1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | The Xiaomi is slightly taller and thicker but both phones are very similar. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | The Xiaomi is 13g lighter, potentially feeling more comfortable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference, both offer a large screen experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness, both screens are sharp enough for daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually the same pixel density, indiscernible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | The S21+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Exynos chipset in the S21+ provides more processing power for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 573,200 | The S21+ will have a smoother experience when playing demanding games, or running multiple apps at once. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The S21+ GPU will have a better gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The Xiaomi captures more detailed images in well-lit scenarios, though pixel binning is used for low-light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Xiaomi has a slightly larger sensor for better low-light sensitivity. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture, better for light intake. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (dedicated) | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto for optical zoom, while the Xiaomi relies on digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | 8MP | S21+ ultrawide sensor appears to be better |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP | Xiaomi offers a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | Xiaomi captures slightly more detailed selfies, although there is no information regarding its sensor size. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21+ offers superior video recording options, more flexibility for video recording, and better overall quality. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Main) | 102 (Main) | The S21+ has a better overall camera rating. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 108 | The S21+ has a better photo score. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 89 | 98 | The Xiaomi has a better video score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has a slightly larger battery, possibly providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Xiaomi charges significantly faster, quickly restoring battery life. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | The S21+ supports convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits brightness offers much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score and a more powerful GPU translates to smoother app performance, better gaming, and faster processing speeds.
- Better Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom and 8K video recording provide more versatility and superior video recording capabilities. Better photo scores.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Advanced Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res Audio and noise-canceling microphone for enhanced audio experience and clear calls.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen scratch and shatter resistance.
- eSIM Support: Allows for the usage of a digital SIM without the need for a physical one
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages
- Faster Charging: 67W charging replenishes the battery much quicker than the S21+'s 25W.
- Bigger Battery: Offers a bigger battery for slightly more battery life.
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 12GB of RAM, suitable for heavy multitaskers and gamers.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up photography.
- More Recent OS: Ships with Android 12 compared to the S21+'s Android 11.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Features Bluetooth 5.2 for better audio quality and range.
- Better Video Score: Has a higher video score according to DxoMark.
Significant Trade-offs
- S21+ Trade-off: Slower charging and a smaller battery than the Xiaomi.
- Xiaomi Trade-off: Less bright screen, less powerful chipset, inferior camera system and lack of wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality (especially outdoor visibility), high performance, a versatile camera system, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography and videography.
- Gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who often use wireless charging.
- Frequent travelers who need superior performance and display quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize fast charging, a bigger battery, and are looking for a more budget-friendly option while still having a good camera for general use.
- Use Cases:
- Long days away from a charger, where fast charging is crucial.
- Casual photography, especially close-up shots.
- Everyday users who value fast performance for social media, browsing and video consumption.
- Users who need a large amount of RAM for gaming and heavy multitasking.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro typically offers better price-to-value, given its fast charging, larger battery and more ram for a lower price.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a premium experience with higher performance, better display, a more versatile camera system, and wireless charging, but it may come at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- Display Needs: How important is bright outdoor visibility? If you are outside a lot, or work in bright environments, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is the obvious pick.
- Performance Demands: Do you play heavy games or run demanding apps often? If yes, the S21+ offers significantly better performance.
- Charging Habits: Do you prioritize fast charging over wireless charging? If you often find yourself running out of battery and having little time to charge, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the one to choose.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: If you frequently use your phone for outdoor photography and navigation, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, with its much brighter screen, higher performance and superior camera, will be a better fit.
- Scenario 2: Power User on the Go: If you need a phone that can last all day, with very fast charging and enough performance for daily use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is the ideal option.
- Scenario 3: Value-Conscious User: If budget is the biggest concern, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro will provide a very good experience for less money.
My Choice and Explanation
Based on a combination of personal preference and the analysis provided, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Display Brightness: I often work outdoors and need a display that is easily visible in bright sunlight. The S21+'s significantly higher brightness is a crucial advantage for me.
- Camera Versatility: I value having a high-quality camera system with multiple lens options, including optical zoom. The telephoto lens and 8K video recording capabilities of the S21+ are compelling.
- Performance: While I'm not a hardcore gamer, I do appreciate smooth performance and the ability to handle demanding apps without any lag. The S21+ offers a noticeable performance edge.
- Overall User Experience: The S21+'s premium features and capabilities mean that it will last me longer.
While the Xiaomi offers faster charging and a bigger battery, these are not as important to me as display brightness, camera versatility and performance. The S21+ fits my use case best, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost. It is also important to note that, while the Xiaomi has better video scores on DxoMark, the S21+ supports higher video resolutions, which would be necessary for high quality content creation.
