Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | Redmi Note 11 4G is slightly thicker (1.1mm), may feel less sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 181g | Redmi Note 11 4G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | S21+ offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ has slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 405 | Both have similar sharpness; difference is virtually imperceptible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Unspecified) | S21+ offers superior blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and power efficiency (especially for dark themes). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother animations and scrolling, more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. (Missing spec for Xiaomi makes direct comparison difficult.) |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | S21+ chipset provides significantly faster processing, better for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 253,100 | S21+ offers far superior performance and is much better suited for demanding use cases and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ GPU is much more powerful, provides smoother graphics for gaming and video rendering. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB or 6GB | S21+ has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and quicker app switching. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Xiaomi has a higher resolution sensor for more detail; S21+ has larger pixel size, potentially better low-light performance (sensor model missing) |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGW2) | Not Available | S21+ has telephoto for optical zoom, better for zoomed-in photos and portrait shots |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Sony IMX563) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xiaomi has dedicated wide-angle lens which S21+ incorporates into its ultrawide lens. |
| Macro | Not Available | 2MP (f/2.4) | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374) | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21+ has higher res selfie, while Xiaomi has wider aperture. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video quality and more recording options, better for video creators. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not tested | S21+ has a benchmarked camera performance advantage. |
| Features | 4K/8K, OIS, Optical Zoom, etc. | 4K Video, Digital zoom, etc | S21+ has more advanced features such as OIS, optical zoom, and night mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Redmi Note 11 4G has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 18W Fast | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, Reverse Charging | Reverse Wired 9W | S21+ offers wireless charging convenience; Note 11 offers reverse wired charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness offers a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides vastly superior performance, handling demanding applications and games much more smoothly.
- Advanced Camera System: Features like optical zoom, OIS, 8K video, and higher DxOMark scores result in better image and video quality, especially in low light and for zoom.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging gets you back to full power quicker.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection.
More advanced Connectivity: Features like WiFi 6, more satellite systems for GPS and newer Bluetooth version
More RAM: More RAM for better multitasking.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and noise-cancelling microphone offer better audio experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Could potentially offer a bit more battery life.
- Wide angle and Macro lenses: Added lenses for extra photography versatility
- Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, offering good value for its price bracket.
- Side Mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced and convenient fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher cost and slightly heavier.
- Redmi Note 11 4G: Significantly weaker performance, lower-quality display, and a less versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who value performance, high-quality visuals, and advanced camera capabilities, and do not mind a higher price point.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- High-quality video recording and editing
- Media consumption with vibrant colors and smooth scrolling
- Users wanting future proof performance.
- Users who want excellent photo and video quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and value a long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- General social media and web browsing
- Everyday photography in well-lit conditions
- Extended battery life for longer usage
- Users who do not need cutting edge performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? - The S21+ is significantly more expensive, making the Redmi Note 11 4G the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers.
- How important is performance and camera quality? - If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or high-quality photography/videography, the S21+ is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize battery life or charging speed? - Redmi Note 11 4G may have slightly better battery life, but the S21+ charges much faster, which could be more useful to some.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If gaming is important but budget is tight, consider a used S21+ or other alternatives at a similar price point to the Redmi Note 11.
- Casual User: If you just need a reliable phone for basic tasks and don't want to break the bank, the Redmi Note 11 4G is a great choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: The S21+ is the better pick for photography enthusiasts with its more versatile camera system.
- Power User: The S21+ provides cutting edge performance and features that power users will benefit from.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The significant performance difference makes it much better suited for my needs, which includes tasks like video editing and gaming.
- Better Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a huge upgrade for my daily usage, especially watching videos and playing games.
- Better Camera: The more versatile camera system with telephoto lens, OIS, and excellent low-light capabilities would be a major benefit.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The convenience of faster charging and wireless charging would be very valuable.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G offers good value for its price, the performance difference is too significant for me to overlook. I prioritize overall experience and features over budget constraints for this use case.
