1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is noticeably taller and slightly thicker, impacting pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Negligible difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Very similar screen size, minor difference unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Virtually identical sharpness, both appear crisp. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Pixel density is nearly identical, no real difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for multimedia consumption and outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, offers much better visibility in direct sunlight. Xiaomi's brightness is unknown, suggesting it might not be sufficient for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful flagship chipset, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming; Redmi 12 5G utilizes a mid-range chip for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 456,552 | S21+ offers noticeably faster performance, app loading, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 613 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, important for graphically intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | S21+ charges faster, reducing charging downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless 4.5W | None | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging, ideal for accessory charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12 5G has a higher resolution main sensor but sensor details are unknown. S21+'s sensor details are known. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities, better for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultra-wide lens, good for capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21+ offers higher resolution selfies, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has dedicated depth sensing for better bokeh effects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly better video recording capabilities, suitable for higher quality video capture. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 63 | S21+ has significantly better overall camera performance, excelling in both photo and video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 5G ships with newer Android version but will have one less version update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with advanced features | 5.0 with basic features | S21+ has more extensive Bluetooth capabilities, improving connectivity with various devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21+ supports dual-frequency GPS, offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ has the flexibility of eSIM for additional network options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones provide identical storage options for apps, media etc. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8 GB | S21+ offers 8GB RAM, while the Redmi 12 5G has different options, with 8GB offering comparable multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21+ has much better audio quality with immersive sound, suitable for multimedia. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Redmi 12 5G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic suite | S21+ has more sensor options including gyroscope and barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness provides a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: Flagship-level chipset and GPU offer significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile triple camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, coupled with superior video capabilities.
- Premium Audio: Enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging and wireless charging provide more convenient power options.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection and overall build.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and dual-frequency GPS for better connection and location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching for flexible connectivity options.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with a more recent version of Android (though the S21+ can be updated to Android 15).
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery may provide marginally better battery life (although actual usage varies.)
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated 2MP depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Potentially Lower Price: Likely available at a lower price point, providing more value for basic users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Potentially more expensive, lacks microSD expansion.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Significantly lower display quality, processing performance, camera capabilities, and less robust build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power users and gamers: Demanding tasks, heavy multitasking, and high-end gaming.
- Multimedia consumers: Those who value display quality, audio, and camera capabilities for immersive experience.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera system with high video recording quality.
- Users valuing premium features: Users who appreciate wireless charging, eSIM, and a smooth user experience with a high refresh rate display.
- Users that prioritize durability: Users who require a more robust device with better scratch resistance.
Specific Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Professional photography and videography projects.
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Streaming high-definition content.
- Productivity tasks that require smooth multitasking.
- Travel with need for better location accuracy.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize affordability over top-tier specifications.
- Casual users: Basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Users with minimal camera needs: Good for occasional snapshots.
- Users that want a newer android version out of the box: Prefer to buy with newer software.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi 12 5G:
- Daily communication and social media.
- Basic photo and video capture for memories.
- Web browsing and light gaming.
- Streaming lower resolution videos.
- As a second phone for travel or work.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a higher value for users who can justify the cost of its premium features, significantly better performance, and advanced camera capabilities.
- The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G offers good value for basic users seeking an affordable smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay for premium features or do you prefer a more budget-friendly phone?)
- How important are display and performance for you? (Do you prioritize a smooth, bright display, and fast processing, or are basic functionalities enough?)
- What are your primary use cases for the camera? (Do you require high-quality photos and videos, or are basic snapshots enough?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Multimedia Enthusiast: If you are a power user or someone who enjoys gaming, or you prioritize excellent display quality and advanced photography features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious & Basic User: If your focus is on budget and you only need basic functionality, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is a more practical option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need good performance but don't require the highest end specs, you will need to compromise between the two, taking into consideration that even the most basic usage on the S21+ will be noticeably faster.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior Overall Experience: The S21+ provides a significantly better overall experience due to its superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and build quality.
- Long-Term Value: While it might be more expensive upfront, its premium features, especially the AMOLED screen, fast chipset, excellent camera, and wireless charging, offer much more value and longevity. It ensures smoother performance for years to come.
- My Use Case: I value camera quality, good performance, and a great display, all of which the S21+ excels at. The S21+ aligns better with my preference for a more premium and feature-rich device.
While the Redmi 12 5G might appeal to users looking for the most budget-friendly option, the S21+ offers a level of performance, quality, and features that are well worth the extra cost for my usage scenarios. The difference in the display quality alone is enough to justify the cost for my use case.
