Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. These phones might look similar on paper, but they cater to different priorities. As a tech journalist, I’m here to break down the specs, translate the tech jargon into real-world benefits, and help you decide which device fits your lifestyle.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm, 177g | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm, 188g | S21 FE is more compact and lighter, better for one-handed use; Note 12 is larger, might be preferred for media consumption. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Note 12’s larger display offers a more immersive viewing experience; S21 FE is slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; slight difference in aspect ratio, negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 403 | 395 | Similar pixel density, both screens are very sharp, minor difference will be unnoticed by the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors and deep blacks; great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; a better overall experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 FE will be more visible under direct sunlight; both screens are bright enough for indoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | S21 FE is significantly more powerful; Handles demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games with ease; Note 12 is geared for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 460,800 | S21 FE offers much better performance, better app loading, gaming, multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | S21 FE provides smoother graphics, noticeably better in gaming; Note 12 has a less powerful GPU. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 will likely offer longer battery life due to a larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Note 12 charges faster, making it more convenient for users with shorter charging windows. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | Non-removable | S21 FE offers versatile charging options; Note 12 lacks wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm, IMX555 | 48MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, S5KJN1 | S21 FE has better low-light performance due to larger sensor; Note 12 has a higher resolution primary sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm, Hynix HI-847 | Not available | S21 FE can take better zoom photos; Note 12 lacks zoom capabilities |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.8µm, IMX616 | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12µm, | S21 FE has better clarity; Note 12 has decent selfie camera quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, Sony IMX258 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, OV08D10 | Both phones have wide angle capabilities; S21 FE can take better ultrawide photos; Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 can capture close-up photos; S21 FE lacks macro capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, slow-mo 960fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo 120fps | S21 FE captures better, more stable and high-resolution videos; Note 12 captures average video quality. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 Mobile, 127 Selfie | 69 Mobile | S21 FE excels in both main and selfie camera quality; Note 12 has much lower photo and video quality. |
| Additional Features | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS | Ultra stable video | S21 FE has a better and more capable camera with OIS; Note 12 has the Ultra stable video feature. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly better performance, handling demanding apps and gaming with ease.
- Superior Camera System: Excels in photography with its versatile triple-lens setup, offering optical zoom and enhanced image processing. It also has much better video recording capabilities than the Note 12.
- Enhanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for superior protection.
- Better Audio Features: Better quality, featuring Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, and Stereo Speakers
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and high-end features, making it great for mobile gamers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs: It may not last as long on a single charge as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, it is more expensive, and lacks a dedicated macro lens.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides better endurance.
- Faster Charging: Offers 33W fast charging.
- Larger Display: Features a larger 6.67-inch screen, great for media consumption.
- Budget-Friendly: More affordable than the S21 FE.
- Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography
- Competitive Advantages: A better option for users on a budget who want a big screen and long-lasting battery, suitable for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and media consumption.
- Trade-offs: The performance is significantly lower compared to the S21 FE, and the camera is less advanced with poor photo and video quality. It also lacks some features like wireless charging and a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for: Power users, gamers, photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality video recording, social media content creation, and users who require smooth multitasking.
- Recommendation: Choose this phone if performance and camera quality are a priority, regardless of the price.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, casual gamers, and those who value long battery life.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, media consumption, browsing, and light gaming.
- Recommendation: Great for everyday tasks, especially if you prioritize a large screen and long battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making a final decision, ask yourself the following:
- How important is high-end performance to me? If you need to run demanding apps and games, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If not, the Note 12 may suffice.
- What are my photography priorities? If you take a lot of photos and videos and want the best quality, choose the S21 FE. If you only take pictures for social media, the Note 12’s camera is satisfactory.
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 12 is a more budget-friendly option, while the S21 FE offers a flagship experience at a higher price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Samsung S21 FE 5G for its powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and superior graphics capabilities.
- The Photographer: The Samsung S21 FE 5G has better image quality, video recording and more versatile lenses.
- The Budget Shopper: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers a large screen and long battery life.
- The Everyday User: The Redmi Note 12 is perfect for daily use if you're looking for a phone for basic tasks and longer battery life.
- The Creator: The Samsung S21 FE 5G excels in capturing higher resolution and quality videos, with a more complete set of camera features.
Which Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who frequently pushes smartphones to their limits, the performance of the Snapdragon 888 chipset and its superior camera capabilities are critical. I use my phone for everything from gaming to filming videos and editing them on the go, and the S21 FE provides a much smoother and more reliable experience. The brighter display and the versatile charging options also mean that it fits more seamlessly into my active lifestyle.
Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a bigger battery, it simply doesn't measure up in terms of performance or camera quality. While I appreciate a good value, I need performance and high-quality photo capabilities, and the S21 FE excels in these areas. I would happily sacrifice a bit of battery life for a device that can keep up with my demanding workflow. So for me, the overall experience of the S21 FE justifies the higher price point.
