Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi 13T
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi 13T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-26 | Xiaomi 13T is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech and software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.2 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm | Xiaomi 13T is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, may feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 193g | Xiaomi 13T is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very similar display sizes, negligible difference in daily usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Xiaomi 13T has a significantly sharper display due to the higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 446 | Xiaomi 13T provides a noticeably clearer and more detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Xiaomi 13T provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | Xiaomi 13T is much better for outdoor use under bright sunlight due to significantly higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm) | Xiaomi 13T's newer chip should offer better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 905,364 | Xiaomi 13T offers smoother app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPU architectures, Xiaomi 13T will likely provide better overall gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi 13T offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 13T charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, no charger in box | Non-removable, includes charger | Samsung S21+ offers wireless charging, Xiaomi 13T includes charger out of the box |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Xiaomi 13T captures significantly more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Standard Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.28" | Xiaomi 13T's larger sensor captures more light for better low-light performance |
| Standard Lens Pixel Size | 1.80 µm pixel size | 1.22 µm pixel size | Samsung S21+ has bigger pixels for better light capture |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung S21+ has slightly higher resolution for zoomed photos |
| Telephoto Lens Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | 1/2.88" | Samsung S21+ has larger sensor for better light capture |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 20MP | Xiaomi 13T captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2" | Xiaomi 13T's larger sensor captures more light for better low-light performance |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 13MP | Xiaomi 13T offers ultrawide perspectives, adding creative options |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP | No | Samsung S21+ offers ultrawide and macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung S21+ allows for higher resolution video recording |
| DxOMark Score (Main) | 111 | 123 | Xiaomi 13T has better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 118 | 121 | Xiaomi 13T takes slightly better photos. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 89 | 132 | Xiaomi 13T offers significantly better video recording quality. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 13, Upgradable to 17 | Xiaomi 13T offers a newer OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Xiaomi 13T supports newer and faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Xiaomi 13T has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1+L5) | Xiaomi 13T supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both support Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Xiaomi 13T offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Xiaomi 13T has an option with more RAM for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancelling mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 microphones | Samsung S21+ excels in clearer calls and audio immersion, Xiaomi 13T features 2 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung S21+ offers slightly more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Ultrasonic proximity | Both have a robust sensor suite with differences in specific sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options without cables and the ability to charge other devices.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher video resolution for professional-grade content creation and archiving.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers slightly better scratch and shatter resistance.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers additional creative options.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Offers clear communication in noisy environments.
Xiaomi 13T Advantages:
- Newer Technology and Improved Performance: Newer chipset, GPU, and higher benchmark scores for smoother operation and better performance.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals, especially noticeable when reading text or viewing photos.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times, reducing downtime.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution & Larger Sensor: Captures more detailed photos and improved low-light performance.
- Newer Android Version: More recent OS with longer software support.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: Offers faster wireless speeds and improved network performance.
- More Internal Storage Options: Available with up to 512 GB of storage, catering to users with large media libraries.
- Option for more RAM: Available with 12 GB of RAM, better for multitasking and demanding games.
- Significantly Better Video quality: Better Video quality in terms of dxoMark rating.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers additional creative options.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Adds additional health tracking capabilities
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+ 5G: While it has wireless charging, its processing power and camera performance are less impressive than the Xiaomi 13T.
- Xiaomi 13T: Lacks wireless charging capabilities and 8K video recording and some sensors that S21+ has.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Someone who values wireless charging, 8K video capabilities, and wants a device with excellent build quality. Good for content creators and users who prioritize Samsung's ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- High-quality video recording for content creation.
- Wireless charging for convenience.
- Those who need to charge other devices via reverse wireless charging.
- Users who want a slightly more premium build quality feel
Xiaomi 13T:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes performance, a vibrant and bright display, fast charging, and a versatile camera setup. Great for gamers, media consumers, and photography enthusiasts.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and demanding applications.
- Viewing media in bright sunlight.
- Users who prioritize very fast charging speeds.
- Taking detailed photos and videos.
- Users who want the latest version of android and future updates.
- Users who prefer a versatile camera setup with wide-angle.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi 13T generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio given its newer features, more powerful hardware, and better camera, often costing less than the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (depends on the specific deals and markets).
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is still a viable option for users who specifically want its features, but it generally comes at a premium price for older hardware.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, video, general use)
- How important is fast charging and display brightness to me?
- Do I prioritize wireless charging, 8K video and build quality or performance and camera capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the gamer: The Xiaomi 13T is the clear choice due to its superior performance, higher refresh rate, and faster charging.
- For the mobile photographer/videographer: The Xiaomi 13T is better choice due to the more advanced camera system, particularly for video and better low-light performance, but the Samsung S21+ will offer higher resolution video recording.
- For the general user who values versatility and convenience: The Xiaomi 13T is a stronger option given its overall performance, faster charging, and better display, although you have to compromise on wireless charging and 8k video. If you are happy with slightly slower charging speeds and don't mind 8k video then Samsung S21+ is also a good option.
- For the user who wants wireless charging: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the only option between these two, given the Xiaomi 13T lacks wireless charging features
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 13T. The newer chipset and higher benchmark scores, coupled with the brighter display, faster charging, and significantly better camera performance, make it a more compelling device. While the lack of wireless charging is a slight drawback, the overall benefits offered by the Xiaomi 13T, particularly the better price to performance ratio make it a better option. The Xiaomi 13T feels like a more future-proof device and offers more value for money, especially when considering gaming, taking great photos, watching videos and general day to day tasks.
