1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 193g | Redmi Note 10 Pro is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (front), Aluminum frame | Gorilla Glass 5 (front) | S21 Ultra has a more scratch-resistant screen, potentially more durable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra display is noticeably sharper with much higher pixel density, better clarity and detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra offers much sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra display is much more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset offers much faster processing, app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 397,200 | S21 Ultra offers significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 618 | S21 Ultra has much more powerful graphics, better for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger sensor with a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has an additional lens for portrait mode and optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies with a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has an additional dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed pictures. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Redmi has a dedicated ultrawide for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Redmi has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Redmi has a dedicated macro lens for taking close up photos of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra has wide-angle shots with macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR & EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports much higher resolution videos, better for video enthusiasts. |
| OIS | Yes | No | S21 Ultra provides optical image stabilization, resulting in smoother videos and sharper photos |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | Main: 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera has been evaluated and received a high score, indicating a strong performance. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | Main: 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra's selfie camera has been evaluated and received a high score, indicating a strong performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | None | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Charger in Box | No | Yes | Xiaomi includes a charger in the box, Samsung does not. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Samsung offers 2 more years of OS updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 Ultra offers more accurate GPS capabilities |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | S21 Ultra has a larger maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra additionally offers noise cancelling microphone for better calls |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi offers a more modern side mounted sensor |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity (Ultrasonic Virtual), Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has additional sensors suitable for advanced features, including a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster processing and graphics performance, suitable for heavy tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offer a visibly sharper and more vibrant display, especially in outdoor conditions.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra features a more versatile camera system with better low-light performance, optical zoom, and 8K video capabilities, suitable for serious photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Premium Build and Features: The device includes wireless and reverse wireless charging, a more scratch-resistant display, and a more comprehensive suite of connectivity and audio features, giving it a premium feel.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM and storage options allow for smoother multitasking and storage of more media.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: The Redmi Note 10 Pro is lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging offers slightly quicker charging times.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro: The Redmi has dedicated wide angle and macro lenses, unlike the S21 Ultra.
- More affordable: The phone is significantly more affordable, providing better value for budget-conscious users.
- Charger In-Box: The phone comes with a charger, unlike the Samsung phone.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The higher price, larger size, and heavier weight may not appeal to all users. It also lacks a charger in the box.
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: Its performance and camera system are less advanced compared to the S21 Ultra, it also offers a less premium experience with inferior screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera system with multiple lenses, 8K video, and great low-light performance.
- Media Consumers: People who value a high-quality, bright, and sharp display for watching videos, playing games, and browsing content.
- Professionals: Users who need a premium build, advanced features, and robust connectivity for work and productivity.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Extended use in bright outdoor conditions.
- Multi-tasking between demanding apps and tasks.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a good all-around smartphone at an affordable price.
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize battery life, lighter weight, and a good display for daily use.
- Casual Photographers: Those who take occasional photos and videos and are not concerned with advanced features.
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who primarily use their phone for communication, social media, and light media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography for social media.
- Enjoying media content on a vibrant screen.
- Users needing a lighter, pocketable phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers top-tier performance and features at a premium price. It is an investment in a high-end device.
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: Provides a good balance of features and performance at a budget-friendly price. Offers excellent value for those not wanting to pay the premium price for the Samsung.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which is a crucial factor for many buyers.
- How important is performance? If you play a lot of games or use demanding apps, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. For most everyday users, the Redmi is adequate.
- How important is the camera? If you value high quality photos, video with zoom and pro level features, the S21 Ultra is better. For social media and casual photography, the Redmi is enough.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Pro Photographer/Power User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The superior performance, advanced camera system, and high-quality display justify the price for users who need top-tier capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Budget-Conscious Buyer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro. Provides a good balance of features for a much lower price. This option is great for everyday use and casual photography.
- Scenario 3: User who values display quality
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. For people who need a high quality and bright display for work, media consumption and other tasks, the higher resolution and brightness of the Samsung display are worth the extra cost.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, even though it is much more expensive. This recommendation is based on my personal preference for superior performance, a better camera system, and a high-quality display.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for various tasks, including gaming and video editing, the Exynos 2100 chipset's performance advantage is a big plus. This ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming.
- Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera system with optical zoom and 8K video is ideal for photography and videography enthusiasts like me. I often find myself taking photos in various conditions, and the S21 Ultra’s additional lenses and superior sensors would be more suitable.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution and brightness provide a much better visual experience. I value a sharp and vibrant display for watching media, and the S21 Ultra's display would not let me down in any viewing environment.
- Overall Experience: The additional features like wireless charging and the premium build provide a more complete and premium user experience.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro offers great value for money and is suitable for many users, the S21 Ultra would be a more future-proof and capable device for my specific needs. Although more expensive, the Samsung is better in almost every way, so for someone with the budget, it's the clear choice.
