1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker, while the Note 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thinner, making it a bit more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 202g | The Note 11 Pro is noticeably lighter, which can make it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger display, which can be better for media consumption and multitasking, but is only a minor difference. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | The S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with more detail, providing better viewing experience for photos, videos, and text. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra has much higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably clearer and sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, which leads to better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is a higher-end chipset, offering significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 405,259 | S21 Ultra is noticeably faster in most tasks, including app loading, gaming and general usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra's GPU is substantially more powerful, offering better graphics performance in gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Note 11 Pro charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in, and is very convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 9W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | The S21 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly and supports fast wireless charging, offering more versatility in charging options. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially offering better low-light performance and more detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto camera for enhanced zoom capabilities and portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution, wider aperture and a larger sensor. It should result in better details, better low-light, and better performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | The S21 Ultra offers a second telephoto lens for greater zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Note 11 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | The Note 11 Pro has a macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution and better ultrawide lens that doubles as macro. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, various other resolutions | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra can record up to 8K video, offering significantly more detailed video footage with better stabilization technologies. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 78 | S21 Ultra has a much higher DXOMark score, indicating superior overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 135 | Not tested | The S21 Ultra's selfie camera provides much better performance than the Note 11 Pro according to DXOMark. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, and more | Digital zoom, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra has optical zoom which allows high quality zoom photos and has optical image stabilization (OIS) for better photos. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | S21 Ultra is upgradable to Android 15 while Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has no max version specified |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wifi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with extensive features | Bluetooth 5.2 with fewer features | S21 Ultra provides better device connectivity and capabilities than the Redmi Note 11 Pro. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | S21 Ultra has better location accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality for ease of use when using two numbers. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | N/A | The S21 Ultra offers significantly more storage, allowing users to store more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | N/A | The S21 Ultra offers more RAM which is better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21 Ultra offers a better audio experience with noise cancellation microphone which can improve call quality. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Redmi Note 11 Pro's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often faster and more reliable than an older, basic fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | S21 Ultra has additional sensors like a Barometer which provides more versatile features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness result in a much sharper and more visible screen, especially in bright light.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU offer higher performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-quality primary sensor, two telephoto lenses, and higher DxOMark scores indicate better image quality and zoom capabilities, plus superior video recording.
- More versatile battery Features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More RAM: Excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games
- Faster Wifi: Supports newer WiFi standards
- More satellite systems: Better location accuracy
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better suited for users who want the best possible display, performance, and camera quality, along with some extra battery features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 67W fast charging allows users to quickly recharge the phone.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry around.
- Wider Angle Lens: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Macro Lens: Can take close-up pictures that the S21 Ultra cannot.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Faster and more accessible security.
Practical Implications: The Note 11 Pro is a better option for users who value faster charging, comfortable design, and wide angle/macro lens.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier and thicker; slower charging; less versatile in wide-angle and macro lenses, more expensive.
- Note 11 Pro: Inferior display, significantly lower performance, and a less versatile camera system overall, less RAM, less storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, and power users who need top-tier performance and don't mind paying for premium features.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Heavy gaming and multitasking
- High-resolution media consumption
- Users that require maximum performance in mobile device.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value in its segment, albeit at a high price point.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prefer a lighter phone, and casual photographers who value a fast-charging phone.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday smartphone tasks (social media, browsing, calls)
- Casual gaming
- Users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks.
- Users that require quick charge
- Price-to-Value: Provides a good balance of features and performance for its price range.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your priority - maximum performance or fast charging?: If you need the best possible performance, display, and camera, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. However, if fast charging and a lighter build is more important, the Note 11 Pro might be better.
- Do you need top of the line camera or are you just taking simple photos?: The S21 Ultra has a far better and more versatile camera system than the Note 11 Pro. If photography and video are essential to you, consider the S21 Ultra. If your phone is for casual everyday photography, the Note 11 Pro can be sufficient.
- What's your budget?: The S21 Ultra is a high-end device, while the Note 11 Pro is a mid-range phone. Your budget will likely be a major factor in your decision.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior camera system, video capabilities, and high-resolution display.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: The Note 11 Pro is an excellent choice for its fast charging capabilities and good enough performance for basic tasks, at a lower price.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Gamer: The S21 Ultra provides a much better gaming experience thanks to its powerful chipset and GPU, and RAM.
- Scenario 4: All-Day User: S21 Ultra offers better display, processing power and battery features.
What I would choose and why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a lighter design and faster charging, the S21 Ultra offers a much more compelling package overall. My priorities when choosing a smartphone are:
- Display Quality: The S21 Ultra's significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness will provide a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption, which is crucial for me as I watch a lot of videos and browse photos.
- Performance: I am an avid gamer, and the Exynos 2100 chipset paired with the Mali-G78 MP14 GPU will provide the best experience for gaming, app loading, and heavy multitasking.
- Camera Versatility: The S21 Ultra’s camera system, particularly its multiple telephoto lenses and overall image quality, would be a great improvement for my photography needs. Also, the higher video recording quality is a major plus.
- RAM: The much bigger RAM would help with heavy multitasking
- Future Proofing: The superior display, performance, and expandable software of S21 Ultra make it a better choice for a long term investment, and will probably stay relevant for a couple of more years than the Note 11 Pro.
The Note 11 Pro's fast charging is appealing, but for me, the S21 Ultra's premium features and overall higher performance justify the trade-off. While I prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor, the difference isn't significant enough to sway my opinion. Also, the wireless charging feature of the S21 Ultra is a convenient addition.
