Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness. |
| Weight | 227g | 181g | The Redmi 10 2022 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | The S21 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has a much sharper and detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 405 ppi | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The S21 Ultra has superior display tech, providing richer colors and deeper blacks. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022's display technology is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra display is significantly brighter, enhancing visibility in outdoor conditions. The Redmi 10 2022's brightness is not specified, but indicated as 0 nits, likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, ensuring smoother operation and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 253,600 | The S21 Ultra provides considerably faster app loading, better multitasking, and is suitable for demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The S21 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, offering better graphics performance, especially in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The S21 Ultra captures more detailed images and offers better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | The S21 Ultra's larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in better image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | Not Present | The S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities and improved portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 8MP | The S21 Ultra captures much higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The Redmi 10 2022 has a wider aperture for better low-light performance with its selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | Not Present | The S21 Ultra offers additional optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 8MP | The Redmi 10 2022 offers a wide-angle lens to capture more in the frame. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | Not Present | 2MP | The Redmi 10 2022 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | Not Present | 2MP | The Redmi 10 2022 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP | Not Present | The S21 Ultra provides a dedicated lens for wide and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21 Ultra can capture much higher resolution video, suitable for professional content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | The S21 Ultra has electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother video recording. |
| Slow-motion | 960 fps | 120 fps | The S21 Ultra has significantly better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has been evaluated by DxOMark, indicating its strong camera performance |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has been evaluated by DxOMark, indicating its strong selfie camera performance |
| Camera Features | Extensive features including 8K video, optical zoom, OIS, etc. | Basic features like digital zoom, HDR, etc. | The S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features for creative flexibility. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity for comparable battery life, but other factors affect this. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | The S21 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | 9W reverse wired charging | The S21 Ultra has advanced charging features for convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both start with the same version of Android, but the S21 Ultra has a specified max version of 15. |
| Max OS version | 15 | Not specified | The S21 Ultra is expected to receive more OS updates than the Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The S21 Ultra has a newer Wi-Fi standard, enabling faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | The S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, offering slightly improved performance and features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | The S21 Ultra supports more precise location tracking with more satellite bands. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 128/256/512 GB | Not specified | The S21 Ultra offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM Options | 12/16 GB | Not specified | The S21 Ultra offers more RAM, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | The S21 Ultra delivers a superior audio experience, enhanced clarity and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | The Redmi 10 2022 offers a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The S21 Ultra has superior protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive Sensor Suite | Basic Set of Sensors | The S21 Ultra includes an environmental sensor and more comprehensive sensors, for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, better color accuracy (AMOLED), higher brightness and smoother refresh rate (120Hz), leading to a much better viewing experience.
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer much higher processing power, ensuring smooth performance, especially in demanding apps and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main, telephoto, and selfie cameras, with additional telephoto lens and better low light performance, offers more flexibility and higher image quality. The DxOMark scores highlight its better camera performance. It also offers professional grade video capabilities (8K).
- Faster Charging & Wireless: 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and 9W reverse wireless charging for a faster and more convenient experience.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and noise-cancelling microphone provide better sound quality for music, videos, and calls.
- Latest Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster data transfer and better connection stability.
- More Memory: More RAM and internal storage capacity improves multitasking and the ability to store large amounts of data.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and impact resistance.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (46g), offering enhanced comfort for extended use.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Wider aperture (f/2.0) on the selfie camera for potentially better low-light selfies.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Macro, and Depth Sensor: Offers versatility in photography with its specialized lenses.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient unlocking experience with fingerprint sensor on the power button.
- Price: Likely considerably cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra trades a heavier weight and higher cost for better performance, display, camera, and features.
- The Redmi 10 2022 trades raw power, display quality, and camera versatility for a lighter build, lower price, and wide/macro camera lenses.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts needing high-quality images, versatility, and advanced features.
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption, content creation, and visual clarity.
- Users who need the latest connectivity and features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption with high fidelity audio (HDR videos, movies, music).
- Power users needing large memory for multitasking and storage.
- Price-to-Value: High price, but justified by its top-tier performance, camera, display, and advanced features.
Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a good overall smartphone experience.
- Casual users who prioritize a lightweight design for comfortable handling.
- Users who like versatility with wide, macro and depth camera lenses and don't need the highest-quality imaging.
- Users who desire a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.
- Use Cases:
- Daily tasks like social media, browsing, and messaging.
- Casual photography with an array of lenses for varied shots.
- Basic gaming.
- Users on a limited budget.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for its price, providing a decent set of features at an affordable cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is premium; the Redmi 10 2022 is budget-friendly.
- What is your primary use case? Do you need a top-tier experience for intensive tasks (gaming, professional photography) or a reliable, daily use phone with a good display and decent camera?
- Which features are most important? Do you prioritize display quality, camera versatility, processing power, battery features, or weight?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior processing power, better GPU, smoother display and better cooling.
- Scenario 2: Photography/Videography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior camera system, higher resolution, telephoto lenses, and 8K video recording, and DxOMark ratings.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 for its affordability and overall good user experience.
- Scenario 4: Casual User Prioritizing Comfort: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 10 2022 for its lighter weight, better ergonomics and a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Scenario 5: Display Focused Media Consumer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its best-in-class display, higher brightness and sharper visuals.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My reasoning is based on a few key factors:
- Prioritization of Performance: As someone who values seamless multitasking, smooth performance in demanding apps and gaming, the significantly more powerful Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU of the S21 Ultra offer the kind of experience I prefer.
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution (1440x3200), higher pixel density (515ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness (1500 nits) makes the S21 Ultra's display a joy to use for all tasks, especially media consumption. This is a major factor for my usage patterns.
- Camera Capabilities: The S21 Ultra has a significantly superior camera system with higher resolution sensors, more versatile lens options (including dual telephoto), optical zoom, OIS and better video recording capabilities, up to 8K. This offers more flexibility and creativity in photography. The DxOMark scores highlight the camera performance.
- Future-Proofing: While both devices have their strong points, the more advanced technology in the S21 Ultra, such as the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, is more likely to remain relevant for a longer period. Also the specified Android OS upgrade path means the phone will stay up to date for a few more years.
While the Redmi 10 2022 has its advantages, particularly its lighter weight and lower price, I am willing to trade those for the enhanced performance, superior display, and advanced camera system of the S21 Ultra. For me the S21 Ultra is not just a phone; it's more like a powerful pocket computer and a great multimedia tool.
