Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-08-20 | Redmi 10 is a newer device by about 6 months, potentially benefiting from more recent software optimizations and features. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | Redmi 10 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand, though differences are minor. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | Redmi 10 is noticeably lighter (19g), making it more comfortable for prolonged usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same level of sharpness; pixel density differences are very minor. |
| PPI | 394 | 405 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning no noticeable difference in display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | S21+ 5G's AMOLED panel offers superior blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy, particularly beneficial for dark mode and media viewing. The Redmi 10's display tech is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G has dramatically higher brightness, making it much more usable under direct sunlight. The Redmi 10's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | S21+ 5G has a significantly more powerful chip, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,600 | S21+ 5G delivers nearly 3x the performance, leading to a much snappier and responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (International) | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ 5G has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance, particularly in gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 10 has a slightly larger battery, which may lead to marginally longer battery life in some use cases, although real world performance will vary. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21+ 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Reverse wired | S21+ 5G offers more versatile charging with wireless and reverse wireless options. Redmi 10 can reverse charge another device via a wire. |
| In-box charger | No | Unknown | S21+5G doesn't include an in-box charger. Redmi 10's status is unknown. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Redmi 10 has higher resolution but S21+ 5G has larger sensor pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ 5G has dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown | S21+ 5G has slightly higher resolution while Redmi 10 has a wider aperture, though sensor information for Redmi is missing. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Both have a wide angle lens, S21+5G has higher res and larger sensor. Redmi 10 has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Redmi 10 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ 5G offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolutions and advanced features. |
| Camera Score (DxOMark) | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | None | S21+ 5G offers a higher quality camera experience. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8K, more | Quad camera, Digital Zoom, some | S21+ 5G offers advanced features like OIS, optical zoom, and 8K recording, while Redmi 10 offers a quad-camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 15 | Android 11, Unknown | Both have Android 11, but S21+ 5G is expected to receive more OS updates. Redmi 10's maximum OS version is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6, offering superior network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Redmi 10 has a newer Bluetooth version, with unknown specific advantages, other than an upgrade. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21+ 5G supports more satellite systems for improved GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ 5G offers eSIM for digital SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | S21+ 5G offers more storage options, which can be beneficial for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21+ 5G has more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancel | Stereo Speakers | S21+ 5G offers superior audio features for enhanced sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | Redmi 10 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ 5G has much better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ 5G has more comprehensive sensor suite for added functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor (Exynos 2100 vs. Helio G88) and more RAM (8GB vs. 4/6GB), leading to a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Enhanced Display: AMOLED panel with higher brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and smoother scrolling, particularly beneficial for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens with optical zoom, larger sensor pixels in the main camera, superior video recording capabilities (8K vs. 1080p), and better overall image quality, especially in low light and with dynamic range.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging for a more convenient charging experience.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation microphone for enhanced audio experience.
- More Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Wider Connectivity Newer Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6) for faster internet, and enhanced GPS.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM for dual-SIM functionality without physical cards.
- More Internal Storage: Up to 256GB internal storage, allowing users to save more files, apps, and videos.
More comprehensive sensor suite: Additional environmental sensors provide enhanced functionality. Xiaomi Redmi 10 Advantages:
Lighter Design: Weighs 19g less, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, particularly for those who hold the phone often.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Has a slightly larger 5000mAh battery, which may translate to slightly better battery life.
- Lower Price: Usually available at a lower price, representing a value for users with a lower budget.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Convenient placement.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Lens: Offers these two lenses that the S21+ lacks.
- Wider Aperture on Selfie Camera: May result in slightly better low-light performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Redmi 10 trades raw performance and display quality for a lower price point.
- The S21+ 5G trades a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for a more basic sensor, but provides more performance and better camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality display and audio for movies, videos, and games.
- Photography/Videography Focused: Users who need versatile and high-quality camera with advanced features and better low light performance.
- Travelers: Those who need advanced GPS features and eSIM support.
Use Cases for Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games run smoother due to the powerful chipset and GPU.
- Content Creation: 8K video recording and advanced camera features enable content creators to capture high-quality media.
- Frequent Multitasking: Seamless switching between apps, making productivity tasks easier.
- Outdoor Use: High brightness display provides great visibility under sunlight.
- Professional Audio: Enhanced sound for listening to music and podcasts.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who seek a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who mainly use their phone for basic tasks like social media, web browsing, and communication.
- Users Seeking Lightweight Device: Those who prioritize a lighter device for comfort during extended use.
- Users Who Prefer Physical Buttons: Users who prefer the fingerprint sensor on the power button.
Users who prefer having physical sim card slots. Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 10:
Everyday Communication: Texting, calls, social media, and basic web browsing.
- General Media Consumption: Suitable for watching videos and listening to music with a decent screen.
- Casual Photography: Can take decent pictures with its basic camera system.
- Longer Battery: For users who need slightly better battery life between charges.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, media, photography, general use)
- What is your budget? (Can you afford the higher-end device for superior performance, or is the value-oriented device a better fit?)
- Which features do you prioritize the most? (Display quality, camera, battery life, performance, charging speed)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Premium Features: If you need top-tier performance, a high-quality display, versatile camera, and are willing to invest more, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Basic Use: If you need a functional smartphone for daily use and basic tasks with a preference for a lighter device at a lower price, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 offers better value.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiasts: If camera is a top priority with a need for optical zoom, the S21+ 5G is a better choice with its higher overall camera quality and features.
- Scenario 4: Battery Focused User: If battery is a top priority, the Redmi 10 may offer slightly better longevity, but at the cost of performance and camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it comes at a higher price, the superior performance, display quality, and camera features are compelling for my usage. I often multitask, use graphically intensive applications, and take pictures regularly, and the S21+ 5G would provide the best experience in all these areas. The faster charging and wireless charging features are also big advantages. While I appreciate the Redmi 10's lighter weight and lower price, the S21+ 5G provides a more well-rounded and future-proof experience overall, justifying the higher cost. The lack of an in-box charger and older design are the only drawbacks that I could find.
