Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 12C
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 168.8 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | The S21 5G is noticeably more compact and easier to handle one-handed. The Redmi 12C is larger and may feel bulky. |
| Weight | 169g | 192g | The S21 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and less tiring to hold. The Redmi 12C feels heavier. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.71" | The Redmi 12C offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. The S21 5G is more compact, leading to better PPI. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | S21 5G has sharper and more detailed visuals, better for text clarity and higher quality content. Redmi 12C's lower resolution may look less crisp. |
| PPI | 421 | 268 | S21 5G delivers a much sharper display. Text and images will appear less pixelated, enhancing overall visual clarity compared to Redmi 12C. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G has superior image quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency for dark themes. Redmi 12C has more conventional display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G delivers smoother animations and a more fluid user experience, especially noticeable when scrolling and gaming compared to the standard experience on Redmi 12C. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 5G offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight. Redmi 12C's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, allowing for faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming. The Redmi 12C's chipset is much less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | The S21 5G offers far superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Redmi 12C will struggle more with such tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | S21 5G's more powerful GPU allows for better gaming performance. Redmi 12C's GPU will struggle more with graphically intensive games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8 | Although Redmi 12C has higher resolution, the S21's sensor is known for better image quality. The Samsung's larger pixel size typically leads to better low-light performance, and the Sony sensor performs better than what is likely on the Redmi 12C. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm pixel | None | S21 5G offers a dedicated zoom lens for better telephoto shots and portrait mode. Redmi 12C lacks this feature, limiting zoom capabilities and portrait quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm pixel | 5MP | The S21 5G delivers significantly higher resolution and a better sensor for clearer and more detailed selfies. The pixel size on S21 is significantly higher than the Redmi 12C |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi 12C offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. S21 5G lacks this feature and relies on its wide-angle lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm pixel | None | S21 5G offers a dedicated ultrawide lens, allowing for more versatility in capturing landscapes and group photos. Redmi 12C lacks this, limiting the field of view. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | The S21 5G has superior video capabilities with higher resolutions, frame rates, HDR, and advanced stabilization and slow motion. Redmi 12C has basic video capabilities. S21 5G is much more versatile for video creation. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | Main: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | Main: 45 (Photo: 50, Video: 43) | S21 5G's superior scores indicate significantly better overall image and video quality. The Redmi 12C is much more basic. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | Main: 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | N/A | S21 5G has significantly better selfie capabilities. Redmi 12C is not rated. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi 12C offers a larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life between charges, depending on use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 10W fast charging, Li-Ion | The S21 5G charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. Redmi 12C's charging will be much slower. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Non-removable | S21 5G offers versatile charging options and can wirelessly charge other devices. Redmi 12C is much more basic on charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate offers much better image quality, sharpness, and smoothness.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile triple-lens setup with telephoto, and ultrawide lenses, and advanced video features. DxOMark confirms far superior quality in both photo and video.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Supports faster wired charging and also offers wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Premium Build: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for display protection.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and stereo speakers.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds, and more comprehensive Bluetooth support.
- More Sensors: Includes additional sensors like a barometer for environmental data, compass, and gyroscope for better gaming and augmented reality experience
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Has a larger battery capacity, which potentially translates to longer battery life.
- Larger Display: Has a larger display size, which can be preferred for media consumption.
- Lower Price: Likely to be available at a much more affordable price point.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Higher price point and smaller battery capacity.
- Redmi 12C: Significantly lower performance, lower quality display, and basic camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image and video quality, including zoom capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching movies, TV shows, and gaming.
- Tech Savvy Users: Users who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and the latest connectivity standards.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Content creation and editing.
- Daily use requiring quick app loading and multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability and need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, browsing, and basic social media.
- Users who prefer a larger screen: Those who prefer a bigger display for media consumption and general usage.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge with lighter usage.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic social media and messaging.
- Watching videos and casual gaming.
- Longer battery life for everyday use
- First time smartphone users
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 5G: Offers premium features and performance at a higher price.
- Redmi 12C: Provides basic functionality at a budget-friendly price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 5G is a premium phone while the Redmi 12C is a budget option.
- How important is performance and camera quality? The S21 5G excels in these areas, while the Redmi 12C is basic.
- What are my main use cases? S21 5G is ideal for demanding tasks and media consumption; Redmi 12C is suitable for basic daily use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, basic use: If you need a cheap phone for basic tasks, choose the Xiaomi Redmi 12C.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera priority: If you need a powerful phone with good camera quality, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 3: Balance of features and price: If you need a decent all-rounder and don't mind basic performance and camera, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the more affordable option, although the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers vastly superior quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would unequivocally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it is older and lacks the larger battery of the Redmi 12C, its advantages are substantial and address all my key priorities:
- Superior Display: As someone who spends a lot of time consuming media and browsing, the vibrant and smooth AMOLED display with its high resolution and refresh rate is significantly more enjoyable to use. The drastically higher brightness also makes it more convenient to use outdoors.
- Performance: I often multitask and occasionally play games, so the powerful Exynos 2100 chipset and its accompanying GPU provides a significantly more fluid and responsive experience.
- Camera System: I value photography and the S21 5G's versatile camera setup, which includes dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses, provides far superior image and video quality, in addition to the vast range of advanced features not available on the Redmi 12C. The DxOMark scores clearly indicate this large gap in quality.
- Overall Experience: Features such as faster charging, wireless charging, better audio, and advanced connectivity, contributes to a much more well-rounded and modern phone that I would appreciate more.
While the Redmi 12C offers a larger battery, the performance and display trade-offs are far too significant to justify. In my opinion, the S21 5G provides a vastly superior user experience that is worth the extra cost, even if it means carrying a power bank occasionally. The Redmi 12C is a budget phone, and its limitations are obvious when compared to a premium device like the S21 5G.
