1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | S21+ is slightly thinner, Note 10 5G is a bit thicker which might be noticeable in-hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Note 10 5G is slightly lighter, which is beneficial during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, fine for most uses. |
| PPI | 394 | 405 | Both are very similar in pixel density, providing a sharp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has a better display with deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better contrast and better power efficiency especially for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides a smoother scrolling experience and less motion blur. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight (Note: Redmi brightness data is missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21+ has a faster and more efficient chipset for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 381,300 | S21+ delivers considerably higher performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has significantly better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Note 10 5G offers a slightly larger battery but real-world usage depends on many factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | S21+ offers wireless charging (and reverse), while Note 10 5G is basic. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | Note 10 5G has a higher resolution, S21+ has larger sensor, meaning better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | S21+ has dedicated zoom lens for better quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21+ offers higher resolution, while Note 10 5G has slightly wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Note 10 5G has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Note 10 5G has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle lens for better landscape pictures and such. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ has significantly better video capabilities, offering higher resolutions. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Photo:118, Video:89) | N/A | S21+ has scored 111 in Dxomark and its camera is significantly better. |
| Features | Advanced | Basic | S21+ has additional features like OIS, RAW, optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21+ has better long term software updates and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Note 10 5G has newer Bluetooth technology but both have similar capabilities |
| GPS | Advanced | Basic | S21+ has better GPS accuracy by supporting more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano /eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ allows for an eSIM and has support for two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer the same maximum storage but differing options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both are good for multitasking, but the S21+ is likely to be smoother due to faster RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | S21+ provides superior audio with surround sound, dedicated stereo speakers and noise canceling mic. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic in-screen sensor | Side-mounted | Note 10 5G has a more advanced sensor than S21+ basic in-screen. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ uses superior glass protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | Advanced | Basic | S21+ has additional environmental sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness offers a much more enjoyable viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide a significant boost for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto lens, better video capabilities (8K recording), optical image stabilization (OIS) and overall better camera performance.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W wired charging along with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing more charging flexibility.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers offering better audio quality
- Better software support: Will receive more updates than the Xiaomi phone
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection, eSIM support, and generally better build quality.
- Better connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 which results in faster and more reliable connections.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Slightly Better Battery Life: Slightly larger battery, could lead to marginally longer usage depending on use case.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: More convenient in certain usage situations
- Lower Price: Typically a more affordable option, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
- Slightly Lighter: Lighter body makes it easy to carry around.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: Features dedicated lenses, useful for very specific types of photography
- More RAM options: Comes in 4GB, 6GB and 8GB RAM variants
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ sacrifices a bit of battery capacity for better charging capabilities, better display, much better performance and a higher tier of features overall.
- The Note 10 5G provides a more basic user experience, with less powerful performance, less impressive display and basic features, but at a more affordable price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need a device for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with versatile features, including zoom capabilities and excellent low-light performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, play games and want a vibrant and bright display with great audio.
- Users Who Value Premium Features: Users who value wireless charging, advanced connectivity and better build quality.
- Users who value long term software support: Users who want long term software support and updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Runs graphically intensive games smoothly thanks to powerful GPU and 120hz refresh rate screen.
- Content Creation: Excellent video recording capabilities (8K) make it suitable for content creators.
- Outdoor Use: The very bright display ensures comfortable use in bright sunlight.
- Work: Can handle heavy workloads with its powerful CPU and good RAM.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Users who value long battery life: Slightly bigger battery means slightly longer battery life.
- Users who want expandable storage: Those who need expandable storage (though neither phone has this)
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday Tasks: Handles social media, web browsing, and basic apps comfortably.
- Media Consumption: Suitable for watching videos and streaming content on the go.
- Budget Gaming: Can play less demanding games smoothly.
- Long battery usage: Slightly bigger battery provides slightly longer battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21+ is a premium device, while the Note 10 5G is a budget phone.
- How important is performance? If gaming or demanding apps are important, S21+ is preferable.
- How important is camera quality? If you want premium pictures and videos, the S21+ is the better option by far.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-performance needs, no budget limitations - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior performance, display, camera, and premium features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious, basic usage - Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G for its affordability and good-enough performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography is key but budget is a consideration - The S21+ is still preferable due to its better quality overall, the Note 10 5G provides basic camera performance, so the S21+ is the better option
- Scenario 4: Gaming is a priority but budget is a concern: Choose the S21+ as the Note 10 5G is not good for gaming.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G is a capable device, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a significantly better user experience. The advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, build quality, and features like wireless charging, all justify the higher price. For me, the enhanced display and significantly better performance would be worth the additional cost. The S21+ is the better long term investment as it will stay more relevant for a longer period of time. I am not a basic user, and appreciate the higher end features.
The Note 10 5G is a good option for users on a very tight budget, who just want a device for basic use, otherwise, the S21+ offers a more complete and superior smartphone experience.
