1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Xiaomi 13, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 152.8 × 71.5 × 8 mm | S21+ is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. Xiaomi 13 is more compact, potentially easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | Xiaomi 13 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.36" | S21+ offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming. Xiaomi 13 is more pocketable and easier for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 414 PPI | Xiaomi 13 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be noticeable 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, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1900 nits | Xiaomi 13 is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi 13 offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,532,113 | Xiaomi 13 scores much higher, indicating significantly faster performance in real-world use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Xiaomi 13's Adreno 740 is a higher-performing GPU, leading to better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 54MP, f/1.8, 1/1.49", 1.00µm | Xiaomi 13 has much higher resolution, capturing more detail. Larger sensor means better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | 10MP, f/2.0, 1/3.9", 1.00µm | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, While Xiaomi 13 has a dedicated telephoto lens. Xiaomi 13 lacks a dedicated portrait lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2", 0.70µm | Xiaomi 13's front camera offers higher resolution for sharper selfies. Wider aperture offers better low-light performance. |
| Wide-angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Both have wide angle lenses. S21 has an additional macro feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 1080p @ 1920fps | Both offer similar video quality. Xiaomi 13 features high frame rate slow motion. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 130 | Xiaomi 13 scores better overall, however S21+ is better in photo and video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery which may translate to marginally longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 13 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Xiaomi 13 has significantly faster wireless charging speeds. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 10W | Xiaomi 13 has faster reverse wireless charging speeds. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging, Surge G1 battery management chip, 3rd Generation Silicon Anode Battery System. | Xiaomi 13 has newer, more efficient battery technology. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Marginally Larger Display: Suitable for users who prefer bigger screens for media and gaming.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers versatile camera options for portrait photography.
- Macro Lens: Ability to take macro shots using the wide angle camera.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
Xiaomi 13 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a vast performance advantage, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience.
- Brighter Display: 1900 nits brightness makes it much more usable under bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- More Advanced Battery Tech: The Surge G1 chip and 3rd Gen Silicon Anode Battery indicate modern battery management and construction.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 54MP main sensor captures more detail.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers newer technology compared to the S21+'s 5.0.
- More Storage: A 512 GB Storage option.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: While it offers good all-around features, it's significantly outperformed by the Xiaomi 13 in key areas like performance and charging speed. It does however have a dedicated portrait lens.
- Xiaomi 13: Lacks the dedicated telephoto + portrait lens found on the S21+, and does not have an additional Macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption and general use.
- Casual photographers who want a versatile set of cameras.
- Those who prefer familiar Samsung UI and ecosystem.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies on a bigger screen.
- Casual social media photography.
- General smartphone use with a focus on Samsung's software.
Xiaomi 13 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed.
- Mobile gamers who want the best possible experience.
- Those who need a bright screen for outdoor use.
- Users who value fast charging and modern battery tech.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other demanding tasks.
- Outdoor photography and videography in bright sunlight.
- Quickly topping up the battery between tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Given its older age and lower performance, the S21+ would need a significant price reduction to be considered competitive. The Xiaomi 13 offers better value for the price with its significantly superior performance and newer features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do you value performance? If you prioritize smooth and fast operation, the Xiaomi 13 is a clear winner.
- Is fast charging important? The Xiaomi 13's 67W charging is a game-changer compared to the S21+'s 25W.
- What's your primary use case for the camera? If you are a fan of Portrait and Macro mode, the S21+ has a slight edge. If you need a reliable camera, the Xiaomi 13 performs better overall.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance: Choose the Xiaomi 13. Its superior chipset and GPU provide a much better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Use: Choose the Xiaomi 13. The brighter display makes it much easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Scenario 3: General Use & Media: The S21+ can still handle general use well; however, the Xiaomi 13 is a better choice due to its significantly faster chipset.
- Scenario 4: Photography: While the S21+ has a dedicated portrait lens, the overall camera performance of the Xiaomi 13 is superior.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 13.
Here's Why:
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a few advantages, such as the marginally larger display and dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, the Xiaomi 13 is superior in almost every other aspect. The significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset makes a huge difference in real-world performance. The incredibly bright display ensures perfect visibility outdoors. And, the 67W fast charging means the battery can be topped up very quickly. For me, the primary goal of a smartphone is to have speed, reliability, and responsiveness. The Xiaomi 13 delivers on that front while still having a fantastic camera. While the S21+ is a good phone, it is clearly outclassed by the Xiaomi 13.
