1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm | 161.4 × 74.2 × 8.9 mm | Similar size; S20 FE 5G is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ might feel slightly more substantial. |
| Weight | 190g | 199g | S20 FE 5G is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has significantly better scratch and shatter resistance for the screen, increasing durability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers eSIM support, allowing users to switch carriers digitally without a physical SIM. S20 FE 5G lacks eSIM. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 446 PPI | Higher pixel density on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ contributes to a sharper and more detailed image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1800 nits | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is significantly brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ uses a newer, more efficient chip. The Dimensity 7200 Ultra should provide excellent day-to-day performance and good gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 803,381 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both are capable GPUs, but the Adreno 650 in the S20 FE 5G was a flagship GPU at its time, whereas the Mali-G610 MC4 is a solid mid-range GPU. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ offers more RAM options, allowing for better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ captures significantly more detail and potentially better low-light performance due to its higher resolution sensor and wider aperture. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | The S20 FE has a dedicated ultrawide, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ combines it with a Macro lens. Image quality may be better from S20 FE's dedicated ultrawide. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S20 FE 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing for better quality zoomed-in photos. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | S20 FE 5G's selfie camera captures more detail and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a dedicated depth sensor to improve the accuracy and quality of portrait mode photos, which may create a more pronounced and natural-looking bokeh effect. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | S20 FE 5G can record 4k video at 60fps, which may yield smoother video. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 121 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a validated camera performance score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will likely offer longer battery life, especially with moderate to heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ charges much faster. It can likely charge from 0-100% in under 30 minutes. The S20 FE 5G will take significantly longer. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | None | S20 FE 5G can wirelessly charge other devices and be wirelessly charged. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a newer version of Android and is likely to receive updates for a longer period. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a newer version of Bluetooth for better efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has better location accuracy with QZSS. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has options for more storage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated optical zoom lens provides better quality zoomed-in photos.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge wirelessly and can also wirelessly charge other devices, offering greater convenience.
- 4k 60fps Video Recording: Can record smoother video at 4k
- More Bluetooth Audio Profiles: Supports more profiles
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals, enhancing media consumption and overall user experience.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for extended usage.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Potentially better detail and low-light performance in photos.
- Newer Android Version: Longer software support.
- More RAM options: Smoother multitasking and application performance, especially with demanding apps.
- More Storage Options: Greater capacity for storing photos, videos, and apps.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior durability.
Trade-offs:
- The S20 FE 5G offers wireless charging capabilities but has a smaller battery and slower charging.
- The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has a high-resolution main camera but lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- The S20 FE 5G has better video recording capabilities at 4k 60fps
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Someone who values a versatile camera system with optical zoom and wireless charging, is comfortable with an older device and doesn't mind slower charging speeds.
- Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts who want optical zoom capabilities.
- Users who frequently use wireless charging.
- Users who want the ability to charge other devices wirelessly using their phone.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes fast charging, long battery life, a high-resolution display, and wants a newer phone.
- Use Cases:
- Gamers who need a long-lasting battery and a smooth display.
- Users who frequently travel and need a phone that can charge quickly.
- Content creators who want to capture detailed photos and videos.
- Power users who multitask frequently and need ample RAM.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging and battery life to you? The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ excels in this area.
- Do you prioritize optical zoom for your photos? The S20 FE 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Are you willing to trade features for a newer device with better software support? The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a newer phone, and has more RAM and storage options
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a frequent traveler who needs a phone that can charge quickly and last all day: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
- If you are a photography enthusiast who values optical zoom and wireless charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
- If you want the best possible screen durability and a long-lasting device, with fast charging: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. While the S20 FE 5G has the advantage of wireless charging and a telephoto lens, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+'s faster charging, higher resolution display, larger battery, and newer software make it a better overall package for my needs. I value having a phone that charges quickly, lasts all day, and has a great display for media consumption, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ delivers on all fronts. While the telephoto lens on the S20 FE 5G is a nice-to-have, I can live without it in exchange for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+'s other compelling features. The faster charging is a huge quality-of-life improvement that I would greatly appreciate.
