Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi 12. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and see which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at the specs, presented with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | S21 FE is more compact and easier to handle, while Redmi 12 is larger with a bigger screen and increased volume. |
| Weight | 177g | 198.5g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 offers a more immersive experience due to the bigger screen size, but S21 FE may be better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | Redmi 12 has slightly sharper images but it will be indistinguishable to most users. |
| PPI | 403 | 396 | Both offer very similar pixel density, displaying sharp and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors; better for dark-theme lovers. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE has smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE offers significantly better outdoor visibility and viewing in direct sunlight. Redmi 12 brightness info missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Helio G88 (12nm) | S21 FE boasts a significantly faster chipset, translating to smoother performance in demanding tasks and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 249,400 | S21 FE is vastly superior in performance, loading apps faster, multitasking efficiently, and offering better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 FE’s GPU is much more powerful, providing better graphics rendering for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 12 has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but this is affected by many other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 FE charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 9W reverse wired charging | S21 FE has wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly, while Redmi 12 can only charge other devices with wires. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Redmi 12 has a higher resolution for standard shots, but S21 FE’s large sensor size can be better for low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 FE includes a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 8MP | S21 FE has a higher-resolution selfie camera for better quality self-portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | Redmi 12 offers a Wide Angle lens that helps in capturing a wide field of view. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | Redmi 12 offers a Macro lens that helps in capturing close-up details. |
| Wide Angle + Macro lens | Yes | No | S21 FE offers a Wide Angle + Macro lens for ultrawide and close-up shots, but has a lower resolution than the standard lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE supports high-quality 4K video with better stabilization for smoother and more detailed footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 117 | Not tested | The Samsung S21 FE has been tested and has a score of 117 in DXOMark. Redmi 12 does not have a score in this test. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 127 | Not tested | The Samsung S21 FE has been tested and has a score of 127 in DXOMark. Redmi 12 does not have a score in this test. |
| Additional Features | OIS, Panorama, Night Mode | No OIS, Panorama, Night Mode | S21 FE offers more advanced camera features like OIS, night mode and panorama. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 ships with a newer version of Android, but S21 FE will be supported with Android updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 FE supports faster Wi-Fi speeds with lower latency on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Redmi 12 has a newer version of Bluetooth for slightly better energy efficiency and connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options, but neither allows expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM options, with higher RAM variants for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage variant carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE offers superior audio quality for immersive media consumption and clearer calls, better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi 12 features a more modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic Proximity | S21 FE is suitable for more advanced features including environmental monitoring, and gaming. Redmi 12 features an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a massive performance advantage, resulting in smoother multitasking, gaming, and app loading.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness ensures a vivid and smooth viewing experience, even outdoors.
- Advanced Camera Features: The S21 FE has more advanced camera capabilities, including a telephoto lens, 4K video at 60fps, OIS, and higher quality in low-light settings with a larger sensor.
- Premium Audio: With Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, the S21 FE delivers an enhanced audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a premium feature not present in Redmi 12.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.79-inch screen provides a more immersive experience, great for media consumption.
- Bigger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is larger and likely to offer better battery endurance on paper.
- More recent Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, but this is offset by software update commitment of the S21FE.
- Lower price: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 is in a lower price tier and would appeal to users on a lower budget.
- Additional Lenses: The Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a Wide Angle and Macro lens, which the S21 FE does not have.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: The absence of expandable storage and a smaller battery than the Redmi 12, as well as charging brick, could be a drawback for some users.
- Redmi 12: The performance is significantly lower, and the display and camera features aren't as advanced as the S21 FE. Also missing wireless charging and a lower brightness screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, display quality, a more advanced camera experience, and premium features. It's well-suited for gamers, social media enthusiasts, and those who want a smoother, more versatile smartphone experience.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12: Best for budget-conscious users who prefer a larger screen and longer battery life. It is suitable for everyday tasks, casual media consumption, and users who don’t need high-end performance or advanced camera capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself the following:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a snappy, lag-free experience and enjoy gaming, the S21 FE is the clear choice. If you only use basic apps and casual games, then the Redmi 12 is sufficient.
- How crucial is display quality and outdoor visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors or value a vibrant, high-contrast screen, the S21 FE’s AMOLED display will be significantly better.
- What are your photography priorities? If you want versatile cameras with good quality, OIS, optical zoom, and excellent video capabilities, the S21 FE wins. But if you need a wide angle and macro lens at the cost of other features, then the Redmi 12 might be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you need a phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the right choice.
- The Casual User: If you want a budget-friendly phone for everyday use, with a bigger screen and battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 will suffice.
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you want a versatile camera with better video quality and low-light capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option, while if you need the extra wide angle and macro lens in the rear, then the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a better fit.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. My decision is driven by a few key factors:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including app testing and gaming, the significantly superior performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset is a must-have.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate is critical for my daily use. The brightness is also paramount as I'm often outdoors, and the S21 FE's screen has very high peak brightness.
- Camera Versatility: While the Redmi 12 has its merits, the S21 FE’s camera with Optical Image Stabilisation, better video quality and low-light performance, coupled with telephoto lens are more crucial for my creative work and content creation.
- Audio quality: I watch a lot of movies on the go, so having a Dolby Atmos supported and a stereo speaker setup is important to me.
The absence of expandable storage doesn't bother me that much as I can use cloud storage, and the slightly smaller battery is a trade-off I am willing to make for the performance, camera and other superior features.
