1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, but similar width. Note 12 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 187g | Note 12 Pro is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | S21 Ultra is much brighter for excellent outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a more powerful chip, offering faster overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 573,200 | S21 Ultra has higher performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra has a more capable GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed photos. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor for better light capture, especially in low light. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Note 12 Pro has larger individual pixel size, for better light sensitivity in standard use. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra captures much higher resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | N/A | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens for long range shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP | Note 12 Pro offers ultrawide photography. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP | Note 12 Pro offers dedicated macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP | N/A | S21 Ultra has ultrawide capability + macro shots. |
| Video Recording (Max) | 8K@24fps | 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports higher resolution, professional-grade video recording. |
| Mobile Camera DXOMark Score | 115 | 102 | S21 Ultra has a better overall camera performance. |
| Selfie Camera DXOMark Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a superior selfie camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life; expect comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | N/A | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging, for added convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | N/A | S21 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Note 12 Pro is slightly newer in terms of base OS, but S21 Ultra is confirmed to have higher Android support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both phones support the latest WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, wide profile support | 5.2, basic profile support | S21 Ultra has more diverse audio/peripheral support. |
| GPS | Dual Band, multiple systems | Multiple systems, dual band | Note 12 Pro has slightly more diverse GPS satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a larger storage option, suitable for vast collections of media. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM for demanding usage and smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers a more premium audio experience with noise cancellation and Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Note 12 Pro is more convenient with side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers enhanced screen scratch/shatter protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes a barometer for environmental sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provide a much more detailed and vivid viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Features significantly higher resolution main and selfie cameras, dedicated telephoto lenses, and more features, leading to superior photo and video quality.
- Premium Build and Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, enhanced screen protection, and a more robust audio setup.
- More RAM & Storage: Higher RAM options allow for smoother multitasking. Larger storage options allows to store more files.
More versatile connectivity: Wider bluetooth profile support and dual band GPS
Trade-offs:
- Heavier and bulkier design compared to the Note 12 Pro.
- Slower charging speed despite similar battery capacity.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods due to its lighter build and slim design.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging allows you to quickly top up your battery.
- Dedicated Macro and Ultrawide Lens: Offers more versatile photography capabilities with dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses for wide-angle and detailed close-up shots.
- More convenient fingerprint scanner: side-mounted, for faster unlocks.
- Newer base OS: Slightly more modern software than the older S21 Ultra.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower display resolution, pixel density and brightness.
- Less powerful processor and GPU.
- Lower quality main, selfie cameras and less diverse camera system.
- Lacks wireless charging, reverse charging, and some audio features of the S21 Ultra.
- Less RAM, less storage capacity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize top-tier display quality for media consumption.
- Professional photographers and videographers needing advanced camera capabilities.
- Power users who demand high performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Those who value premium features like wireless charging and robust build quality.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography/videography requiring high-resolution images and videos.
- Demanding mobile gaming with smooth graphics and high refresh rates.
- Enjoying high-resolution videos and detailed images with vibrant colors on a sharp display.
- Productivity tasks requiring smooth multitasking across multiple apps.
- Outdoor usage in bright sunlight due to high brightness levels.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable design for daily use.
- Value quick charging.
- Those seeking a more versatile camera setup for everyday snapshots, including macro and ultrawide.
- Users who desire good value for money, balancing features and price.
- Users who don't need premium level performance or photography.
Use Cases:
- Everyday photography with the flexibility of ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Extended use without fatigue due to its lighter weight.
- Quickly topping up the battery during busy days.
- General multimedia consumption and social media browsing.
- Users on a budget who still want a capable device for everyday tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is generally more expensive due to its premium features and performance.
- What are your priorities regarding photography? Do you need professional-grade cameras, or is a versatile everyday setup sufficient?
- How important is display quality and performance? Do you need the absolute best visuals and processing power, or is good performance for general use enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast/Professional
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: The S21 Ultra provides much more detail, has diverse camera capabilities, and has a higher DxOMark score. It's the clear choice for the best possible image and video quality.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User Prioritizing Comfort and Charging Speed
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- Reasoning: The Note 12 Pro is lighter, has a more compact design, and charges significantly faster, making it better for everyday comfort and convenience.
- Scenario 3: Gaming and Performance Lover:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: The S21 Ultra offers far higher performance in terms of processing power, with a much more powerful GPU. It will be able to handle intensive tasks and games without slowing down.
- Scenario 4: Best Display
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Reasoning: The S21 Ultra has significantly better display quality, with much higher brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here's why:
Despite the newer age of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, the S21 Ultra's strengths align more closely with my priorities. I value a high-quality display for immersive viewing, and the S21 Ultra's superior resolution, brightness, and pixel density make a significant difference. Additionally, the S21 Ultra has a much more capable main camera, selfie camera, and additional telephoto capabilities. As someone who does not need to take many macro or wide angle pictures, the tradeoff of better overall picture quality and zoom capability is well worth it.
While the Note 12 Pro's faster charging is appealing, the S21 Ultra's wireless charging offers convenience I find useful. The S21 Ultra also has a much more powerful processor and GPU, which translates to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The extra RAM and storage space are also beneficial. The S21 Ultra has a much more extensive bluetooth profile support for added versatility.
Ultimately, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is an excellent mid-range option, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a more premium experience that justifies the extra cost for my usage needs.
