Both the vivo Y31 (2021) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite occupy the competitive sub-$200 price bracket, targeting users seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. However, they diverge in their core processing power, with the Redmi Note 10 Lite boasting the more powerful Snapdragon 720G. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on real-world impact for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 720G, fabricated on an 8nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities compared to the vivo Y31’s Snapdragon 662. While both offer similar 18W charging, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s superior chipset justifies the slight price difference.
| 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 | 2021, January 20 | 2021, October 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 20 | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Ocean Blue | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | V2036, V2036_21 | M2002F4LG |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y31 (2021)
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on user preference)
- Slightly lower price point (potentially)
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 processor
- 11nm process leads to lower efficiency and potential throttling
- Inferior gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- More powerful Snapdragon 720G processor
- 8nm process for better efficiency and thermal management
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- Superior ISP for potentially better image processing
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- Slightly higher price point
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price segment. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness, which *feels* like a display improvement. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness), the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s faster chipset will contribute to a more responsive visual experience. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget LCDs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 13-48MP range, with supporting lenses of questionable utility (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The Snapdragon 720G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 662’s, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Expect similar video recording capabilities (1080p at 30fps). The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s superior processing power gives it an edge in post-processing and computational photography.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is a significant step up from the vivo Y31’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance, translating to less throttling during sustained loads. The 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, outperform the Y31’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This difference is particularly noticeable in gaming and app loading times. While both have 6GB of RAM (assumed based on market positioning), the faster processor allows the Redmi Note 10 Lite to utilize it more effectively.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, and a full charge is estimated to take around 67 minutes for the vivo Y31. Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely fall in the 5000mAh range. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more efficient Snapdragon 720G (8nm) will likely result in slightly better battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 8nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y31 (2021) if you prioritize a slightly more streamlined software experience and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you value smoother performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 10 Lite struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it's significantly better than the Snapdragon 662 in the vivo Y31, which may exhibit noticeable lag and frame drops.
❓ Is Xiaomi's MIUI software bloated and full of ads?
MIUI has historically been criticized for bloatware and ads. However, Xiaomi has been making efforts to reduce these issues in recent updates. You can disable many of the pre-installed apps and ad recommendations, but some level of software customization is unavoidable.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 10 Lite compared to the vivo Y31?
Both phones support 18W charging, so the charging *speed* will be similar (around 67 minutes to 70% for the vivo Y31). However, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more efficient chipset means it may reach a usable battery percentage faster during a short charge due to lower power draw.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 10 Lite support 5G connectivity?
No, the Snapdragon 720G is a 4G-only chipset. Both the vivo Y31 (2021) and the Redmi Note 10 Lite are 4G smartphones and do not support 5G connectivity.
