5G support, offsetting the Y21t’s slightly more efficient Snapdragon 680.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 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 03 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 03 | 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 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, Pearl White | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 160 EUR |
vivo Y21t (India)
- Potentially better battery life due to the 6nm Snapdragon 680.
- Qualcomm’s reputation for stable software and modem performance.
- Generally reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing.
- Less powerful CPU compared to the Dimensity 700.
- May struggle with demanding games and applications.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- 5G connectivity for future network compatibility.
- More powerful CPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Potentially better image processing capabilities.
- May exhibit slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
- MediaTek chipsets sometimes have a reputation for less consistent software updates.
- 7nm process is less efficient than 6nm.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processors. The display quality will likely be similar, with the user experience dictated more by software optimization than panel specifications.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar budget-oriented camera setups. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Xiaomi’s software often leaning towards more saturated colors, while vivo typically aims for a more natural look. The Dimensity 700’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better processing capabilities, but the overall image quality will heavily depend on the sensor and lens quality, which remain unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the vivo Y21t’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) with its 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. While the Snapdragon 680 benefits from a smaller 6nm process potentially leading to better efficiency, the Dimensity 700’s core architecture provides a performance edge, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 is still efficient enough, and the performance gains are more noticeable than the efficiency difference. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience on the Redmi Note 11R.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – likely around 2-2.5 hours for a full charge. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm efficiency *should* translate to slightly better battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Dimensity 700’s performance advantage means it might consume more power during intensive tasks, potentially negating that efficiency gain. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on individual usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21t (India) if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on battery life and consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily use social media, messaging apps, and light web browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and if 5G connectivity is a priority for future network upgrades. It’s the better option for users who want a bit more headroom for performance and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 700 in the Redmi Note 11R get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 680?
While the Snapdragon 680 is more efficient, the Dimensity 700's performance advantage means it will likely generate more heat under sustained load. However, Xiaomi typically employs thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating, and the difference in temperature is unlikely to be drastic. Expect both phones to throttle performance slightly after prolonged gaming.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 11R actually useful in India right now, given the limited 5G rollout?
Currently, 5G coverage in India is still expanding. However, purchasing a 5G-enabled phone like the Redmi Note 11R future-proofs your investment. As 5G networks become more widespread, you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds without needing to upgrade your device.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
Both phones will provide a satisfactory video streaming experience. The Redmi Note 11R's slightly more powerful processor might offer smoother playback of high-resolution videos, but the difference is unlikely to be significant on typical LCD panels.
