Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022. I'm going to break down the specs, tell you what they mean for you as a user, and ultimately, help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm, 177g | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | S21 FE is slightly smaller and lighter, better for one-handed use, while Redmi 10 is larger and may feel a bit bulkier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both have standard smartphone design, no foldable features. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Very similar sharpness, both have FHD+ displays. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 405 ppi | Almost identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 FE's AMOLED offers superior color vibrancy, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE will offer a smoother, more fluid user experience, especially in animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE offers vastly better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | S21 FE has a significantly more powerful chip for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall snappiness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 253,600 | The S21 FE is in a different league here, offering much faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 FE's GPU is significantly more powerful for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 10 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more endurance. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21 FE charges faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 9W reverse wired | S21 FE offers more advanced wireless charging capabilities, while the Redmi 10 has basic reverse wired charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Redmi 10 has a higher megapixel count but the S21 FE has a larger sensor, typically resulting in better low-light images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | None | The S21 FE has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better portrait shots while the Redmi does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0, | S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera and slightly better low-light capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Redmi 10 has a wide-angle lens, while the S21 FE has none, making it better for group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | S21 FE has a wide angle/macro lens |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | S21 FE offers much better video quality with 4K recording, and advanced stabilization. |
| Video Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S21 FE has advanced videography capabilities with OIS and optical zoom. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE has a DxOMark score, indicating a high-quality camera performance, Redmi 10 scores are not present. | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 11 | S21 FE has a newer operating system and will get more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 FE supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi with MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Extensive Codec Support | 5.1, Fewer Codec Support | Redmi 10 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, S21 FE has more codec support for high quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | S21 FE offers two storage options and more storage than Redmi 10. | |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | S21 FE provides more RAM for smooth multitasking. | |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 FE offers enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Redmi 10 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 FE has a significantly more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | S21 FE offers more sensors, including a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: This phone is a performance beast with its Snapdragon 888 processor. It offers a vibrant AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and outstanding brightness, making it great for media consumption and gaming. The camera system is versatile, including 4K video, optical zoom, and excellent selfie capabilities. It also has superior software and more robust screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior display quality, significantly faster processor, better video capabilities, wireless charging, and generally more premium features.
Trade-offs/Limitations: No expandable storage, and a smaller battery. Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022:
Strengths: A more affordable option with a large battery, making it ideal for users who value battery endurance. It has a versatile camera setup with a higher resolution main sensor, as well as a macro and wide-angle lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Lower price, slightly larger battery, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and macro/wide-angle lens options that the S21 FE lacks.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Significantly lower performance than S21 FE, inferior display, slower charging, and less feature-rich camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, media enthusiasts, and anyone who values a premium experience. If you need a fast and responsive phone with excellent display and camera quality, this is the one.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching high-quality videos, capturing photos and videos for social media, demanding multitasking, and using resource-intensive apps.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users, casual users, and those who prioritize long battery life. This is a great phone for daily tasks, general media consumption, and photography on a budget.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, streaming videos, taking everyday photos, and for users who are less demanding.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is raw performance to me? If you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, the S21 FE is the clear choice. If you're more casual, the Redmi 10 will suffice.
- What are my main priorities for the display and camera? The S21 FE offers a superior AMOLED display and better video capabilities, whereas the Redmi 10 offers extra lenses. Consider your priorities here.
- How much am I willing to spend? The S21 FE is pricier but has superior performance and more premium features. If budget is your main concern, the Redmi 10 is the budget-friendly option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its powerful processor and 120Hz AMOLED display make it ideal for smooth, immersive gaming.
- For the Budget Shopper: The Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 is the better option. It offers essential features at a more affordable price.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The S21 FE will serve you better if you desire video quality and low-light, and selfie performance. The Redmi 10 is a good option if you want the added wide angle lens.
- For the Power User: The S21 FE is the better choice. Its fast processor, vibrant display, and extra features will enhance your experience.
What I Would Choose
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why: As a tech journalist, I value performance and display quality. The S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 chip and the 120Hz AMOLED screen would allow me to work more efficiently and also enjoy media consumption and gaming on the go. While it's true the battery may not be as big as the Redmi 10, the improved charging speeds and wireless charging capability offset this trade-off.
Moreover, the camera performance is superior, especially in video recording which I need for high-quality reviews and social content. While the Redmi 10 has a wider array of lenses, I find the S21 FE to be more consistent and overall better.
Ultimately, I'm willing to pay more for the performance boost and features that align with my needs. The S21 FE’s smoother user experience, superior screen, and higher performance levels just offer a far more enjoyable phone experience.
