1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.4 × 74.2 × 8.9 mm | Slightly wider, thinner (S21+), Slightly narrower, thicker (Note 13 Pro+). Note 13 Pro+ slightly larger volume |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Nearly identical weight. Negligible difference in hand. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, plastic frame | Similar screen protection. Note 13 Pro+ has a plastic frame (may be less durable). |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Similar size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | Xiaomi has sharper display. Text and images are noticeably crisper and more detailed. |
| PPI | 394 | 446 | Xiaomi's higher pixel density results in greater sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1800 nits | Xiaomi's display is significantly brighter and easier to view under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra (4 nm) | Different architectures. Note 13 Pro+ slightly newer chip. Note 13 Pro+ slightly better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 803,381 | Xiaomi has marginally higher benchmark scores (7%), indicating slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different GPUs, Xiaomi might offer slightly better gaming performance, but both capable for most games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4", 0.56µm | Xiaomi offers significantly higher resolution photos. Samsung may have better low-light due to larger pixel size (though pixel binning on Xiaomi is not specified) |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | Not present | Samsung has dedicated telephoto zoom and portrait capabilities. Xiaomi lacks dedicated zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Xiaomi captures slightly more detailed selfies, however Samsung has a brighter lens which might be good in low light |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Xiaomi has depth camera for better bokeh (background blur). |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Samsung has a higher resolution wide-angle camera with a larger sensor, resulting in better quality wide shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo | 4K@30fps, EIS | Samsung offers higher resolution video recording options and better framerates. Both support EIS, but only Samsung mentions HDR for all options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 121 | Xiaomi has better quality overall |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Samsung offers more professional camera features such as RAW capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger battery, which may provide marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Xiaomi's fast charging is dramatically faster. A full charge is significantly quicker. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (15W), Reverse wireless charging (4.5W), No charge in-box | Non-removable | Samsung offers wireless charging, reverse charging. No charger included in box. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 16 | Xiaomi starts with a more recent OS version and will have one more upgrade. Samsung gets more frequent security patches |
| WiFi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax); Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax); Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both are similar, Xiaomi has MiMO support |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE Low energy consumption; A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile), DIP (Device ID Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile), HID (Human Interface Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), LE (Low Energy), MAP (Message Access Profile), PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile), ANT+, APT-x, SBC | Bluetooth 5.3 LE Low energy consumption; A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), LE (Low Energy), APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Xiaomi has newer Bluetooth version. Both support high quality audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar location, both are precise |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Both support dual sim with one eSIM |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Xiaomi has more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB or 16 GB | Xiaomi offers more RAM which will help with heavy use |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack external storage option. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Samsung has slightly better audio with Hi-Res Audio and noise cancelling microphone. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensor |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have same protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung has more sensors which are better for gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- More comprehensive camera features: Offers optical zoom, 8K video recording, RAW capture, and a dedicated telephoto lens, better for photography enthusiasts.
- Better video recording: Higher video resolution, and all video modes offer HDR.
- Better audio capabilities: Supports Hi-Res audio and includes a noise cancellation microphone.
- Wireless charging & reverse wireless charging: More convenient for some users, ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- More sensors: Includes barometer, Hall sensor, and geomagnetic sensor for gaming.
- More established brand: Better community, support options, etc.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly faster charging: 120W charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Higher resolution display: Sharper screen with better pixel density makes text and images much clearer.
- Brighter display: Better visibility under bright sunlight.
- Higher resolution main camera: More detailed photos when using the standard camera, better for social media.
- More storage and RAM options: Up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM provide more space and better performance.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports LDAC and AAC codecs.
- Better battery life Slightly better battery performance overall.
- Better camera overall: According to DxOMark, Note 13 Pro+ has better camera quality across the board.
- Newer OS: comes with a newer version of android and will get an extra upgrade.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung's more versatile camera system means better image capture quality across different zoom levels, but with a lower main sensor resolution. It also has slower charging and lacks the newer Bluetooth.
- Xiaomi's emphasis on a high-resolution main camera and fast charging is at the expense of dedicated telephoto zoom. Its video recording capabilities are also less impressive than the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with optical zoom, RAW capture, and 8K video recording.
- Users who value audio: Those who want Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation for clearer calls.
- Users who need wireless charging: People who prefer the convenience of wireless and reverse charging.
- Users who value the user experience: Better software, better integration in ecosystems, and overall ease of use.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos with different zoom options.
- Enjoying music with higher quality and clear calls.
- Charging other devices wirelessly on the go.
- Using the phone for gaming
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize speed and convenience: Those who want extremely fast charging and a crisp, bright display.
- Casual photographers: Users who want detailed photos for social media.
- Users who prioritize storage and RAM: Heavy users who need more storage and RAM for multitasking.
- Value Seekers: Users that want the best specs for their money.
Use Cases:
- Rapidly charging the phone to full battery.
- Viewing content on a bright, sharp screen, especially outdoors.
- Capturing social media photos with the high-resolution main camera.
- Playing intensive games without lags
- Users that want more bang for their buck.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is charging speed? If fast charging is a must-have, the Xiaomi is the clear choice.
- How important are camera versatility and video quality? The Samsung is a more suitable option if a versatile camera with 8K video is needed.
- How important is a brighter, more detailed display? If you plan to use it under sunlight, and prioritize sharpness, the Xiaomi is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Fast-paced lifestyle with limited charging time: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ for its ultra-fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Focus on mobile photography and video creation: Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: Gaming and media consumption under sunlight: Choose Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ for its sharp, bright display, faster charging and newer Bluetooth version
- Scenario 4: All around premium experience: Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for better software and general user experience.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+. While I appreciate the Samsung's versatile camera and audio features, the ultra-fast charging and higher resolution display of the Xiaomi are more aligned with my daily needs. I am often on the go, so charging speed is a major benefit for me. I also enjoy having a vivid, bright display for content consumption, which is another advantage of the Note 13 Pro+. The marginal performance difference is not significant enough for me to pick the Samsung over the Xiaomi. The newer operating system, as well as better Bluetooth codecs, also give it an edge over the older S21+. While the camera might not have a dedicated zoom, the 200MP main sensor captures more than enough detail for my needs, which are usually for social media. Finally, the fact that the Note 13 Pro+ also offers slightly better camera quality according to DxOMark solidifies its position.
