1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Xiaomi Redmi 12, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 is slightly larger, may feel less pocketable. S21+ is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 198.5g | Virtually identical, negligible difference in hand |
| Build | Not specified, likely glass/metal | Not fully specified, likely plastic/glass | S21+ likely has a more premium feel due to glass and better materials. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Minimal difference, both offer large displays for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Very similar sharpness, no noticeable difference in everyday use |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Practically identical pixel density; images will look equally sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colours. Better for dark themes and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much brighter and is significantly better for outdoor visibility. Xiaomi's brightness is not provided but will be much lower |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 249,400 | S21+ is substantially faster, smoother multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Redmi 12 has higher megapixel count, but S21+ has a larger sensor for better light capture and image quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not available | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait mode. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle lens. Redmi 12 also offers a wide angle lens, but with lower megapixel. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | S21+ captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ is capable of much higher quality video, better for video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS | S21+ has both Electronic and Optical image stabilization |
| DXOMark Score | Overall 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | Not available | S21+ has a rated performance for its camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 12 has a slightly larger battery, possibly longer battery life, but needs to be tested to verify. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 18W wired | S21+ charges faster than the Redmi 12, supports wireless charging as well. |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W wireless, wired | 9W wired | S21+ supports wireless reverse charging, Redmi 12 only offers wired reverse charging. |
| Charger | No charge in-box | Not specified | S21+ is missing a charger, while Redmi 12 is not specified |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the key advantages and trade-offs of each phone:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness. Offers better visual experience with vibrant colors and smoother animations, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Higher Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU. Provides a smoother user experience, especially for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Has a telephoto lens, better main sensor, and video quality. Offers more versatile photography and videography capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. More convenient for quickly topping up the battery.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone and Stereo Speakers. Enhances audio experience, especially for media consumption
- eSIM Support: Can use two different sim providers or a regular and a digital sim.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer slightly longer battery life.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers some potential advantages.
- Lower cost: Usually retails for less than the S21+.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Significantly more expensive and does not include a charger in the box.
- Redmi 12: Noticeably lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Here are some ideal user profiles for each phone:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who need high performance, gamers, photography enthusiasts, those who value a premium display and build quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, watching high-resolution videos, using multiple apps simultaneously, or those that need the extra performance of an high end device.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with a superior overall experience, especially for performance, display and camera.
Xiaomi Redmi 12:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, general use, and a large display.
- Use Cases: Social media, browsing, casual gaming, daily tasks, users on a very strict budget.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a large display and decent performance at a lower price point. Good value for the money for basic smartphone needs.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider when choosing between these phones:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is significantly more expensive than the Redmi 12.
- How important is performance and display quality? The S21+ offers much higher performance and a far superior AMOLED display.
- What are your photography needs? The S21+ has a more versatile and advanced camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Top-Tier Experience: If you need a powerful phone for gaming, heavy multitasking, and want the best possible display and camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice, but at a higher cost.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you just need a phone for general daily tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 provides reasonable performance at a lower price.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumption: If you prioritize viewing media on a mobile phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a superior viewing experience with its AMOLED display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a decent budget phone, the S21+ provides a much more premium experience. The AMOLED display with 120Hz is a significant upgrade, and the performance difference is substantial. The superior camera system is also very important for my uses. Although it lacks a charger in the box, the overall package of performance, display, camera and other premium features justifies the higher price for me. I am willing to invest more for a smoother, more enjoyable smartphone experience.
