Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi A3
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 168.3 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The S21 5G is significantly smaller and slimmer, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The Redmi A3 is noticeably larger and may feel less ergonomic for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 193g | The S21 5G is lighter, which enhances portability and reduces fatigue during extended use. The Redmi A3 is heavier and may feel bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds, but the protection offered is different. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.71" | The Redmi A3 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The S21 5G is more compact, better for those who prefer a smaller device. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1650 | The S21 5G has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. The Redmi A3's lower resolution may result in pixelation and less detail. |
| PPI | 421 | 268 | The S21 5G's higher pixel density provides a sharper, more detailed visual experience. Images and text are noticeably clearer compared to the Redmi A3. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 5G's AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior power efficiency, especially with dark mode. The Redmi A3's IPS LCD is more basic, with less vibrant colors and blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The Redmi A3's 90Hz is still smooth, but not as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 5G is vastly brighter and offers superior outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. The Redmi A3 has no brightness specification provided, suggesting inferior visibility in bright environments. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | The S21 5G's Exynos 2100 chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher-end gaming capabilities. The Redmi A3's Helio G36 is designed for basic tasks and will struggle with demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 127,000 | The S21 5G's much higher benchmark score indicates vastly superior overall performance, including app responsiveness and graphics rendering for gaming. The Redmi A3 is significantly less capable in this area. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | The S21 5G's GPU provides better graphics processing power, resulting in superior gaming and graphics-intensive application performance. The Redmi A3's GPU is much less powerful. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi A3's larger battery has the potential for longer battery life, though actual usage will vary. The S21 5G may require more frequent charging, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The S21 5G charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. The Redmi A3's slower charging speed can be inconvenient for many users. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless charging, 4.5W Reverse wireless charging | Non-removable | The S21 5G offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, useful for charging accessories or other devices. The Redmi A3 lacks these advanced features. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The S21 5G has a higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The Redmi A3 may produce lower-quality photos in comparison, particularly in low-light situations. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 5G has dedicated telephoto and portrait lenses, allowing for greater flexibility with zoom and depth of field. The Redmi A3 does not offer this capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The S21 5G's higher resolution selfie camera produces more detailed and clearer selfies. The Redmi A3's selfies are likely to be less sharp and detailed. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | The S21 5G's wide angle camera allows you to capture more of a scene in the shot, and has a macro lens for detailed close-up shots, which the Redmi A3 lacks entirely. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21 5G is capable of shooting extremely high-resolution video, providing a professional level of video output. The Redmi A3 is limited to 1080p footage. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | 45 (Photo: 53, Video: 37) | The S21 5G's significantly higher DxOMark scores mean better overall camera performance, particularly in photo and video quality. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not Tested | The S21 5G's significantly higher DxOMark scores mean better overall selfie camera performance. The Redmi A3 has no Selfie camera results on DxOMark. |
| Features | Many advanced features | Basic features | The S21 5G has more advanced camera features, like 4K and 8K video, optical zoom and stabilization, RAW support and a dedicated night mode, offering enhanced flexibility and creative control. The Redmi A3 offers a more basic photo-taking experience. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | The Redmi A3 has a newer version of Android out of the box. However, the S21 5G is confirmed to be upgraded to Android 15, potentially offering better software support in the long run. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The S21 5G's newer WiFi 6 standard allows for faster and more reliable WiFi connections, especially in crowded environments. The Redmi A3 has the 802.11ac standard, which is a little older. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The Redmi A3 has a newer Bluetooth standard, potentially offering better power efficiency and more reliable connections with Bluetooth devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | The S21 5G has support for more satellite systems (including dual frequency GPS) resulting in potentially more accurate location tracking. The Redmi A3 provides basic GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones offer dual SIM support for using two lines at the same time. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | The S21 5G has larger storage options (max of 256 GB), more suitable for those who need to store a large number of files and media. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB | The S21 5G's 8 GB of RAM should allow for significantly better multitasking and more smooth performance than the Redmi A3 with up to 6GB RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has an expandable storage, which is important for users who rely on it. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | The S21 5G's Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a superior audio experience, more immersive and high-quality sound. The Redmi A3 has a more basic audio system. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | The Redmi A3's side-mounted fingerprint is generally considered faster and more convenient. The S21 5G's basic fingerprint reader may be slower or less accurate. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The S21 5G’s newer Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops, ensuring greater device longevity. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic suite | The S21 5G includes a wider range of sensors, enabling more advanced features for gaming, augmented reality, and environmental data collection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, significantly brighter, leading to better viewing experience with vivid colors, sharpness and outdoor visibility.
- Much Higher Performance: Flagship-level chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu benchmark score, ensuring smoother multitasking, gaming, and app responsiveness.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior photo quality with higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and a dedicated telephoto lens. Also capable of 8K video recording. Great for photography enthusiasts.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and more sensors.
- Software Support: While it launched with an older version of Android, the phone is confirmed to be upgraded to Android 15, which can potentially make it a better long term investment.
- Faster Charging: The S21 5G charges more than twice as fast as the Redmi A3.
- More storage and RAM: The S21 5G features 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
Practical Implications: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G delivers a premium user experience with its superior display, robust performance, advanced camera features, and higher build quality. It caters to users who demand the best from their phone across all aspects.
Xiaomi Redmi A3 Advantages:
- Larger Display: More screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: Larger 5000mAh battery, potentially leading to better battery life and less frequent charging.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Utilizes the more recent Bluetooth 5.3 standard.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14 out of the box.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Might be more convenient than the basic fingerprint sensor present in the S21 5G.
Practical Implications: The Xiaomi Redmi A3 offers a budget-friendly option with a larger display and greater battery capacity, making it a good choice for users who prioritize those specific aspects and are not worried about other aspects of the phone.
Trade-offs
- S21 5G: The Samsung phone is more expensive, is smaller than the Redmi A3 and has a smaller battery capacity, meaning the battery life will likely be shorter than the Redmi A3.
- Redmi A3: The Xiaomi phone sacrifices performance, screen quality, camera capabilities, and build quality to achieve a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and want a smooth, lag-free experience for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile and high-quality camera system with advanced features.
- Users who value a premium display for media consumption and want vibrant colors, high contrast, and sharp visuals.
- Individuals who appreciate convenient features such as wireless charging and a device with strong screen protection.
- Those who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone with high specifications.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Watching HDR content on the go in bright conditions.
- Daily multitasking across multiple applications.
Xiaomi Redmi A3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a large screen for media consumption and browsing.
- Users who prioritize longer battery life over other features and do not mind the longer charging times.
- Individuals who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and social media browsing.
- People who prefer the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who prioritize having the latest Android version, at least out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual media consumption (watching videos and browsing social media).
- Basic daily tasks such as calls, messaging, and light web browsing.
- As a secondary phone for its large battery capacity and display.
- Users who are on a tight budget.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a higher price for its premium specifications, advanced features, and robust performance.
- The Xiaomi Redmi A3 provides a budget-friendly option by sacrificing performance and features, to ensure it provides a larger screen, and battery for those who need it.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming/photography vs. basic tasks/media consumption).
- What is my budget? (Can I afford the premium price of the S21 5G, or is the Redmi A3 more within my budget?).
- Which features are most important to me? (Display, camera, performance, battery, build quality, etc).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice, despite its smaller size.
- Scenario 2: Budget User: If you need a basic smartphone with a large display and a big battery on a tight budget, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 is a good option.
- Scenario 3: Battery Life User: If battery life is your top priority, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 with its 5000mAh battery might suit you better but the charging will be quite slow. However, you must be willing to give up a high quality screen, camera, and a significant amount of processing power in order to get it.
- Scenario 4: Casual Media User: If you are only looking for a large display for media consumption and do not plan on using it for gaming, or anything intensive, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 could be suitable.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it is an older phone, the massive difference in performance, screen quality, camera quality and build quality make it the obvious choice. The much more advanced performance would provide a better user experience across the board. While the battery life may not be as good as the Redmi A3, the much faster charging speed would offset the need for having to have it charged overnight, making it more convenient. The superior build quality will ensure the phone lasts me a lot longer.
While the Redmi A3 might be a good option for someone who is on a very tight budget, for anyone who can afford it, the S21 5G would provide a much better overall experience.
