Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-23 | Redmi 10 5G is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | S21+ is slightly more compact and thinner; Redmi 10 5G is taller and thicker, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both have the same weight, so no noticeable difference in feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | S21+ has slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Very similar sharpness, negligible difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Virtually identical pixel density, both displays will look very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, better outdoor visibility, and improved power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers a noticeably smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Likely incorrect) | S21+ has significantly brighter display, much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Redmi 10 5G brightness needs verification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21+ has more powerful and energy-efficient chip, faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 381,300 | S21+ delivers much higher performance in benchmarks, indicative of better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has a more capable GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 10 5G has higher resolution, but other factors like sensor size affect quality; S21+ sensor size, pixel size are known giving better performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm pixel | None | S21+ offers telephoto zoom, better portrait shots with optical quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel | 5MP, f/2.0 | S21+ has higher resolution, while Redmi 10 5G has a slightly wider aperture; S21+ has larger pixel size likely resulting in better low-light performance |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 10 5G has depth sensor for improved portrait mode effect. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel | None | S21+ offers a dedicated ultrawide lens and macro functionality. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ can record much higher resolution video, ideal for video enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | S21+ has a verified camera score, indicating strong photo and video performance. |
| Features | OIS, 8K Video, Optical Zoom | Digital Image Stabilisation | S21+ has advanced features like OIS, optical zoom for better image quality and more flexibility |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 10 5G has slightly larger capacity, potentially offering slightly longer battery life in typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | S21+ can be charged wirelessly and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Redmi 10 5G has a more recent out-of-the-box OS, but S21+ is upgradable to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Redmi 10 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version but both offer similar features. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | Single Band GPS | S21+ offers more accurate GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ has eSIM support, giving users more flexibility in choosing carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21+ offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | S21+ has more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Hi-Res Audio | S21+ has better overall audio quality with Dolby Atmos, superior spatial audio, and clearer calls with noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Redmi 10 5G has more convinient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has more durable screen protection for preventing scratches and cracks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers a significantly better viewing experience, with vivid colors and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chip provides much faster processing speeds, making it better for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle, and superior video recording (up to 8K), with OIS, offers a more versatile photography experience.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Features: Faster 25W charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging add convenience and flexibility.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band GPS, and eSIM support provide enhanced wireless performance and carrier flexibility.
- Superior Audio Quality: Offers better audio with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus gives greater durability and scratch resistance.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G Advantages:
- Newer Launch Date: Potentially longer software support, out-of-the-box Android 12.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Marginal increase in battery capacity may offer slightly better battery life.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More convenient location for quick unlocks.
- Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor, improving portrait mode effects.
- Lower Price Point: Likely significantly more affordable, being a budget-oriented phone.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21+ 5G has a much higher price point, making it less accessible. Also, it does not have an in-box charger.
- The Redmi 10 5G sacrifices significantly on display quality, processing power, camera capabilities, and build quality to achieve a lower price. Its brightness is also unconfirmed, meaning it may be insufficient for outdoor use.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Tech enthusiasts, mobile photographers, gamers, users who heavily consume media, or anyone who wants premium features and performance and are willing to pay more for it.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-quality mobile photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming and resource-intensive app usage.
- Enjoying high-quality media streaming and content creation.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Price-to-Value: High price but offers a premium experience; good for those who prioritize quality over budget.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious consumers, students, basic smartphone users, and people looking for a reliable 5G smartphone that just works.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Everyday use, long battery life, and moderate multitasking.
- Users not requiring the highest levels of display and processing quality.
- Price-to-Value: Very affordable; offers good value for basic functionality and 5G connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ 5G is significantly more expensive, while the Redmi 10 5G is a budget-friendly option.
- What is your primary use case? Prioritize display, camera, and performance if you are a gamer, photographer, or heavy media consumer. The S21+ excels here.
- How important are premium features? Features like wireless charging, advanced camera zoom, and an AMOLED display are only offered by the S21+.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Budget, Performance Priority): If you want the best performance, display quality, and camera versatility, and are willing to pay a premium price, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): If you need a reliable 5G smartphone for everyday tasks and want to save money, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is a suitable option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Enthusiast): If camera capabilities are important, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is superior due to its versatile lens system, optical zoom and OIS.
- Scenario 4 (Outdoor Use): The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G's much brighter display makes it the ideal choice. (Assuming the Redmi 10 5G brightness is incorrectly reported).
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G offers a newer operating system, the S21+ provides a significantly better experience in nearly every other key aspect that matters to me in a phone. The superior display, much faster processor, and advanced camera system make it far more compelling.
I value a high-quality display for media consumption and a phone that can handle demanding tasks. I also appreciate advanced camera features and a device that feels premium in hand. While the price is higher, the overall experience the S21+ offers would outweigh the cost difference for me. The Redmi 10 5G is a good phone for the budget conscious but for my usage, the S21+ is the better option.
