Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.7 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm | Samsung is slightly taller and thicker, while both have a similar width. The Samsung has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 227g | 204g | The Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Samsung offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Samsung provides a much sharper and more detailed display, especially noticeable with text and high-resolution images. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | Samsung's higher pixel density leads to a significantly crisper and clearer image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Samsung's higher brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Samsung's chipset is more powerful, offering faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 528,100 | Samsung has a notably higher benchmark score, translating to a more responsive and fluid user experience, particularly with demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Samsung's GPU is more powerful, resulting in superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, though real-world usage may vary. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Xiaomi offers significantly faster charging, allowing for a full charge in a fraction of the time compared to the Samsung. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse charging | Fast Comfort Charging | Samsung offers more charging options including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories. Xiaomi has significantly faster wired charging and thermal management. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.89, 1/1.52" | Samsung has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, leading to better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait photography, not available on the Xiaomi. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Samsung has a much higher resolution, wider aperture, and larger sensor for superior selfie quality, better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | Samsung has an additional telephoto lens, providing more zoom flexibility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Xiaomi includes a wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene in a single shot; Samsung doesn't have a dedicated one but has wide-angle capabilities on another lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle lens that can also be used for macro photography |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Samsung can record in higher 8K resolution, offers more frame rate options at 4K, and has better stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile 115/Selfie 135 | N/A | Samsung's camera has been extensively tested with detailed scores. Xiaomi's camera hasn't been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11, Max version: Unspecified | Samsung provides more guaranteed software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with extensive codecs | 5.2 LE | Both support the latest Bluetooth standards and common codecs. Samsung supports a wider variety of Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Dual Galileo bands | L1+L5 with more systems | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Samsung has more storage capacity available, particularly with a 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | Samsung offers significantly more RAM, which helps with multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancelling | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Samsung offers noise cancellation, useful in calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered more convenient and faster than the basic option on the Samsung. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung offers superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive, includes Barometer | Comprehensive | Samsung includes a Barometer, which can be useful for measuring altitude. It also includes Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic. Xiaomi only has Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, and Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provide a noticeably sharper, more vibrant, and better outdoor viewing experience.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM result in significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- More versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom, higher resolution selfie camera and high video recording capabilities. Offers better photo quality in low light with larger sensors and wider aperture lenses.
- Better Software Support: Guaranteed Android updates for a longer period.
- More comprehensive charging options includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced audio recording Includes noise cancelling microphone.
- Better build Quality offers better protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Additional sensors: including a barometer.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in areas that require high performance, a superior display, and a professional camera experience. This makes it ideal for users who consume media, play graphically intensive games, or those who are passionate about mobile photography.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 120W charging allows for a much quicker full charge than the Samsung.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: Better and more accurate location tracking.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers more versatility at a lower cost point.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Many find it more convenient than the in-screen sensor found on many Samsung devices.
Practical Implications: The Xiaomi is more suited for those who prioritize fast charging, lighter weight, or who don't need the highest levels of processing power. This makes it a better option for someone on the go who might need to quickly charge their device. The additional wide angle lens is also an advantage for users who often capture group shots or landscapes.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Heavier, slower charging, and considerably more expensive.
- Xiaomi: Less powerful processor, inferior display, lower photo quality (in most categories).
- Software Updates: Xiaomi's update support is less guaranteed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best mobile camera quality with versatility in zoom capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a high-resolution and bright display for viewing content.
- Professionals: Users who rely on their phones for work and need advanced features and functionality.
- Users who want long term software updates.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth performance.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and TV shows in bright sunlight.
- Productivity tasks requiring smooth multitasking and quick app launching.
- Long term software updates and support.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a feature-rich phone at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a reliable phone for social media, browsing, and casual use.
- Users on the go: Those who need to be able to charge their phone very quickly.
- Users who don't need the best camera: Those who use their cameras for basic everyday use but don't need optical zoom or advanced features.
- Those who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A matter of preference.
Use Cases:
- General daily use, browsing, social media, and communication.
- Taking snapshots with a wide-angle lens.
- Quickly charging the phone when needed.
- A less expensive alternative to flagship phones.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung is a premium device and will cost significantly more. The Xiaomi offers a better value proposition for users who don't need the highest levels of performance, but still want a solid phone with fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance and display quality to you? If these are crucial, the Samsung is the clear choice. If you prioritize a good enough screen at a lower price, the Xiaomi might suffice.
- Is fast charging a must-have feature? If so, the Xiaomi will be a better option due to its incredibly quick 120W charging.
- How important is camera quality and flexibility? The Samsung has a more capable and versatile camera system overall, whereas the Xiaomi lacks a telephoto lens and has lower video resolution.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator - Recommend: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to superior performance, better display, and versatile camera system, which provides smoother gameplay and better video quality.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User on a Budget - Recommend: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G due to faster charging, lighter design and good value for money.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Recommend: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to superior sensor size, zoom capabilities, and image quality.
- Scenario 4: Casual User who prioritizes convenience - Recommend: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G due to the faster charging and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers compelling advantages like its incredibly fast charging and more accessible price point, my priorities lie with top-tier performance, a superior display experience, and a high-quality and versatile camera system. As someone who values a premium user experience, the S21 Ultra's advantages in display clarity, processing power, and camera versatility outweigh its higher price point and slower charging. While the Xiaomi offers excellent value, the overall experience, particularly in the areas of performance, screen quality, and photo/video capabilities, is significantly better on the Samsung S21 Ultra.
