Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, two phones that, while seemingly in the same ballpark, offer quite different experiences. I've broken down the specs, and we’ll see how these translate into real-world scenarios.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-11-01 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is newer by about 10 months, potentially featuring more current tech and software optimizations. |
| Physical Size | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | The S21 FE is more compact, making it easier to handle with one hand. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is noticeably larger and thicker, which may not be as comfortable for some users. |
| Weight | 177g | 208.4g | The S21 FE is significantly lighter, which translates to better comfort during long periods of use. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ feels more substantial, but might become tiring for some. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming, but the S21 FE is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have very sharp, detailed displays, though the Redmi has a slightly higher pixel count, but the difference is very small. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 395 ppi | Practically identical pixel densities, meaning both displays will look equally crisp, with no real discernible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. AMOLED tends to be a Samsung designation, but these are generally considered the same quality technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens offer smooth animations and scrolling, making interactions feel fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | The S21 FE's screen is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. The Redmi's display may struggle in very bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is a previous-gen flagship chip and delivers substantially higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading and better gaming performance. The Dimensity 1080 is a mid-range chipset and is more efficient but less powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 573,100 | The S21 FE scores dramatically higher in benchmarks, showing the performance gap between the two. Expect a smoother overall experience with the S21 FE, especially with graphically demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 660 is more powerful, meaning the S21 FE will handle graphically intensive games with higher framerates and smoother gameplay. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, which suggests slightly longer battery life for regular tasks. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 120W fast charging | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports extremely fast charging. This is a game-changer, allowing users to fully charge their phone in a fraction of the time compared to the S21 FE. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | None | The S21 FE can wirelessly charge and reverse charge other devices, which is a convenience that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ lacks, but it doesn't include a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s 200MP sensor captures far more detail in images. However, the S21 FE's larger 1.8µm pixels might be better in low-light situations, despite having lower resolution. The Redmi has better sensor size, but smaller individual pixel sizes. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | None | The S21 FE includes a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom and better portraits. The Redmi does not include telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | The S21 FE offers this setup. The Redmi does not. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45 | The S21 FE has a higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, which should result in clearer and better lit selfies, especially in low light. The Redmi has a slightly smaller pixel size, and is missing sensor data. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Redmi has a wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | The Redmi has a macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | 4K@30fps, EIS | The S21 FE offers 4K at 60fps with HDR, for smoother and more dynamic videos. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ does not have HDR with 4k. Both phones have a 720p slow motion mode. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Mobile: 113 | The S21 FE scores slightly higher in overall camera performance. Its selfie camera is considerably better. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | The S21 FE has more years of OS update support, offering longer-term value. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The Redmi has slightly more modern Bluetooth version which should allow for a slightly faster and more stable connection. |
| GPS | Multiple Satellite Support | More Satellite Support | Both provide accurate navigation; the Redmi provides access to more satellites which might result in better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has more RAM, which can help with multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Both offer good audio quality, but the S21 FE has noise cancellation for clearer calls, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports Hi-Res audio for better sound reproduction through headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The Redmi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is likely more convenient and faster to access than the basic in-display sensor of the S21 FE. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21 FE offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which should be more scratch and shatter resistant. |
| Sensors | Environmental (Barometer) | None | The S21 FE has additional sensors, for greater environmental monitoring. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly better processing power and gaming performance.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness is a big advantage in outdoor visibility.
- Better Cameras: While the Redmi has a higher megapixel count, the S21 FE's camera excels in overall image quality, especially in low-light, thanks to larger pixel sizes on its primary sensor and higher quality sensors in its secondary cameras, along with its impressive telephoto lens and selfie camera.
- Wireless Charging: The S21 FE has wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility.
- Software Support: Offers more years of software updates, extending its lifespan.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior durability and protection.
Trade-offs:
- Lower battery capacity and slower charging: Compared to the Redmi.
- Less RAM: The base version has only 6GB of RAM, which can be a limiting factor for multitasking.
- Older Design: It’s a slightly older design and the larger bezels are visible.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging is a huge advantage, enabling very quick top-ups.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery should offer better battery life.
- High-Resolution Main Camera: The 200MP main camera sensor captures incredible detail.
- More RAM: The option for 12GB RAM is great for heavy users.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and quicker than in-display sensors.
- Wider Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers versatility in photography.
Trade-offs:
- Less Powerful Chipset: The Dimensity 1080 offers noticeably lower performance than the Snapdragon 888.
- Dimmer Display: The 900 nits screen is less visible in bright conditions.
- Lower-Quality Cameras: Despite having higher megapixel count, the photo quality can be sub-optimal compared to the S21 FE.
- Less Software Support: Xiaomi provides fewer OS updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Ideal For:
- Gamers and Power Users: Its strong processor and GPU will handle demanding games and multitasking.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The brighter screen is easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users will appreciate the more refined camera performance and versatility, especially in selfie and low-light conditions.
- Users who want Premium Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus screen and solid construction are a key advantage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
- Ideal For:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life and Fast Charging: The massive battery and 120W charging are major draws.
- Media Consumers: The larger screen and good audio are great for watching videos.
- Casual Photographers: The 200MP main camera is good for detailed, well-lit photos.
- Budget-Conscious Users: The Redmi tends to offer good value for its features at a lower price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance: Do you need the absolute best performance for gaming and demanding applications?
- Camera: Do you prioritize low-light image quality and zoom capabilities, or do you need a high-resolution sensor for detail?
- Battery: Is fast charging and a large battery capacity more important than wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer or Power User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its superior processor, graphics, and software support provide the best performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Photographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It is an overall better camera system and features a higher brightness screen that will allow you to see your photos and the screen itself in sunny conditions.
- Scenario 3: All-Day Media Consumer with No Access to Frequent Charging
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Its larger battery and ultra-fast charging make it more convenient for extended use, but it might struggle on a sunny day.
- Scenario 4: General User, Best Overall Value
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Despite the Xiaomi's fast charging, I believe that the overall superiority of the Samsung in performance, camera quality, display brightness and software support outweigh the benefits of the slightly faster charging. It's simply a more well rounded device that most people will be happy with.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Despite it being released earlier, the significant advantage in performance with the Snapdragon 888, the brighter display for outdoor usability, the impressive and versatile camera system, the longer software support, and the superior build quality (Gorilla Glass Victus), are factors I simply cannot ignore. It is a more well-rounded device and will be more useful in daily situations.
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has its merits, particularly its fast charging and larger battery, the S21 FE aligns better with what I need in a phone. The trade-offs are negligible and do not offset the other benefits offered by the S21 FE.
I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed decision! Let me know if you have any other questions.
