Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and thicker, Mi 11 Lite is thinner and slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 157g | Mi 11 Lite is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 402 PPI | Visually negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ screen is smoother, more responsive, especially noticeable when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 355,871 | S21+ is substantially more powerful for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 618 | S21+ GPU handles graphically intensive tasks better, including gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/1.97" sensor | Mi 11 Lite captures more detail in good light, S21+ has larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | S21+ has better zooming capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Lite captures more of the scene. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 Lite can take close-up shots. |
| Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45 | Mi 11 Lite captures more detailed selfies. S21+ has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | S21+ offers significantly higher resolution video recording and a wider range of frame rates. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | S21+ has a professionally tested, higher-rated camera system. |
| OIS | Yes | No | S21+ has optical stabilization for smoother videos and clearer low-light shots. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4250mAh | S21+ has larger capacity, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Lite charges faster despite the smaller battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ offers the convenience of wireless charging, and the option to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21+ has longer software support and potentially more feature updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ has faster Wi-Fi for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Mi 11 Lite has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | S21+ has superior location accuracy, due to more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers the flexibility of an eSIM, beneficial for international travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21+ offers more storage options, better for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | S21+ ensures smoother multitasking with 8GB of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21+ has a richer, more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Sensor | Xiaomi has a more convenient and advanced fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster performance than the Snapdragon 732G, resulting in smoother app usage, better gaming, and snappier multitasking.
- Enhanced Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother visual experience, and the higher brightness is much better for outdoor use.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, higher resolution video recording (8K), OIS, and better low-light performance on the main sensor, plus a higher DxOMark score.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is an exclusive feature for the S21+.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed to get longer OS updates, which extends the phone's life span and usability.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Barometer and other features offer more versatility for diverse tasks and gaming.
- Higher Build Quality: Better screen protection, although lacking an audio jack, with superior build quality.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite Advantages:
- Lighter & Thinner Design: Much more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is faster than S21+'s 25W, despite the smaller battery capacity.
- Macro Lens and Wide Angle lens: Useful for capturing a greater variety of shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably more convenient than the in-display fingerprint on the Samsung.
- Newer Bluetooth: A slightly updated bluetooth version is in the Mi 11 Lite, which may be beneficial depending on connected devices.
- Lower price: Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is much more affordable.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+ 5G: Heavier and thicker than the Xiaomi, the trade-off being better internal hardware and extra features.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite: Lacks a high refresh rate display and powerful chipset, and the camera system, while versatile, is not as high-quality. It is a trade-off for a more lightweight phone, with a more attractive price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want high-quality photos, with zoom capabilities, superior video recording and stabilization, including high-end features for content creation.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who prioritize a vibrant, smooth display for consuming videos and gaming.
- Users Requiring Extended Device Lifespan: Those who prefer long term support from their smartphones, including software and security updates, with a well-protected device.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a balance between price and features, looking for a lighter phone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Those who use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and web browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort and Convenience: Those who want a light and thin device that's easy to hold and carry and enjoy the convenience of the side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users Seeking Versatile Photography: Users who enjoy photography and want a wide range of lens options for various scenarios.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21+ 5G: Mobile gaming, professional photography, content creation, video editing, outdoor navigation, and business use.
- Mi 11 Lite: Everyday web browsing, social media consumption, casual photography, light gaming, travel, and basic navigation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary usage scenario? (Gaming, photography, everyday tasks)
- How important is performance and display quality? (Are you willing to pay more for speed and a premium display?)
- What is my budget and how much value do I place on additional features? (Are advanced features worth the extra cost?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Premium Experience: If you need top-tier performance, the best possible display, and professional-grade camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious with Balanced Features: If you need a good all-around phone, with versatile cameras, that is comfortable to use and budget-friendly, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is a great value.
- Scenario 3: Camera Versatility: If camera versatility with a wide angle and macro lens is the most important factor to you, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is recommended.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While I appreciate the lighter weight and faster charging of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, my priorities lean towards performance and overall user experience. The S21+ provides a more significant boost in speed and processing power with the Exynos 2100. This would translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding games. The 120 Hz refresh rate display is also a key factor, as it greatly improves the overall visual experience, making everyday scrolling feel much more fluid.
In addition, the camera system on the S21+ is more sophisticated for video production, allowing for 8K video, something which is not achievable with the Mi 11 Lite. The telephoto lens is also a key factor, allowing for a wide variety of camera settings, especially when travelling.
Finally, given that I am planning to use my smartphone for a longer period of time, the promise of more OS upgrades in the S21+ makes the initial financial investment more worthwhile. Although the S21+ is larger and heavier, the benefits it provides in performance, display, and camera quality, are worth the trade-off.
