Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi A2+. On paper, they occupy different tiers of the smartphone market, and that’s going to be quite apparent in our analysis. I'll aim to break down what these differences mean for you, the user, with a strong emphasis on the practical implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's look at the specs side-by-side in the table below.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi A2+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-03-24 | The Redmi A2+ is significantly newer. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm | S21 FE is more compact, while the A2+ is larger and a little bulkier. |
| Weight | 177g | 192g | S21 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.52" | Redmi A2+ has a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1600 | S21 FE offers a much sharper image; text will be clearer, videos will be more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 269 | S21 FE has a much higher pixel density, leading to much sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED screen provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 FE's screen will scroll and animate much more smoothly. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE will be much easier to read in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Helio G36 | S21 FE has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 127,000 | S21 FE offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 FE’s graphics processing is far more capable for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi A2+ has a larger battery, potentially lasting a bit longer. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 FE charges much faster. |
| Features | Wireless & Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21 FE's main camera captures more detail with a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE offers optical zoom capabilities and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | S21 FE selfie camera captures significantly more detail. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE allows for ultra-wide angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE has far better video quality, and supports HDR, and stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has been reviewed for both Mobile and Selfie Camera by DxOMark with good results |
| Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Basic Features | S21 FE offers advanced camera features, including OIS, and RAW capture |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both are on Android 12 at the start, but S21 FE will receive more OS updates. |
| Max Version | Android 16 | Unspecified | S21 FE is confirmed to receive 4 additional major Android updates from it's launch OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 4 | S21 FE supports a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | S21 FE has richer Bluetooth features such as aptX. |
| GPS | Galileo + GPS, etc | GPS, etc | S21 FE offers more precise GPS location with Galileo support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | Unspecified | S21 FE comes with much higher storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | Unspecified | S21 FE comes with much larger RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE offers much richer, more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Rear-mounted | Both provide a fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unspecified | S21 FE has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full Suite | Basic | S21 FE offers significantly more sensors, leading to enhanced device capability and functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: This phone is a clear step-up in most aspects. Its strengths lie in its superior display, significantly faster performance, far better camera capabilities (both photo and video), faster charging, and more advanced features like wireless charging. The AMOLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and powerful Snapdragon 888 chip make the phone feel premium and responsive.
- Xiaomi Redmi A2+: This is an entry-level device, focused on affordability. Its strengths are its larger battery capacity, which could mean longer run time, and being the newer device, it might benefit from later software updates. But its compromises are significant – a lower resolution screen, weaker performance, basic camera setup, and slower charging.
How These Differences Translate to User Experience:
- S21 FE: Users will experience smoother, faster performance, vibrant visuals, and superior camera quality. They’ll be able to game, multitask, and watch media with a much better visual and performance experience. The brighter screen is a significant advantage for anyone spending time outdoors.
- Redmi A2+: This phone is designed for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and light social media usage. Users will have to compromise on screen quality, camera performance, and speed. However, the larger battery might be appealing to those who prioritize battery life over performance.
Trade-offs:
- S21 FE: It's more expensive and the battery is smaller, which might be a downside for those who require very long usage times, and it does not come with a charger in the box.
- Redmi A2+: It offers a budget-friendly option, but sacrifices performance, screen quality, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Best suited for:
- Users who value a premium experience: Want the best possible performance, display, and camera.
- Gamers: Benefit from the powerful Snapdragon 888 chip and smooth 120Hz display.
- Content Creators: Need a versatile camera setup for photos and videos.
- Tech enthusiasts: Want cutting-edge features like wireless charging and premium build quality.
- Xiaomi Redmi A2+: Best suited for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Need a phone for basic tasks without breaking the bank.
- First-time smartphone users: Value a simple and easy-to-use experience.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Need a phone that lasts a long time between charges, and don't care as much about the screen quality, camera, or performance.
- Users that need a very cheap backup or secondary device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? The S21 FE will be significantly more expensive, and you need to know if this is within your price range.
- What do you use your phone for? If you spend a lot of time gaming, watching videos, or taking pictures, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If it's primarily for browsing, messaging, and very basic usage, the Redmi A2+ can handle that.
- How much do you value smooth performance, display quality, and camera quality? If these are critical to you, the S21 FE is the better option. If not, the Redmi A2+ might be good enough.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This user needs the performance and features to handle demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: The Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi A2+. If the priority is on basic functionality and saving money, the A2+ is sufficient.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User Who Wants Good Photos
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The camera quality difference is too significant to ignore if photography is a priority.
What I Would Choose and Why
If it were my money, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G without a second thought. As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys using technology to its fullest potential, the compromises of the Redmi A2+ are just too large.
The smooth performance of the Snapdragon 888, the vibrant and sharp 120Hz AMOLED display, the versatility of the camera system, and the modern features like wireless charging all make the S21 FE a device I’d thoroughly enjoy using. Yes, it comes at a higher price, but I find it worth it for the massive increase in overall user experience. The Redmi A2+ is an okay device, but it's a little too basic for my personal tastes. The S21 FE just offers so much more of what I look for in a smartphone.
