1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | S21+ is slightly larger and thinner, Note 11 is more compact and a bit thicker. Impacts pocketability & hand comfort. |
| Weight | 200g | 179g | Note 11 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both have the same sharpness, so neither offers a clear advantage in detail. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 409 PPI | Both have similar sharpness, differences are not noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6 nm) | S21+ provides much faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 314,000 | S21+ has dramatically superior benchmark performance, translating to faster real-world usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21+ has a significantly better GPU which impacts gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Note 11 has a slightly larger battery that might translate to a bit longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Note 11 charges slightly faster, meaning less time tethered to a charger. |
| Battery Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless, No in-box charger | Reverse Charging only | S21+ offers convenience of wireless charging and can act as a power bank for other devices, but requires you to purchase a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Sensor | Note 11 has a higher resolution, but S21+ has a larger sensor size which improves low light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Sensor | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, missing on the Note 11. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Sensor | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens with macro, Note 11 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens but the resolution is lower and lacks a macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sensor | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" Sensor | Note 11 has a higher resolution front camera, but with a smaller sensor size. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Sensor | Note 11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Sensor | Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers much higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional use. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile), 118(Photo), 89(Video) | Not Tested | S21+ has an independently tested and scored camera, indicating better performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | S21+ will receive software updates longer than the Note 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ uses a newer WiFi standard, which provides faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with advanced features | 5.0 LE | S21+ offers a more comprehensive set of Bluetooth profiles for a wider variety of use cases. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | S21+ offers more accurate location tracking with dual band GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options with the Note 11 offering a lower-end 64GB model. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | S21+ has consistent 8GB RAM, while the Note 11 RAM varies based on the model. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, Stereo | Stereo | S21+ offers a richer audio experience with additional features, better for music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-screen fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Different fingerprint sensor placements, both offering secure biometric unlocking. Side-mounted tends to be faster in some cases. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ screen is much more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Brighter Display: The 1300-nit display provides much better visibility outdoors, especially in sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, higher quality video recording up to 8K, and a better wide angle lens. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) provides better photo and video quality.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering added convenience.
- Better software support: Will receive software updates longer than the Note 11.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Offers more advanced Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6) and GPS (L1+L5, E1+E5a) as well as a more complete Bluetooth profile.
- Better Build: Features a much more scratch and impact resistant screen, as well as a more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Better Audio: Includes features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation.
Practical implications: The S21+ excels in situations requiring high performance, bright display viewing, professional-grade photography and video, and a more comprehensive set of features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May offer marginally longer battery life, though this can vary in real-world usage.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster at 33W compared to 25W for S21+.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Provides some additional utility for those interested in more specific camera features.
- More Affordable: Usually priced lower than the S21+, making it more accessible.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may find this more accessible than the in-screen fingerprint scanner
Practical Implications: The Note 11 is better suited for users who prioritize battery life, portability, and affordability, with the understanding that it compromises on performance and advanced camera features.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: More expensive, heavier, with shorter battery life, but offers significant performance and camera advantages.
- Note 11: More affordable, lighter, and with a larger battery, but lacks high-end performance, advanced camera features, and has a less bright display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for gaming, video editing, or intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize photo and video quality with advanced features like optical zoom and 8K recording.
- Frequent Travelers: Individuals who need a bright display for outdoor use, more accurate GPS, and wireless charging convenience.
- Users needing extended software support: Users looking for longer software support.
- Users who listen to audio: Users who value higher quality audio playback with dedicated features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding games run smoother on S21+.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Capturing high-resolution photos and videos, taking advantage of optical zoom and OIS.
- Outdoor Work: Viewing maps, documents, and videos in bright sunlight.
- Travel: Using wireless charging and more accurate location tracking.
- Media Consumption: Streaming movies and videos with better audio and a brighter display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a good all-around smartphone without a high price tag.
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable device for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and calls.
- Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy taking snapshots but don't need advanced camera features.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Users who dislike heavy smartphones.
- Users who want better battery life: Users who want a phone that can last through the day without charging.
Use Cases:
- Social Media and Browsing: Everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and using social media apps.
- Basic Photography: Taking casual snapshots with the 50MP camera and the depth and macro sensors.
- Long Battery Life: All-day usage for people who are not near a charger often.
- Light Gaming: Playing casual games.
- Users who prefer side fingerprint sensor: For some this is more accessible.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21+: Higher cost but better value for users who heavily rely on their smartphone’s performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
- Note 11: Offers excellent value for its price, making it a very strong contender in the budget category, especially if one does not need the advanced features of the S21+.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? Do you need raw power and advanced camera capabilities, or is everyday use sufficient?
- What is your budget? Are you willing to pay extra for a premium experience, or is value for money your priority?
- What features do you prioritize? Do you value advanced camera features and higher performance, or is battery life, affordability and lightness more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Content Creator: If you need top performance, high-quality photos and videos, and a premium experience, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User/Daily Driver: If you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, a long-lasting battery, and don't want to break the bank, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a practical option.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better suited due to its optical zoom, OIS, and higher quality video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Heavy Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 5: User who values battery life: If you value battery life and do not want to charge your phone too often, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is an excellent value-oriented phone, the S21+ offers significantly better performance, a brighter display, a more capable camera system, more advanced connectivity, and a more comprehensive set of features. For my usage, which often includes multitasking, light gaming, using the camera for various purposes, and using my phone under different light conditions, the S21+'s features are significantly more beneficial. The higher price point of the S21+ is acceptable for me because it allows for a more complete and optimized mobile experience. The benefits of an optically stabilised camera, better screen, and significantly better performance outweigh the disadvantages of a higher price, slightly less battery life and heavier weight. While the Xiaomi has a better battery life on paper, the higher refresh rate and brightness on the S21+ might result in similar performance. Furthermore, as a content creator, the better video recording capabilities are an important benefit. Finally, the S21+ receives longer software support, further justifying its higher price tag.
