Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and thicker; minimal impact on daily usage. |
| Weight | 200g | 183.5g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung offers superior scratch and impact resistance on the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Same sharpness and detail in images and text. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Pixel density is almost identical, providing similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | Samsung's screen is slightly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Samsung's chip is much more powerful, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 338,900 | Samsung significantly outperforms Xiaomi; better performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | Samsung’s GPU offers significantly higher graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Xiaomi has higher resolution, but Samsung's larger sensor offers better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not present | Samsung offers optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle camera; Xiaomi has a wider lens and lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 13MP, f/2.45 | Xiaomi has slightly higher resolution, but Samsung has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi offers a dedicated macro lens, but low resolution limits its usefulness. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung provides much higher video quality and features like HDR and stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | 63 (Mobile) | Samsung's camera is much better in overall quality, photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features like OIS, 4K/8K video, RAW, Night Mode | Basic features, lacking advanced options like OIS or RAW. | Samsung provides greater control and creativity with its camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi has slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges faster, allowing quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | Samsung offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to other devices. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi has a newer OS out of the box but will have an older one after upgrades. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Samsung offers faster wireless connections in supported networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with advanced codecs | 5.0 with basic codecs | Samsung supports a wider range of audio and device connection features. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS for higher precision | Standard GPS | Samsung offers more precise location tracking, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Samsung allows for a digital SIM, useful for travel. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer similar max storage; Samsung doesn't offer a 64GB version. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Samsung has a consistent 8GB of RAM for a more consistent experience. |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Samsung offers significantly better audio quality with its advanced hardware and software enhancements. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more modern fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | Full suite including barometer | Basic suite | Samsung's barometer is useful for altitude readings in outdoor activities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher image quality, optical zoom, 4K/8K video, and more advanced features like OIS.
- Premium Display: Slightly brighter screen with better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and full sensor suite.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio offer significantly superior sound quality.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection compared to Gorilla Glass 3.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Advantages
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Slightly better battery life due to a larger capacity, although the impact is small.
- Faster Charging: Supports 33W fast charging compared to Samsung's 25W.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient placement.
- Newer OS: Has a more modern OS out of the box.
Trade-offs
- Samsung: Higher cost, less battery life, and a less modern fingerprint sensor placement.
- Xiaomi: Significantly lower performance, inferior camera system, and limited display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top performance, high-quality photos and videos, and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers wanting high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Content creators who need 4K or 8K recording and versatile camera options.
- Business professionals who require fast multitasking and secure features.
- Users who often find themselves in bright outdoor environments and need a bright screen.
- Users who use wireless charging and need to charge their accessories wirelessly.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, long battery life, and everyday tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Casual smartphone users who need a reliable device for browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Students who need a budget phone for online classes, calls, and messages.
- Travelers needing a reliable phone with good battery life without breaking the bank.
- Users who need a phone for basic tasks with a convenient fingerprint sensor location.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Xiaomi is much more budget-friendly.
- How important is performance? Samsung excels here, particularly for demanding apps.
- How important is the camera? Samsung has a significantly better camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Camera: If you need the best possible performance, photo/video quality, and are willing to pay the premium, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious: If your primary concern is affordability and basic functionality, and you don't need advanced features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you need a balanced phone with a good performance and camera for daily tasks you should still choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G because it still provides a much higher quality experience.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although it's an older device, its superior performance, vastly better camera capabilities, and premium features far outweigh the advantages of the Redmi Note 12 4G. I am willing to pay a premium for a device that offers a much smoother user experience and significantly better performance in demanding tasks like gaming and content creation. The brighter display and enhanced audio features are also important considerations for my daily use. While the Redmi Note 12 4G is a decent budget phone, the Samsung offers a much better overall value for my needs, despite the higher price.
