Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | S21+ is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially more comfortable for smaller hands. Note 11 Pro is negligibly taller and thicker |
| Weight | 200g | 202g | Virtually identical, both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen real estate, minimal impact on user experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness; images and text will appear equally clear |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Practically identical sharpness; negligible difference in visual detail |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both devices |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ is slightly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | S21+ offers significantly better performance; faster app loading, smoother multitasking and superior gaming experience |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 405,259 | S21+ performs much better in benchmarks, indicating significantly more processing power |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ offers superior graphics performance; better for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 108MP | Note 11 Pro captures higher resolution images for greater detail and potential for cropping/editing |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.52" | Note 11 Pro has a larger sensor allowing more light to reach the sensor; theoretically better in low-light |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | S21+ slightly wider aperture may be negligibly better in low-light |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (64MP) | No | S21+ offers optical zoom for better quality when zooming |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | Note 11 Pro offers a wider field of view, good for landscape and group shots |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | Note 11 Pro can take close-up shots of small subjects |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | Yes (12.2MP) | No | S21+ Offers a single camera for wide angle and close up shots |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | Note 11 Pro captures higher resolution selfies; better for potential cropping/editing |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture; may be negligibly better in low-light selfies |
| DXOMark Main Score | 111 | 78 | S21+ camera quality is significantly superior overall |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ captures much higher resolution videos and offers more frame rate options |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Note 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Note 11 Pro charges much faster; significantly reduces charging times |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging options |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (4.5W) | No | S21+ can wirelessly charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both start with Android 11 |
| Max Version | 15 | - | S21+ has a higher software update capibility |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi ac | S21+ offers faster speeds, lower latency and better performance on crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Note 11 Pro has a newer version of bluetooth |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | B1 | S21+ offers more accurate GPS due to the use of a higher amount of satelite systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both have similar max storage capacity, but Note 11 Pro has a lower starting option |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | S21+ offers consistent 8GB of ram while the Note 11 Pro can vary |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage; users are limited to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Canceling Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | S21+ offers noise cancellation and may offer a better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic In-Screen | Side-Mounted | Note 11 Pro offers a more convenient and possibly faster sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ offers better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | S21+ offers additional sensors such as Barometer which can have use for weather data and more. Note 11 Pro has an Ultrasonic Virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher DXOMark scores, 8K video recording, and optical zoom offer significantly better overall image and video quality.
- Premium Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus), more advanced GPS and a better overall audio experience.
- eSIM: Adds digital carrier switching capability
- Software Updates: More potential software upgrades due to higher max version
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, a major convenience.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP camera captures more detailed images, offering better flexibility for cropping and editing
- Wider variety of camera options: Offers a wide angle and macro lens for flexible shots
- Lower cost: Typically available at a lower price point, offering great value for the features it provides.
- Newer Bluetooth: Uses a newer bluetooth technology
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher cost; lacks macro and wide angle camera, and no expandable storage.
- Note 11 Pro: Lower performance; less advanced camera; lacks wireless charging, and lower-tier screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, video recording, and versatility.
- Premium Feature Seekers: Those who value wireless charging, better screen protection, and more accurate GPS.
- Users needing long-term software support Users who want to keep their phones for an extended time period and have the latest and greatest updates.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings with smooth frame rates.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos, including professional-grade video content.
- Demanding business use cases that require fast processing speeds and reliable GPS.
- Usage in environments where fast wifi speeds are needed.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Value-Conscious Consumers: Users looking for a capable smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Photographers: Those who need a good camera but don't require top-tier performance or features like optical zoom.
- Users who want the flexibility of different camera options
- Users who prioritize charging speeds: Users who want a quick top off before heading out and don't need a wireless charger
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Capturing casual photos and videos for personal use.
- Users who need a quick top off with fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Priority: How important is top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and app usage?
- Camera Needs: What are your photography and video recording requirements? Do you need optical zoom, high-resolution video, and a professional-grade camera system?
- Budget: How price sensitive are you, and are you willing to pay a premium for superior features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-Driven: If smooth performance and high-end gaming are your top priorities, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious: If you want a good balance of features and value, with a focus on battery and fast charging, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: If you need the best all-around camera system, including advanced video features and zoom capabilities, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers compelling value with its faster charging and higher resolution main camera, the overall package of the S21+ is more compelling for my needs. The significantly superior processing power (verified by the AnTuTu score), the much better camera system with optical zoom, wireless charging and more advanced features is a worthy investment. As a person who would use this as my daily driver, the superior performance, camera quality and extra quality of life features would make the extra cost worth it.
