Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi A1+. These two phones sit at drastically different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right device. I'll break it down into what matters most: design, display, performance, camera, and battery life, then wrap it up with my recommendation.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-09-23 | The Redmi A1+ is newer by about 8.5 months. |
| Physical Size | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | S21 FE is more compact, better for single-handed use; Redmi A1+ is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 177g | 192g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.52" | Redmi A1+ has a slightly larger screen, but it’s not a game changer. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | S21 FE is significantly sharper; text and images will appear far more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 269 | S21 FE's screen is noticeably more crisp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE boasts superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, especially noticeable when watching videos. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 FE offers noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is significantly brighter, far better for use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Helio A22 (12nm) | S21 FE delivers vastly superior performance in all tasks—gaming, multitasking, app loading, etc. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 95,000 | S21 FE is significantly faster and more responsive, showing in every aspect of performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 FE handles graphics-intensive tasks and games with ease, while Redmi A1+ will struggle with demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi A1+ has a slightly larger battery which could potentially mean longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 FE charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers convenient wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE captures higher resolution images with better low light performance thanks to larger sensor and pixel sizes. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE takes dramatically higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated wide angle camera for more creative photography |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE records higher resolution, smoother and stabilized video footage. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has been thoroughly tested, indicating a much higher quality image and video output, especially selfies. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | HDR, Face Detection | S21 FE offers a far more versatile and capable camera experience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 12 | S21 FE has more software upgrade potential. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | 802.11n | S21 FE is faster and more reliable on Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, aptX, various profiles | 5.0, AAC | S21 FE supports higher quality audio codecs and more connection profiles for greater compatibility with devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21 FE offers more accurate positioning thanks to Galileo support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 32 GB | S21 FE provides significantly more space for apps, photos, and videos; Redmi A1+ has very limited storage space. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 2 GB | S21 FE offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can expand storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE provides a much richer, more immersive audio experience thanks to its high-fidelity speaker setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Both fingerprint sensors work fine, although the position on the A1+ may be preferred for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE's display is protected with the latest Gorilla Glass, offering better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic Proximity | S21 FE has more sensors and gives more data for apps. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: This phone is a powerhouse, offering a premium experience in nearly every aspect. Its display is gorgeous, the performance is top-tier, the cameras are highly versatile, and it packs features like wireless charging and water resistance. It is designed for users who demand high performance and a top-notch experience.
- Xiaomi Redmi A1+: This device is all about the essentials. It prioritizes affordability and a simple user experience. Its strengths are its large battery and the simplicity of the Android Go software, it is suitable for users with limited needs.
Strengths and Competitive Advantages
- S21 FE: Dominates in display quality, performance, camera versatility, and features. Its superior screen, processor, and high quality camera setup makes it far superior.
- Redmi A1+: It's very low cost, having a lower battery capacity while not necessarily a disadvantage depending on the use case.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- S21 FE: The main trade-off is its cost. It's a premium device, and that comes with a premium price. Additionally, despite the presence of a larger battery on the Xiaomi, the Samsung still has better battery optimization.
- Redmi A1+: Users will sacrifice in nearly every area except battery and physical size. Its performance is very basic, the display isn't great, and the camera is quite limited. It's best suited for users on a tight budget who need basic functionality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Users:
- Power users: Gamers, content creators, and heavy multitaskers will love the raw performance and vibrant display.
- Photography enthusiasts: The versatile camera system offers high-quality images and videos in many scenarios, with an incredible selfie camera.
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who appreciate cutting-edge features and a seamless user experience will enjoy this device.
- Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Users:
- Budget-conscious users: People who need a basic smartphone without breaking the bank.
- First-time smartphone users: Its simple UI and focus on essentials make it easy to use.
- Users with basic needs: Those who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, and very light app usage will find this device adequate.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you have a tight budget, the Redmi A1+ is an obvious choice. If you can spend more, the S21 FE is a massive upgrade.
- How important is performance and quality? If you care about smooth performance, gaming, and a vibrant display, the S21 FE is the only real choice. The A1+ isn't great for anything performance intensive.
- What are your main use cases? If you only need basic calling and messaging, and have a low budget, then the A1+ can suffice. If you're going to be taking pictures, watching videos, using apps or gaming, you will want to go with the S21 FE.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: A tech enthusiast wanting to replace an old phone and take good photos and videos.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, with its amazing screen, processor, and camera system.
- Scenario 2: A college student with a very limited budget, needing a device for texting and calls.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi A1+, offering acceptable performance for light use at a low price.
- Scenario 3: A user who mostly wants to browse the internet and consume media.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, with its stunning display, great speakers, and very powerful processor making web browsing smooth.
- Scenario 4: A user on a very tight budget who would like a phone with a long lasting battery.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi A1+ with its 5000mAh battery.
What Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G without hesitation. As a tech journalist and someone who uses their smartphone heavily, the massive differences in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are simply too significant to ignore. Yes, it's more expensive than the Xiaomi Redmi A1+, but the leap in overall experience is well worth the extra investment. The 120Hz AMOLED display is noticeably smoother and more vibrant, the Snapdragon 888 processor can handle anything I throw at it, and the camera system lets me capture high-quality photos and videos without any issues. These advantages add up to a much more satisfying and enjoyable daily usage experience, which is what I value most. While the A1+ is a great budget option, it simply doesn't compare in terms of functionality. For me, the S21 FE offers the performance and experience I value.
