1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.3 x 75.6 x 8 mm | Xiaomi is slightly taller and thicker; Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 188.5g | Xiaomi is lighter, might be noticeable during long usage. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has significantly better scratch and drop protection for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size; Both are large enough for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; Both offer a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Indistinguishable pixel density; Very similar screen clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1800 nits | Xiaomi is much brighter, significantly better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful chip leading to noticeably faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 338,000 | S21+ offers much better performance, suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, leading to smoother graphics in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | Xiaomi captures more detail in good lighting, while S21+ has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, providing better zoom quality. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ captures ultrawide shots with more detail; both have similar aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | Xiaomi has higher resolution, while S21+ has a wider aperture and larger pixels, potentially better for low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor, potentially for better bokeh effects, but low resolution. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers much higher video recording quality; Xiaomi is limited to Full HD. |
| Camera DXOMARK | Mobile: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | Mobile: 75 (Photo: 75, Video: 68) | S21+ has significantly better camera performance in photos and videos. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode etc. | Digital zoom, basic modes | S21+ has advanced features like OIS, RAW and night mode for more flexibility. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing a bit longer usage. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 33W | Xiaomi charges faster. |
| Charging Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | None | S21+ offers convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much better processing power, crucial for demanding applications and gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Superior photo and video quality with higher resolutions, dedicated telephoto, OIS, and advanced video recording modes (8K).
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more robust sensor suite, including a barometer.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- eSIM Support: Adds versatility for dual SIM use.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation mic
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life (Marginal): Slightly larger battery paired with a less demanding chipset potentially results in longer usage time.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is faster than the 25W on the S21+.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and is eligible for more OS updates.
- Lower Price: Generally more affordable than the Samsung S21+
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ has superior performance and a much better camera but lacks the brightness and battery life of the Xiaomi.
- The Xiaomi has a brighter screen, longer battery, and faster charging but lacks performance, camera quality and premium features such as wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who frequently engage in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, including features like optical zoom and 8K video recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who desire advanced features like wireless charging and a complete sensor suite.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Users who want smooth app loading and gaming experience without stuttering.
- Users who often record videos The high quality video capture and stabilization will be valuable for such users.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals seeking a reliable phone with a large, bright screen at an affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phone for communication, browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Outdoor Users: Those who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who prioritize longer battery life and fast charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21+: Professional photography, gaming, video editing, heavy multitasking, and users needing accurate location tracking.
- Note 13 4G: Casual photography, outdoor navigation, media consumption (especially in bright conditions), users who value battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is a significant constraint, the Xiaomi is the better option.
- What will I primarily use my phone for?
- For high-end gaming, pro-grade photo/video, and performance, the S21+ is the clear choice.
- For casual usage, social media, media consumption and longer battery life with a lower cost, then the Redmi Note 13 is suitable.
- How important is display brightness and outdoor visibility? If outdoor visibility is essential, the Redmi Note 13 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A professional photographer needing the best photo/video, speed and has enough budget - Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: A user who mainly uses the phone for social media, watching videos and browsing on a budget - Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G.
- Scenario 3: A gamer who want better graphics performance but has a limited budget - Neither. Look at other options, or increase budget, as the Xiaomi is not powerful enough and the S21+ has a poor battery for gaming.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, despite its older age and slightly higher price (assuming the price difference isn't extreme). Here's why:
- Performance Matters: I prioritize smooth performance and the ability to handle demanding apps and games without lag or stutter. The significantly higher AnTuTu score of the S21+ demonstrates its much better processing power.
- Camera Quality is Key: As someone who frequently takes photos and videos, the superior camera system of the S21+ is a major draw. The telephoto lens, better low-light capabilities, and 8K video recording are significant advantages.
- Advanced Features: The wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while not essential, offer convenience I would appreciate.
- Longevity: While the S21+ is older, the higher performance chipset will mean it will remain usable for a longer period of time than the Xiaomi Note 13.
Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G offers a brighter screen and longer battery life, the raw power and camera capabilities of the Galaxy S21+ outweigh these advantages for my needs and would give a much smoother experience.
