Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-15 | Xiaomi is significantly newer, likely having longer software update support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 161.1 x 75 x 8 mm | Xiaomi is taller and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, but offers a larger screen. |
| Weight | 169g | 188g | Samsung is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Xiaomi offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer the same level of sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 395 PPI | Samsung's screen is slightly sharper, but the difference is not dramatically noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally viewable under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra | Samsung's chip offers significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 450,000 | Samsung offers noticeably better performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Samsung's GPU provides superior graphics capabilities for demanding games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm | Xiaomi has a much higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light performance with pixel binning, even though pixel size is smaller. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung provides an optical zoom option for better zoom shots without loss of image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | Xiaomi captures slightly higher resolution selfies, while Samsung has a slightly wider aperture for better low light. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.45, 1/5", 1.75µm | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode accuracy. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Samsung has slightly better wide-angle image quality with higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Samsung is capable of much higher resolution video recording, better for professional videography. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | Not Available | Samsung has an objective rating for its camera performance, while the Xiaomi is untested by DXOMark. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | Not Available | Samsung has an objective rating for its selfie camera, while the Xiaomi is untested by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, RAW | 4K Video | Samsung has more advanced camera features, such as 8k recording, optical zoom, and RAW capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Xiaomi charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Samsung offers additional wireless charging capabilities for greater convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 16 | Xiaomi's phone has a newer base Android version, and will likely have longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi, but Xiaomi includes MIMO for potentially better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xiaomi offers a newer Bluetooth standard, which may provide better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | BeiDou (B1) | Samsung has a more comprehensive GPS setup with dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Xiaomi offers a larger storage variant, which is better for users storing lots of media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM, which is better for intensive multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so users should choose a storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Noise Cancellation Microphone | Hi-Res Audio | Xiaomi has a feature to support Hi-Res Audio, while Samsung offers noise-cancellation microphone for better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung has better screen scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | None | Samsung offers a barometer, which can measure altitude and air pressure. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much better CPU and GPU performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, 8K video recording, and RAW image capture, making it more versatile for serious photographers. Additionally it has DXOMark scores for the camera.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers more convenient charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Better GPS: Features dual-frequency GPS for more accurate location tracking.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against scratches and impacts.
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers a barometer for environmental sensing.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 67W fast charging provide longer battery life and much faster recharge times.
- Larger Display: The 6.67" screen is beneficial for users who prefer a larger viewing experience.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 200MP sensor can potentially capture more detailed images.
- More RAM Option: Up to 12GB of RAM provides better multitasking capabilities, especially for heavy users.
- More Storage Options: Includes an option for 512GB internal storage, catering to users with extensive media libraries.
- Newer Software: Launches with a newer Android version, promising longer software support.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Support for Hi-Res Audio will give you a better listening experience than the S21 5G
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi has a significantly weaker processor and GPU compared to the Samsung.
- The Samsung's camera is much more advanced overall despite the lower megapixel count.
- The Samsung is much older, which means that it may not get as many software updates as the Xiaomi.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, photography capabilities, and advanced features. This includes gamers, photo enthusiasts, and users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high-end graphics
- Professional-level mobile photography and videography
- Users who rely on very fast application switching and responsiveness
- Users who rely on GPS for accurate location tracking, such as hikers
- Users who want to have wireless and reverse charging capabilities
- Price-to-Value: May be a good value if you can find it at a good discount. It still holds up in terms of performance and cameras for most use cases.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, a large display, and more storage options. Good for casual users who want a reliable phone for media consumption, social media, and general use.
- Use Cases:
- Extended media consumption (watching videos, reading)
- Users who frequently spend long periods away from a power outlet.
- Casual gaming and social media
- Users who store a lot of pictures, videos, and music on their device
- Users who want the latest Android version.
- Users who want Hi-Res Audio
- Price-to-Value: Usually offered at a very affordable price, making it a great value for the money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize faster performance for gaming and heavy apps, or is longer battery life more important for you?
- Camera Needs: Do you need the most advanced camera features, including telephoto zoom and 8K video, or are standard photos and videos sufficient?
- Longevity: How important is software update support? The newer Xiaomi will likely have a longer software support window.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a gamer or need top-tier performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior processor and GPU.
- If you are a casual user who wants to play some games and take some photos: The Xiaomi offers a good value for the money and will do the job.
- If you prioritize battery life and media consumption: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G for its larger battery and display.
- If you need a high-end camera system for photography and videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its advanced features.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here’s why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G has significant advantages in battery life, charging speed, and storage capacity, my personal use case leans heavily towards performance and camera quality. The S21 5G's Exynos 2100 chipset provides a much smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, which are areas where I frequently use my phone. Additionally, I value the superior camera capabilities of the S21 5G, particularly the optical zoom and 8K video. While the newer version of Android on the Xiaomi is attractive, I am more concerned about the core performance for what I am using the device for. I am also very drawn to the additional benefits of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
The significantly better performance of the S21 5G coupled with its more advanced camera system outweigh the advantages that the Xiaomi offers for my specific needs. Therefore, I would pick the Samsung.
