Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. These are two solid mid-range contenders, each with their own strengths. I'll break down their specs, highlighting the practical implications for you, the user, and offer some straightforward advice to help you choose the right one.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what matters in daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | S21 FE is more compact, easier for one-handed use; Note 12 Pro is taller and slightly wider. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | S21 FE is lighter, less fatiguing for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Note 12 Pro offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are sharp, with slightly more vertical pixels on the Note 12 Pro. |
| PPI | 403 | 395 | Similar sharpness on both, minimal practical difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | S21 FE offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | S21 FE boasts a higher-end chipset, leading to snappier performance and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 573,200 | S21 FE is significantly faster, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 FE's GPU is more powerful, translating to superior graphics. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 Pro likely provides longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Note 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | None | S21 FE offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Note 12 Pro has a higher resolution sensor with a bigger size, good for detail and low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | N/A | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP | S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/1.9 | Note 12 Pro has a wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 12 Pro has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | N/A | S21 FE has a wide-angle plus macro lens in one. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 FE offers more versatile video features, including higher frame rate. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 102 | S21 FE has overall better photo and video quality. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | S21 FE has much better selfie quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | OIS, Ultra Stable Video | S21 FE offers optical zoom while Note 12 Pro offers ultra stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 12 | S21 FE has a more guaranteed updates to 16 compared to Note 12 Pro, which is unconfirmed |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Note 12 Pro has slightly newer version with improved data transfer rates. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options on both. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Note 12 Pro offers a 12GB RAM variant, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on both. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has a slight edge in audio due to the inclusion of noise cancellation microphone, making it better for calls in noisy environments. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 12 Pro features a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE has better screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has a wider range of sensors, like Barometer, suitable for more advanced features and applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 chipset gives it a huge edge in raw speed, app loading, and gaming. If performance is your top priority, this is the clear winner.
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1300 nits peak brightness makes the S21 FE much more usable in bright outdoor conditions.
- Better Cameras: While both have solid cameras, the S21 FE wins in key areas - overall, main camera, video quality, and selfie performance, offering more versatility with its telephoto lens and features such as optical zoom.
- Wireless Charging: It's a convenience that you might miss on the Note 12 Pro. Reverse charging adds flexibility to top up other accessories on the go.
- Better Build: It is equipped with a superior screen protection and has more sensors
- Software Update: It's upgradable to Android 16 while the Note 12 Pro doesn't have a guaranteed maximum update version.
- Audio Clarity: The addition of noise cancellation microphone provides superior audio quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Strengths:
- Bigger Battery and Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery, combined with 67W fast charging, keeps you going for longer and recharges in a snap.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers more flexibility for various photographic compositions.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users prefer this ergonomic solution over in-display sensors.
- More RAM Option: The 12GB RAM option is excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Location Accuracy: With support for more satellite systems, the Note 12 Pro has improved location accuracy.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Lacks the larger battery and wide angle + macro lenses of the Note 12 Pro. Charging speed is significantly slower, and it doesn’t come with a charger in the box.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro: Performance can't match the S21 FE, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. It also has a less brighter display, and no reverse or wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers, power users, and anyone who needs fast app loading and seamless multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, with greater zoom capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen makes this a great choice for people who frequently use their phone in sunlight.
- Tech Lovers: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging and better audio quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is ideal for:
- Battery Life Warriors: Users who need their phone to last all day without charging and want fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Those who value the versatility of wide-angle and macro lenses for creative shooting.
- Multitaskers on a Budget: The 12GB RAM option is excellent for those who use multiple apps simultaneously, or those who need a more performant device on a budget.
- Budget Conscious Shoppers: Generally more budget friendly for the same storage and RAM option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your priority – Performance or Battery? If you prioritize raw power and a brighter screen, go for the S21 FE. If you need long battery life and fast charging, choose the Note 12 Pro.
- How do you use your camera? If you want optical zoom, better selfies, and overall better video capabilities, the S21 FE is for you. If you want more lenses for different types of shots, the Note 12 Pro has that covered.
- What's your budget? If the price is very important and the Note 12 Pro fits your use case better, then it is the better choice. However, the S21 FE is the better phone if it's within budget.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Get the S21 FE for its top-tier performance and gaming experience.
- The All-Day User: The Note 12 Pro will keep you going with its bigger battery and fast charging.
- The Mobile Photographer: If you are looking for a dedicated telephoto lens, more professional features and better all-around quality, choose the S21 FE. If your goal is simply more flexible compositions using wide angle and macro, pick the Note 12 Pro.
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Note 12 Pro may be the more affordable option, with better battery life and faster charging, but with compromises in other areas.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro has its advantages, particularly in battery life and charging speed, the S21 FE's strengths align more with my daily use. As someone who values snappy performance, outdoor visibility, high-quality photos, and better video capabilities, the S21 FE is the clear winner for me. While the slightly smaller battery and slower charging could be a downside, the benefits outweigh them for my specific use case, giving me an overall better user experience.
