1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | S21 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed, Note 11 Pro+ is larger and may feel bulkier |
| Weight | 169g | 204g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Note 11 Pro+ offers a larger viewing area for multimedia and gaming; S21 is better for one-handed use |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 395 | S21 has slightly sharper display, but both are excellent. The difference is unlikely to be noticeable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in very bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | S21 provides higher benchmark scores and likely faster app loading and smoother gaming experience |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 528,100 | S21 performs significantly better in benchmarks, translating to overall snappier operation |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21's GPU is more powerful, better for graphics-intensive tasks and higher frame rate gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.89, 1/1.52" | Note 11 Pro+ has much higher resolution; S21 is expected to perform slightly better in low light due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos, where the Note 11 Pro+ only has digital zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | S21 has a wide-angle lens while the Note 11 Pro+ has a dedicated wide-angle camera; Both capture wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, | Note 11 Pro+ offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Note 11 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies, but S21 has wider aperture for better low-light performance |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade use |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Note 11 Pro+ has larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Note 11 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 120W Hypercharge | S21 offers wireless charging, Note 11 Pro+ has much faster wired charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11 (no max version) | S21 is confirmed to receive more Android updates, while the update future is uncertain for the Note 11 Pro+ |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows memory expansion via SD card |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer good audio quality, but Note 11 Pro+ offers higher resolution audio |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 11 Pro+ offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a more efficient way to unlock the phone |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has better screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 includes a barometer while Note 11 Pro+ uses virtual proximity sensor; Both have good sensor suites, but each is aimed for different experiences |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly higher benchmark scores, leading to snappier performance, better gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Camera Versatility: Offers a telephoto camera with optical zoom, providing more flexibility in capturing different types of shots. It has better video recording capabilities (8K vs 4K)
- Premium Build and Display Protection: Utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Advanced Features: Features wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, a barometer, and a more established software update track record.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 120W charging allows for extremely quick top-ups, a massive advantage for users who need to charge their phone on the go.
- Larger Battery: Provides more capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera captures highly detailed images, especially in good lighting.
- Hi-Res audio: Offers a higher audio resolution
- More Comprehensive GPS: Offers a wider array of GPS systems
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy S21 has better performance, camera versatility and more premium features while the Note 11 Pro+ focuses on longer battery life and extremely fast charging.
- The S21 has a smaller battery, slower charging speed and less battery capacity compared to Note 11 Pro+
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize smooth and snappy performance, heavy multitasking, and demanding gaming.
- Photography Buffs: Users who value camera flexibility, including optical zoom, and high-quality video recording.
- Users Seeking a Premium Experience: Those who prefer a smaller, more manageable device, appreciate wireless charging, and want guaranteed software updates.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games will run smoother with better frame rates on the S21.
- Professional Photography/Videography: The 8K recording and optical zoom offer more creative control.
- Everyday Productivity: Smooth multitasking and quick app launches provide a seamless experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need their phone to last all day and those who hate having to charge their phones frequently.
- Fast Charging Lovers: Those who need extremely fast charging, and are willing to sacrifice premium features.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a large sensor on their main camera for high-resolution photos and appreciate macro and wide-angle options.
Use Cases:
- Media Consumption: The larger display is great for watching movies or videos and longer battery life allows for hours of consumption.
- On-the-Go Professionals: The fast charging allows for quick top-ups when power is scarce.
- Everyday Tasks: Reliable battery life ensures you'll get through a full day of typical usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life and charging speed? If performance is key, choose the S21. If battery life and fast charging are more important, choose the Note 11 Pro+.
- How important is camera flexibility and versatility? If optical zoom and higher-quality video are crucial, choose the S21. If you're content with a high-resolution main camera and wide-angle lens, the Note 11 Pro+ is sufficient.
- Do you want a more compact device or larger screen? If you prefer a smaller, more manageable device, the S21 is the best choice. If you want a larger screen for media consumption, the Note 11 Pro+ is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): A user who games heavily, does a lot of multitasking, and edits photos and videos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G due to superior performance and camera versatility.
- Scenario 2 (On-the-Go Professional): A user who needs a reliable phone that can last the entire day with quick charging on the go. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G because of long battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): A user who primarily browses social media, watches videos, and takes the occasional photo. Recommendation: Could go for either phone based on preference for size, camera features and importance of battery life and fast charging.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. My primary use cases involve mobile gaming, and photography, both of which are areas where the S21 outperforms the Note 11 Pro+. The better chipset and the telephoto lens make it a better pick for my usage. While the Note 11 Pro+ has a bigger battery and faster charging, I'd much rather prefer the overall performance of the S21.
