Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-03-30 | Redmi Note 12 4G is newer, likely with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 12 4G is taller and wider, less pocketable; S21 5G is more compact |
| Weight | 169g | 183.5g | S21 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 4G has a larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, so no real difference |
| PPI | 421 | 395 | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images, though not dramatically noticeable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 5G is slightly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | S21 5G has a much more powerful processor, significantly faster app loading and gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 338,900 | S21 5G has significantly superior performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 5G's GPU is much better for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 12 4G has higher resolution, S21 5G has larger sensor for better low light |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | Not Available | S21 5G has a dedicated zoom camera, Redmi Note 12 4G relies on digital zoom |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21 5G has a dedicated wide-angle, better quality |
| Macro Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 4G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 4G has higher resolution, S21 5G has wider aperture for better low light |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 5G supports much higher quality video recording, suitable for professional use, includes stabilization |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 63 | S21 5G offers far superior camera quality |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | S21 5G is better for selfies |
| Features | 4K, 8K, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc | Digital Zoom, HDR, basic features | S21 5G has significantly more camera features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 4G should last much longer on a single charge due to its higher capacity |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Redmi Note 12 4G has faster charging |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | S21 5G offers more charging versatility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 13, upgradeable to 14 | Redmi Note 12 4G is newer and likely to receive updates sooner, but will likely end sooner. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 5G has faster and more efficient WiFi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, various codecs | Bluetooth 5.0, basic codecs | S21 5G supports more advanced Bluetooth audio features |
| GPS | More comprehensive, dual band | Basic GPS | S21 5G has better GPS accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, though Redmi Note 12 4G starts with a lower base option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both have similar RAM availability; Redmi Note 12 has a model with lower RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 5G offers superior audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 4G's fingerprint scanner is more convenient to access |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 5G has significantly stronger screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More sensors | Basic set | S21 5G includes a barometer, and geomagentic sensor, useful for enhanced features and more gaming capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster processing speeds, making it ideal for demanding games, multitasking, and heavy applications.
- Enhanced Camera System: Superior image quality, 8K video recording, optical zoom, and advanced features like OIS and RAW capture result in better overall camera performance.
- Premium Build and Display: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection, while the higher brightness and pixel density enhance the viewing experience.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio contribute to a more premium user experience.
- Better Connectivity: Includes faster WiFi, better Bluetooth connectivity with more advanced features and more accurate GPS.
- More comprehensive set of sensors: Includes a barometer for altitude information and a geomagnetic sensor for better compass accuracy.
- Superior Camera: Including DxOMark scores, proves much better camera performance for photos and videos.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers much longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phone to last a full day or longer.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is slightly quicker than the S21's 25W.
- More Affordable: The Redmi Note 12 4G is typically available at a lower price point.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The side-mounted sensor is considered by many to be more convenient to access.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer OS version, Android 13, although the S21 can be upgraded to a newer version (15)
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices battery life for performance and camera capabilities. It's more expensive.
- Redmi Note 12 4G: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for better battery life and affordability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with advanced features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate a vibrant, high-brightness screen and enhanced audio quality.
- Users who want premium build quality and features: Wireless charging, premium materials, and a more comprehensive sensor suite.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding mobile games will run smoother on the S21 5G.
- Content Creation: Recording high-resolution videos, capturing high-quality photos, and editing on the go.
- Media Consumption: Watching movies, streaming videos, and listening to music with better display and audio quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a good phone at an affordable price.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can easily last through a full day or longer.
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for basic tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Users who do not prioritize high camera quality or performance: Good for general tasks, not demanding apps or games.
Use Cases:
- Extended Daily Use: Ideal for users who spend long periods away from a charger.
- Basic Tasks: Browsing the web, social media, calls, and light productivity tasks.
- Casual Photography: Capturing everyday moments without the need for high-end quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget? The Redmi Note 12 4G is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance? The S21 5G is much faster, important for gaming and demanding apps.
- How important is battery life? The Redmi Note 12 4G offers significantly longer battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming & Performance): If you're a gamer or a power user who values speed and smooth operation, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice, despite its higher price and lower battery life.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Battery Life): If you're looking for an affordable phone with excellent battery life for daily use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a great option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Priority): If you prioritize photo and video quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice, offering enhanced image quality, more features, and better video recording capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G has the advantage of a much larger battery and a newer OS out of the box, the S21 5G wins in the areas that are most important to me: performance and camera quality. The Exynos 2100 chip is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 685, and the camera on the S21 5G is better in almost every category.
Even though the battery life might be less, I'm willing to trade that for the superior performance and photography. I also appreciate the more premium build quality, the additional sensors, better connectivity, and the fact it has wireless charging. For me, the S21 5G offers a more complete and satisfying experience overall.
