1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | The Redmi 13 is noticeably taller and slightly thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 200g | 205g | A minor 5g difference, the S21+ 5G is slightly lighter. Minimal difference in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.79" | Negligible difference in size, both offer large displays for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2460 | Virtually identical sharpness. Not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 396 PPI | Both offer similar sharpness. Not noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. S21+ screen will look much better. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ screen is much smoother for animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, greatly improving outdoor visibility in sunlight. The Redmi 13 has an unknown nit rating making it difficult to compare. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 269,266 | S21+ performance is nearly three times higher. It’ll run intensive apps and games smoothly, while the Redmi 13 may struggle with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ has a much more capable GPU, which means better graphics performance in games and other visually demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | The Redmi 13 captures higher-resolution photos, potentially offering more detail, but final image quality depends on sensor size and processing. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP | Not Available | S21+ can take detailed zoom photos and better portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | Minor difference. Redmi 13 may offer slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not Available | 2MP | Redmi 13 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | Not Available | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle and macro camera that will let you take more versatile photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ can record professional grade footage. Redmi 13 offers basic Full HD. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | S21+ provides superior picture quality over the Redmi 13, which has no DXO score. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | 4K, digital image stabilization | S21+ offers a broader range of features, making it a more versatile camera system. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5030 mAh | Redmi 13 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi 13 charges faster, meaning less time plugged in and more time in use. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No Charger in box | Reverse Charging | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience, but has no charger in the box. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Redmi 13 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, with more features and potentially better security. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ has a newer Wi-Fi standard, meaning faster speeds, lower latency and better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Redmi 13 has a newer Bluetooth version, with better power efficiency and more modern connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1) | S21+ has better location accuracy due to multi-band GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM which allows easier switching between networks. |
Storage & Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6GB or 8GB | The S21+ offers a solid 8GB for smooth multitasking. The Redmi 13 offer either 6 or 8 GB of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21+ has significantly better audio quality, providing an immersive listening experience. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Redmi 13 provides a more advanced security sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has much more robust screen protection that will prevent scratches. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | S21+ has more environmental sensors, while the Redmi 13 has an ultrasonic sensor. This is suitable for a wider range of features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness provides a premium viewing experience with vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer significantly more power for demanding tasks, gaming, and faster app loading.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, wide angle lens, and 8K video recording, along with advanced features like OIS, RAW capture, and Night mode, delivering a much better photo and video experience.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers create a more immersive and higher-quality listening experience.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless and reverse wireless charging offer added convenience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more GPS bands for improved network performance and accurate location services.
Xiaomi Redmi 13 Advantages:
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Slightly larger battery with faster 33W charging for potentially longer usage and quicker refills.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android (14), potentially providing more up-to-date features and security.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster biometric authentication compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Potentially more affordable as it is a newer phone.
- High Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera for high-detail photos (though overall quality depends on sensor and processing).
- Portrait depth lens: Has a dedicated depth lens.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ Trade-off: Older OS out of the box, may not have as long software support going forward, and a charger is not included. It also has a smaller battery.
- Redmi 13 Trade-off: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, basic camera, and basic audio compared to the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and top performance for demanding apps and games.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, streaming content, and enjoying vivid visuals.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera system with good zoom, advanced video recording, and features like OIS, RAW, and Night mode.
- Audiophiles: People who value immersive, high-quality audio for music and media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
* Gaming, professional-grade photography, video editing, content creation, media consumption, power use.
Xiaomi Redmi 13 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking an affordable phone with a large screen and decent battery life.
- Casual Users: Individuals who use their phone mainly for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Those who need a phone that can last through the day and charge quickly.
- Users who want a newer OS: Users who want a newer version of android.
Specific Use Cases:
* Basic phone use, social media, web browsing, media consumption for those on a budget.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The S21+ 5G, despite being an older phone, offers a premium experience with significantly better specs, justifying a higher price. The Redmi 13 provides excellent value for basic use but sacrifices performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and gaming? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and gaming, the S21+ is the clear winner. The Redmi 13 will not perform as well.
- How much do I value display quality and camera versatility? If you prioritize vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, great outdoor visibility, and a versatile camera, the S21+ is the best choice.
- Is battery life and budget a priority? If having long battery life with fast charging and saving money is more important than display, performance and camera, the Redmi 13 is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior performance, display, and advanced camera features.
- Scenario 2: Basic Usage & Budget Conscious: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 13 for its long battery life and basic functions at a lower cost.
- Scenario 3: Photography and videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its significantly better camera quality, 8K video recording, and additional features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is an older model, the superior display quality (AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate), significantly higher performance, and its far better camera capabilities make it the clear winner for my needs. I value a smooth user experience and a high-quality display for media consumption, and the S21+ excels in both areas. Although the Redmi 13 has a larger battery and faster charging, the vast improvements in the display, performance, and camera of the S21+ more than make up for this difference. Additionally, the additional features on the S21+ such as wireless charging, better audio and more advanced connectivity justify the higher cost.
