Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm keen to break down these specs and see what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-09-21 | The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is significantly newer, with more up-to-date features. |
| Size | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm | The Redmi is taller and thicker, which might impact pocketability; both have similar width. |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | The S21 FE is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The Redmi offers a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1220x2712 | Redmi offers a sharper, clearer picture with 30.9% more pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 446 PPI | Redmi provides a slightly sharper image with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1800 nits | Redmi's screen will be much easier to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm) | S21 FE has better raw performance with higher benchmark scores; Redmi is more efficient due to smaller manufacturing process |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 803,381 | S21 FE offers more power for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both handle graphics well, but the Adreno 660 has an edge in high-end graphics performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi has a larger battery, likely providing longer usage times. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Redmi charges much faster, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 FE offers more charging flexibility with wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sensor | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" Sensor | Redmi has higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture, which is better for low light situations, creating more detailed and crisp photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 FE provides better zoom capabilities and portrait photography with dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sensor | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" Sensor | S21 FE offers higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi has a dedicated sensor to improve depth in portrait mode. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sensor | Both offer versatile options; S21 FE has higher resolution while Redmi has a slightly larger sensor |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR & EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | S21 FE offers smoother video with higher frame rates and HDR support |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 121 | Redmi has a slightly higher score indicating better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has a better selfie camera according to DxOMark scores |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Continuous autofocus, RAW | None | S21 FE provides manual camera control and optical zoom capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 (up to 16) | The Redmi has a newer OS out of the box and a better optimized software that goes with it. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | The Redmi has a more modern version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi has more satellite support for better accuracy in positioning, and can also be an advantage in crowded urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM/eSIM | Redmi offers eSIM support, adding flexibility for users who switch carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Redmi offers more storage options and significantly larger maximum storage compared to Samsung S21FE; Both lack storage expansion. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | The Redmi has more RAM, which is crucial for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE offers a better sound environment for calls with its noise cancelling mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones provide similar screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Fingerprint | S21 FE offers more sensors for advance use and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chip gives it a significant edge in raw processing power.
- Better Zoom and Selfie Camera: The dedicated telephoto lens and 32MP selfie camera will provide better photos with more detail and versatile photography capabilities.
- Charging Flexibility: Wireless and reverse wireless charging add convenience for some users.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Offers more capabilities than Redmi due to barometer, hall and geomagnetic sensors.
- Slightly superior audio recording: Provides a better sound environment in calls with its noise cancellation microphone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Strengths:
- Newer Technology: Being newer, the phone has advancements such as a newer chip, a more modern Bluetooth version and a newer operating system, which makes it more efficient and up-to-date.
- Significantly Better Display: The higher resolution and higher brightness make the screen more enjoyable, especially in bright conditions.
- Impressive Main Camera: The 200MP main camera captures incredibly detailed photos, particularly in bright environments.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging is a game-changer, getting you back to a full battery in no time.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery will provide better endurance between charges.
- More RAM & Storage: The options for up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage are a boon for heavy users.
- eSIM support: Offers additional sim functionality due to eSIM support.
Trade-offs
- Samsung S21 FE: Loses out on a slightly smaller and less vibrant display, slower charging speeds, and a slightly weaker main camera sensor compared to Redmi.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Lacks wireless charging and is slightly heavier and bulkier than the S21 FE, its performance is inferior to S21 FE, and does not have an Optical Zoom.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Best For:
- Gamers and Power Users: The Snapdragon 888 provides the raw power for demanding games and apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value optical zoom, higher quality selfies and prefer manual controls on the camera.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Those who prefer the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is Best For:
- Media Consumers: The larger, brighter screen is perfect for watching videos, streaming content and playing games.
- Everyday Users: Those who want a long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities.
- Photography buffs: Users who prioritize high-resolution photography, especially in well-lit environments.
- Multitaskers: Users who use many apps at once and require a smoother experience with the help of larger RAM configurations.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
Do you prioritize raw power or display quality? If it's performance and power, the S21 FE is more suitable. If you prioritize the display, then go for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
How much do you value fast charging vs. wireless charging? If you need the fastest charging speeds possible, the Redmi is better. If you prefer wireless convenience and reverse wireless charging, the S21 FE wins.
How important is camera versatility to you? If you need optical zoom and high quality selfies, the S21 FE excels. If you want incredibly detailed photos with great clarity with a bigger sensor and a wider aperture, the Redmi is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the better option due to its better GPU, more comprehensive sensors and an overall stronger benchmark score.
- Scenario 2: The Media Buff: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ wins here with its larger, higher-resolution, brighter display and its larger battery.
- Scenario 3: The Fast-Paced Professional: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a better fit due to the speed of charging and more storage that would be beneficial when you're on the go.
- Scenario 4: The Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is better if you value the optical zoom, selfie camera performance and manual controls, otherwise, the Xiaomi is a better option due to its excellent camera resolution and low light performance capabilities.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. While I appreciate the raw power of the Snapdragon 888 in the S21 FE, the Redmi's display is simply too compelling. The significantly better display and faster charging are game-changers for everyday use, especially considering my preference for media consumption and working on the go. The 200MP main camera and larger battery also add significant value. While I would miss the S21 FE's zoom lens and wireless charging, the Redmi's strengths align better with my personal usage patterns, and the trade-offs are acceptable for the enhanced overall experience I would get with the newer device. The newer software, larger storage and ram is also very appealing to me as an enthusiast.
I hope this in-depth analysis helps you make the best decision for your needs!
