1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, may feel less ergonomic for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 227g | 188g | Redmi Note 12 is significantly lighter, better for extended use, portability. S21 Ultra heavier, may feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a marginally larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra is much sharper, leading to better text clarity and image quality. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 395 ppi | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper display, resulting in finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra much better for outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra is significantly faster, more suitable for heavy apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 460,800 | S21 Ultra offers a much better overall performance, snappier UI, faster loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra has much better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery endurance, under normal usage they should last a day. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W wireless, reverse wireless | Non-removable | S21 Ultra is much more versatile, allows wireless charging and sharing charge with other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra's main sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra allows for optical zoom and better portrait mode effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 13MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra takes higher quality and detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, better for distant objects |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Both feature wide-angle lenses, but S21 Ultra provides higher quality |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra records much higher quality video, better for pro-level shooting. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | 69 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher camera performance based on benchmark tests |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has significantly higher selfie camera performance based on benchmark tests |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 12 | Redmi Note 12 ships with a newer OS initially, but S21 Ultra will likely have more updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has slightly more advanced Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | S21 Ultra supports more GPS technologies for more accurate location and navigation |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra has a higher maximum storage option (512GB vs 256GB), more room for large media files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6/8 GB | S21 Ultra supports heavier multitasking, smoother app use, much better for demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both do not offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic | S21 Ultra offers enhanced audio quality with features for spatial audio and quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 offers a faster fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra has a much more robust screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 Ultra is more suited for advanced environmental features, while Redmi Note 12 features the ultrasonic virtual proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and higher brightness result in a much sharper, clearer, and more visible screen, especially outdoors.
- Much Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly more processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra boasts a versatile camera setup with better main sensor, telephoto lenses, superior selfie, 8K video and higher DXOMARK scores.
More Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, much better audio, more RAM, better Bluetooth, more GPS technologies.
Robust Build Quality: Better screen protection.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging time.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens provides versatility in close-up photography
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Heavier and more expensive than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. Less convenient to carry.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Lower performance, less advanced camera system, basic audio, older WiFi, worse screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and video recording quality.
- Media Consumers: People who appreciate a high-quality display for watching videos and enjoying content.
- Professionals: Users needing a high-performance phone with versatile camera features and more location/connection options.
Use Cases:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility is critical.
- Heavy multitasking, switching quickly between multiple applications.
- Long-term use, due to the higher specs.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: People looking for good value with a decent all-around experience without spending too much.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like social media, messaging, and web browsing.
- Light Photographers: Those who want a usable camera for everyday snapshots, and some occasional macro photography
- Users Seeking Portability: Those who prefer a lightweight and comfortable phone.
Use Cases:
- Everyday web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography, capturing memories in decent quality.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Extended use cases where a light and durable phone are important.
- Users seeking the latest OS experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the Redmi Note 12.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If performance and camera are crucial, the S21 Ultra is the clear winner.
- What is my primary use case? If the phone is mainly for basic use, the Redmi Note 12 is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Heavy Multitasking: If you need to play demanding games, multitask heavily, and require a fast and snappy user experience, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use and Budget Constraints: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, and want to save money, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is more than adequate.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: If you take a lot of photos, especially in varied conditions and need good zoom, or if you shoot videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a much more capable camera setup.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older phone, its significantly superior display, performance, and camera system outweigh the benefits of the newer, more budget-friendly Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. I appreciate a smooth and responsive experience, along with the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, and the S21 Ultra is the clear winner in these areas. While the weight and price are drawbacks, the overall experience and features offered by the S21 Ultra make it a better choice for my needs. The faster charging offered by the Redmi Note 12 and its lighter form factor would be nice to have, but I am willing to compromise on that for better overall performance.
