1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers a more compact form when folded, more screen real estate when unfolded, increased versatility. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 167.5 x 74 x 7.6 mm | Xiaomi Mix Flip is taller and slimmer, while S21+ is wider and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Xiaomi Mix Flip is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.86" | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can improve media consumption and multitasking experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1224x2912 | Xiaomi Mix Flip has significantly higher resolution, resulting in a sharper and clearer image. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 460 ppi | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a noticeably sharper display due to its higher pixel density, leading to better detail and less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | S21+ has an AMOLED display, providing deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colours; Xiaomi Mix Flip display tech is unknown |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | Xiaomi Mix Flip is significantly brighter, offering dramatically better outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a much more powerful and efficient processor for faster app loading, better multitasking, and demanding gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,250,000 | Xiaomi Mix Flip provides significantly higher performance in benchmarks, leading to better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 750 (Adreno 750) | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a newer generation GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and other graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Xiaomi Mix Flip has higher resolution, larger sensor, and wider aperture; leading to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | 60MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has slightly higher resolution and much larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/3", 0.70µm | Xiaomi Mix Flip has higher resolution, wider aperture, and larger sensor, resulting in better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Not available | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, providing additional creative possibilities that the Xiaomi Mix Flip lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, various resolutions, EIS, HDR | Up to 8K@24fps, various resolutions, EIS, HDR | Both offer similar video recording capabilities, supporting professional-grade footage. Xiaomi mix flip has higher fps slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 | Not tested | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has an independently tested camera with a high overall score, making it a capable shooter. Xiaomi Mix Flip does not have a DXOMark score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4780mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, expected to offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mix Flip charges much faster, reducing the time spent waiting for the battery to replenish. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse, No charge in box | Xiaomi Pengpai G1 & R1 battery chip | S21+ offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging; Xiaomi Mix Flip offers battery management chips for optimized power usage; no in box charge for S21+. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a newer operating system, which means better features and longer support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7, MiMO | Xiaomi Mix Flip has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, more future-proof. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, Apt-x | Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, AAC, Apt-x Adaptive, LHDC | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a newer Bluetooth with more advanced codec support, which could result in better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi Mix Flip has better location accuracy and access to more satellite networks for better GPS functionality. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB/512 GB/1024 GB | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers much more internal storage options, useful for users with extensive media libraries and large apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB/ 16 GB | Xiaomi Mix Flip has more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding app usage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both phones offer high-quality audio; Samsung has a noise cancellation microphone; Xiaomi does not |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has more convenient unlocking using a side-mounted sensor, more secure than the basic fingerprint sensor of S21+ |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has robust screen protection while Mix Flip screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both have similar sensors, with S21+ having two extra sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Established Camera Performance: The S21+ has a tested camera with good photo/video scores and a variety of features.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows for cable-free charging of the phone and other devices.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Provides creative shooting options.
- Established Display Technology: AMOLED display offers very good visuals.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides robust screen protection.
- Additional Sensors: Has additional sensors for advanced functionality.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio quality for calls and recording.
Xiaomi Mix Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers unique form factor, compact design and larger screen.
- Superior Processor & GPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers significantly higher performance for all tasks including gaming.
- Higher Resolution & Pixel Density: Provides a much sharper and more detailed display.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: Better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: Significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Operating System: Provides better features and longer support.
- More advanced connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- More RAM & Storage: Improved multitasking and room for more files.
- Better Selfie Camera: Superior resolution, aperture, and sensor size.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient to unlock
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ lacks the foldable design and performance of the Mix Flip, but offers a more traditional, solid camera experience.
- The Mix Flip lacks a wide-angle + macro lens, reverse and wireless charging, and its screen protection is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users familiar with traditional smartphones: Prefers a standard phone form factor with proven features.
- Users focused on camera performance: Values a tested camera system with wide-angle and macro options.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging: Prefers convenience with reverse wireless capabilities.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: Values the screen protection of the S21+.
- Users with a lower budget.
- Users wanting to record audio using a noise cancellation microphone.
Use Cases for S21+:
- Everyday photography and videography, especially in diverse environments.
- Users who like the flexibility of using wireless charging for themselves and other devices.
- Users comfortable with standard Android navigation with an emphasis on photography.
Xiaomi Mix Flip Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those seeking the latest technology, including a foldable form factor and high-performance.
- Gamers and Power Users: Requires the most demanding levels of performance and fast charging.
- Multi-taskers: Those who need more RAM for productivity and multitasking.
- Users needing large storage: Suitable for those with extensive media collections.
- Users seeking latest connectivity: For the fastest Wifi and bluetooth capabilities.
- Users wanting the brightest display Great for outdoor use.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Mix Flip:
- Mobile gaming and other resource-intensive applications.
- Users needing a compact device for portability, and a large display when unfolded for media consumption.
- Users who value superior charging speeds for quick power boosts.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor Preference: Is a foldable phone a priority, or is a traditional form factor preferred?
- Performance vs. Camera: Do you prioritize the highest performance available (gaming, multitasking), or a tested and versatile camera system?
- Battery Charging Needs: Is fast charging critical, or are wireless charging options more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious, Traditional User: If you need a tested camera, wireless charging, and don't mind a standard form factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a good choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Technology Enthusiast: If you prioritize the absolute highest performance, cutting-edge display technology, fast charging, and are drawn to the foldable form factor, the Xiaomi Mix Flip is a superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Camera focused user: If you are focused on getting a versatile camera that has a wide-angle + macro camera, then you should choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mix Flip. The primary reason is its superior processing power. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a substantially better performance profile than the Exynos 2100, making the phone snappier, smoother, and more future-proof, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. Additionally, the brighter display is a key advantage for outdoor usability. The foldable design also adds a level of versatility that the S21+ cannot match, allowing for a larger screen experience when needed and a more compact profile when not. While the S21+ has a solid, tested camera system and offers wireless charging, the dramatic performance improvements and the innovative foldable design of the Mix Flip, as well as its faster charging, outweigh these benefits for me. While the lack of a wide-angle lens is a trade-off, the significantly higher performance, faster charging speeds and superior display of the Mix Flip make it the better choice for my use case.
