1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | The S21 is significantly smaller, making it easier to handle and pocket, while the Redmi 12 is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 198.5g | The S21 is considerably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use and reducing fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.79" | The Redmi 12 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while the S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have similar sharpness; not a major difference in visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 396 | The S21 has slightly sharper visuals due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21's AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and vibrancy; better for media and dark mode usage. The Redmi 12's LCD panel is less vibrant and has lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21's 120Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 has much better outdoor visibility under sunlight due to its high brightness. Xiaomi brightness not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | The S21's 5nm chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in smoother performance in all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 249,400 | The S21 has significantly faster performance, enabling demanding apps and games. The Redmi 12 is considerably slower. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The S21's GPU provides superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | The Redmi 12 has higher resolution, but the S21 has a larger sensor, which generally means better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | The S21 offers enhanced zoom capabilities and portrait shots with better detail. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 8MP, f/2.1, sensor size unavailable | The S21 has a slightly higher resolution. Redmi has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | The Redmi 12 can capture more in a single shot. The S21 does not have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 allows for close-up shots. The S21 does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Not Available | The S21 offers flexibility in wide angle and close-up photography via a single lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21 can record professional-quality video due to its higher resolutions. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not available | The S21 has a significantly better camera performance based on DXOMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi 12 has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | The S21 charges faster than the Redmi 12. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 9W Reverse Wired | The S21 offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while the Redmi 12 offers only reverse wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 13, Upgradable to 14 | The Redmi 12 ships with a newer version of Android out of the box, but might not get the same level of long-term OS support as the S21. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 has faster Wi-Fi and is better for crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi has newer Bluetooth version. S21 has more extensive features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Standard GPS | The S21 has better GPS accuracy due to the additional support for satellite systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The S21's consistent 8 GB of RAM ensures good multitasking performance. The Redmi 12's lower RAM options might struggle with intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | The S21 offers superior audio quality with spatial audio and better clarity during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi 12's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more convenient than the S21. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Ultrasonic Proximity | The S21 has more sensors for environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and better pixel density, results in better viewing experience for all kinds of use cases, including outdoor use and media consumption.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset with a better GPU provides a more fluid user experience, particularly noticeable in gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, leading to a smoother overall experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, better low-light performance on main sensor, higher video recording capabilities (up to 8K), and advanced features like OIS, and superior selfie and main camera ratings on DxOMark. This makes the S21 better for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging add more convenience and flexibility.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio quality via stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and a noise-canceling microphone for clearer calls.
- More Accurate GPS: Better positioning due to support of more satellite systems.
- More environmental sensors: Includes a barometer and a Hall sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.79" display is preferable for media consumption and users who prioritize screen size.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life between charges, useful for users who are always on the go.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 is potentially more efficient than the S21’s Bluetooth 5.0.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers a wider variety of photography options compared to S21.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered more convenient and faster than in-display sensors.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Older phone model, smaller battery compared to Redmi, no macro or dedicated wide angle lens.
- Redmi 12: Significantly lower performance than the S21, inferior display technology and brightness, basic audio quality and limited camera functionality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Users who need fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiast: Users who value high-quality displays for video streaming and content creation.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who want a versatile camera system capable of capturing high quality photos and videos.
Users Prioritizing Premium Features: Those who want wireless charging, a premium build quality, and advanced features.
Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography, content creation, viewing high-resolution media, using power-hungry applications.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a large screen experience without spending a lot of money.
- Media Consumers: Users who value screen size and long battery life for watching videos and browsing.
- Casual Photographers: Those who need a basic, versatile camera for everyday use.
Users who Prefer Basic Functions: Those who want a reliable phone that is simple to use and prioritize longevity of battery over other features.
Use Cases: Watching movies and TV shows, browsing social media, casual photography, extended usage without frequent charging, basic productivity tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a higher price-to-value ratio for users who need high performance, premium features, and quality cameras. It is better suited for users who are willing to pay more for a superior experience.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a better price-to-value ratio for users who need a large screen, long battery life, and basic features. It's the more economical option for casual use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, basic communication)
- How important is performance and processing power to me? (Smooth and fast or basic performance is adequate?)
- What is my budget and how important are premium features? (Willing to pay for quality or prioritize affordability?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need the best possible performance for demanding games and applications, and you prioritize display quality and camera capabilities, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2: If you mainly need a phone for media consumption, social media, and basic everyday tasks, value having a large screen and long battery life, and your budget is limited, choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12.
- Scenario 3: If you are a casual photographer that wants a diverse set of lenses for creative photos, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has a wide-angle and macro lens, which the S21 doesn't.
- Scenario 4: If you need the best possible camera and do not prioritize the wide-angle or macro lens, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option due to its superior image quality and advanced features like OIS.
My Choice and Explanation:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a larger screen and a bigger battery, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G wins in almost every other important aspect. As an expert analyst, I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capability.
The superior performance of the Exynos 2100 chip in the S21 makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day tasks and more demanding applications. The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is significantly better than the IPS LCD of the Redmi 12, offering a much more enjoyable viewing experience. The camera system of the S21, with its telephoto lens, larger main sensor, and superior video recording capabilities, ensures I can capture high-quality photos and videos in various situations.
Additionally, features like wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a more accurate GPS add to the overall premium experience that the S21 provides. I would rather sacrifice a bit of battery life for a much better performing smartphone with superior display and camera than the Redmi 12, which sacrifices performance and display quality for larger battery.
