Choosing between Vivo and Xiaomi Redmi is a classic dilemma for mid-range smartphone buyers: both brands offer great value for money, but they are suitable for different tasks; some people value the camera and design of Vivo, while others value the performance and frequency of updates of Redmi. In this article, we will see which phone is best for you, taking into account the budget, priorities and even usage habits.
The comparison will be carried out on the example of current models of 2023-2026: Vivo V29/V29e, Vivo T2 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi 12 and POCO X6 Pro (which, despite the sub-brand, technically belongs to the line of Redmi). These devices cover the price range from 15 to 40 thousand rubles - the most popular segment in the Russian market.
It is important to understand: Vivo has more developed multimedia functions (sound, camera, AMOLED-Redmi has hardware and software support, but there are exceptions, like the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ It overtook many Vivo models in terms of quality of the main camera.
1. Design and ergonomics: who is more comfortable in the hand?
Vivo smartphones traditionally feature thin cases (6.5-7.5 mm) and curved screens (in the V and X series). For example, the Vivo V29 weighs only 186 grams at a diagonal of 6.78 inches, one of the lightest flagships in its class. Materials are also more premium: AG Matte Glass (matte, non-print collecting) or vegan leather in the top version.
Redmi's approach is more pragmatic, with plastic cases (even in the Note 13 Pro+, the back is polycarbonate under glass), but stronger for falls. For example, the Redmi 12 can withstand a fall from a meter to asphalt without cracks (tested by the DXOMARK lab), but the weight is higher: the Note 13 Pro+ pulls 209 grams, but it has IP68 (full dust protection), and the Vivo only IP54 (splash protection).
- 📏 Vivo: thinner, lighter, premium materials but slippery.
- 🛡️ Redmi: Stronger, heavier, often with protection IP68.
- 🎨 Colors: Vivo has a brighter palette (for example, V29 in Star Black with holographic effect, Redmi has more restrained (grey, blue, black).
⚠️ Warning: If you drop your phone a lot, choose a Redmi with a plastic case, which cracks less. But remember, plastic scratches faster with keys in your pocket.
2.Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - which is better for the eyes?
Here, Vivo is the undisputed leader. Almost all of the brand's models are equipped. AMOLED-screen-support HDR10+ and refresh rate of 120 Hz. For example, Vivo V29 It has a display with a peak brightness of 1300 nits – it is 20% brighter than the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ (In addition, Vivo has better calibration of colors "out of the box": delta E (color reproduction indicator) is ~0.3 against ~0.8 at Redmi.
Xiaomi Redmi AMOLED is only found in top-end models (like the Note 13 Pro+ or POCO X6 Pro). Budget devices like the Redmi 12 or Note 12 get IPS-matrixes with a frequency of 90 Hz and brightness up to 550 nits. This is noticeably worse: in the sun the screen dims, and black looks gray, but IPS lasts longer (no burnout of pixels) and is cheaper to repair.
| Parameter | Vivo V29 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Redmi 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | AMOLED, 3D-curved | AMOLED, flat. | IPS LCD |
| Permission | 2800×1260 (FHD+) | 2712×1220 (FHD+) | 2460×1080 (FHD+) |
| Frequency of update | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1300 nits | 1,200 nits | 550 nits |
If you watch a lot of video or play, Vivo is definitely preferable. For everyday tasks (social networks, calls), the difference is not so critical, but your eyes will tire less from AMOLED.
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To extend life AMOLED-On the screen, always turn off the active display (AOD) screen-setting → Lock the screen and reduce the time of automatic shutdown to 15 seconds.
3. Performance: Who doesn't slow down faster and longer?
Xiaomi Redmi is the first to use Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity processors of the latest generation, while Vivo often puts intermediate-level chips.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (similar to Snapdragon 870 performance).
- Vivo V29 – Snapdragon 778G (released in 2021!)
- POCO X6 Pro – Dimensity 8300-Ultra (overtakes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
The difference is noticeable in gaming and multitasking.
The POCO X6 Pro scores ~950,000.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – ~650,000 points
- Vivo V29 - ~500,000 points.
Xiaomi also keeps devices updated for longer. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023) received the promise of 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches. Vivo usually has 2 years of major updates and 3 years of patches.
⚠️ WARNING: If you plan to play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or edit video, take Redmi with Snapdragon 8.+ Gen 1 or newer. Vivo on Snapdragon 778G will warm and lower FPS 20–30 minutes of the game session.
View the results on AnTuTu on YouTube for a specific model |
Check the game support in graphics settings (e.g. in Genshin Impact)|
Read the reviews on the forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community)|
Refining the CPU version (e.g., Snapdragon) 778G vs 778G+)-->
4.Camera: Who shoots better in low light?
Traditionally, Vivo was considered the leader in camera in the budget segment, but in 2023-2026 Xiaomi Redmi caught up and overtook the competitor, the secret is in cooperation with Samsung and Sony on the supply of sensors.
- 📸 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ It has a 200 MP main camera (Samsung sensor) ISOCELL HP3) It's optically stabilized, and it overtakes Vivo at night. V29 (50 MP, Sony IMX766V) detailing.
- 🎥 Vivo V29 Wins in portet mode thanks to the dual frontal (50 MP) + 8 MP) and background blurring algorithms.
- 🌃 In ultra-wide coal (8-12 MP), both brands perform similarly, but Redmi has less distortion around the edges.
According to the results of the DXOMARK tests (2026):
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ – 125 points (photo), 110 points (video).
Vivo V29 – 118 points (photo), 105 points (video).
If you want the main camera (landscapes, architecture), take Redmi.
How to check the camera before buying?
5. Battery and charging: who will live longer without a power outlet?
In terms of battery capacity, Redmi usually wins: 5000-5500 mAh versus 4500-4800 mAh in Vivo, but real life depends on optimization.
- 🔋 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (5000 mAh in the PCMark test lasts 14 hours at a mixed load.
- ⚡ Vivo V29 (4600 mAh – 11 hours, but supports charging 80W (0-100% in 30 minutes. Redmi's maximum 67W.
- 🔄 Vivo has proprietary Dual-Cell technology (the battery is divided into two parts), which reduces battery wear.
If you want maximum autonomy, take a Redmi with a 5000+mAh battery. If fast charging is important (for example, for trips), Vivo is preferable.
⚠️ Attention: Fast charging >60W Reduces battery life by 15-20% in 2 years, and if you plan to use your phone for a long time, charge it up to 80 percent and avoid overheating.
6.Software: MIUI vs Funtouch OS
Both shells are built on the basis of Android, but the approaches to them are radically different:
- 🤖 MIUI (Redmi: more features out of the box (e.g. Game Turbo for gamers, Second Space for splitting workspace and personal space) but there are ads in system applications (disables in settings).
- 🎭 Funtouch OS (Vivo: minimalist design, no advertising, but less customization, but unique features like Jovi Smart Scene (location-by-location automation).
MIUI is often slowed down by background activity, for example, after 6 months of use, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ may brake when the camera is opened, while the Vivo V29 remains smooth.
Updates: Xiaomi releases security patches monthly, Vivo releases security patches quarterly. If you care about data security, go with Redmi.
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MIUI is suitable for those who like to “configure everything for themselves”, and Funtouch OS is for those who appreciate stability and lack of unnecessary features.
Price and price-quality ratio
In 2026, Xiaomi Redmi will offer more aggressive pricing.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (8/256 GB) — ~30 000 ₽.
- Vivo V29 (8/256 GB) — ~38 000 ₽.
- POCO X6 Pro (12/512 GB) — ~35 000 ₽ (In this case, the "iron" overtakes Vivo).
If you have a budget, Redmi gives you more for the same money: better processor, bigger battery, longer support. Vivo is justified if you are critical of the camera, design or screen.
Official brands stores (Mi Store, Vivo Shop) give a guarantee of 2 years, while retailers (Svyaznoy, M. Video) - 1 year.