1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Xiaomi 12, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | S21+ is larger and may be less comfortable for single-hand use. Xiaomi 12 is more pocketable, S21+ slightly less thick. |
| Weight | 200g | 179g | Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.28" | S21+ has a larger screen for immersive viewing, while Xiaomi 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same level of detail and clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 419 | Xiaomi 12 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher PPI, though noticeable difference is minor to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21+ is brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12’s Snapdragon chip provides significantly faster performance, better gaming and quicker app loading/multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 has much higher performance capabilities, reflected in smoother operation and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 730 (Adreno 730) | Xiaomi 12's Adreno GPU offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm (Sony IMX555) | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm (Sony IMX766) | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed images, better performance in low light scenarios, although S21+ has larger individual pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm (Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | Not present | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm (Sony IMX374) | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm (Samsung JD1) | Xiaomi 12 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (Sony IMX563) | 13MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing expansive scenes, while S21+ combines this function in a single lens with macro. |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 5MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Both offer high-quality video recording, but Xiaomi 12 boasts better video performance in DXOMark testing. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | 113 (Photo: 118, Video: 121) | Xiaomi 12 has higher overall score and much better video performance. |
| Features | Optical zoom | Ultra stable video | Xiaomi 12 boasts better video performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering a bit more usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 4.5W reverse | 50W, 10W reverse | Xiaomi 12 offers significantly faster wireless charging. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 ships with a newer version of Android, but both devices are upgradable. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support the latest WiFi standards, Xiaomi 12's MiMO support can improve connection quality. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, ANT+ | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi 12 has newer Bluetooth version, supporting higher quality audio codecs; both offer good Bluetooth performance. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | More Satellites | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano) | S21+ offers eSIM support for extra flexibility. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come with options for 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Xiaomi 12 can have 12GB of RAM, offering better performance for multitasking and heavy use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, so choosing the right internal capacity is key. |
Audio and Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancelling mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 microphones | Both have good audio quality, Samsung has better noise cancelling for calls, while Xiaomi has 2 mics for better audio recording. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build/Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer good screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | RGB, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ offers better environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of each phone's advantages and trade-offs:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits offers better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities for better quality at a distance.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 4800mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- eSIM support: Allows for more flexibility for users who need multiple carriers.
- Barometer Sensor: Measures atmospheric pressure, helpful for weather and altitude tracking.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone Improved call clarity.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers superior performance.
- Higher AnTuTu Score: Benchmark performance shows a significant advantage.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is much quicker than 25W.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than 15W.
- Better Main Camera: Higher megapixel count and larger sensor for better image quality.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher megapixel selfie camera for more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: More versatility in photography.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: 5.2 with higher quality audio codec support, such as LDAC.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry.
- More RAM Option: 12GB for better multitasking.
- Superior video performance DXOMark score of 121 versus 89 for video
- More Satellite GPS Support Provides better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ trades off some performance for a larger display, better outdoor visibility, and dedicated telephoto lens.
- The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices a dedicated telephoto lens for a much faster processor and superior camera and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Those who prioritize media consumption, a larger display, and telephoto photography. Users who value the eSIM, and those who prefer Samsung's UI.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, reading documents, taking telephoto shots, use of eSIM.
- Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal Users: Those who prioritize performance, fast charging, and camera quality. Users who desire a smaller, lighter form factor.
- Use Cases: Gaming, heavy multitasking, frequent photography, fast charging, and compact design.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi 12 generally offers better raw performance and faster charging for the price.
- The S21+ offers features like a telephoto camera and larger screen.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a larger screen and telephoto lens, or raw performance and charging speeds?
- Is portability more important than having the absolute brightest display?
- Is the newer android version, and better camera quality a must have, or is an older version with a telephoto lens preferred?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the avid gamer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 due to superior processing power and graphics performance.
- For the media consumer: Choose the Samsung S21+ 5G for its larger and brighter display.
- For the photographer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for the higher resolution camera, but consider S21+ if telephoto zoom is very important to you.
- For the power user: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for its much faster charging speed and better performance.
- For the frequent traveler: Choose the Xiaomi 12 for better GPS accuracy, or the S21+ for eSIM support.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing:
I would choose the Xiaomi 12. My reasoning is as follows:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a significant performance advantage, which is crucial for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall future-proofing.
- Camera Quality: While the S21+ has a telephoto lens, the main and selfie camera superiority, with the additional wide angle and macro lens on the Xiaomi 12, make it a better choice overall for my photography needs.
- Charging Speed: The dramatically faster charging speeds on the Xiaomi 12 are highly convenient, reducing downtime and making daily usage easier.
- Portability: The smaller, lighter form factor of the Xiaomi 12 is more comfortable for everyday use.
- Future proofing: The slightly newer Bluetooth, newer Android version, faster chipset and other advancements, as well as 12GB of RAM, makes the Xiaomi 12 more appealing for longevity.
While the larger screen and brighter display of the S21+ are appealing, the raw power, camera quality, and charging speed of the Xiaomi 12 are more compelling for my needs.
