1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-11-01 | Xiaomi is ~21 months newer, likely with more modern software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller. Similar width and thickness for both, so feel in hand is similar. |
| Weight | 227g | 208.4g | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, better for detailed text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 395 PPI | S21 Ultra has noticeably crisper images and text due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality panels, both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | S21 Ultra offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra generally performs better in terms of app loading and general usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 573,100 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably faster performance in benchmarks, leading to smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, beneficial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under comparable usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more convenient wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has higher resolution sensor, S21 Ultra has bigger sensor, both will have different low-light performances |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | None | S21 Ultra allows for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra takes higher resolution and brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide-angle camera for group photos and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide and macro camera |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra can record higher resolution video for professional-grade output. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | 113 (Photo: 117, Video: 117) | S21 Ultra scores higher in photo, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in video. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has a higher DxoMark score and has better selfie camera |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | S21 Ultra will have longer OS upgrade support from Google |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar high-speed wireless connectivity on both devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, AptX | 5.2, LDAC | S21 Ultra has more Bluetooth audio codecs including AptX, and the Note 12 Pro+ has LDAC and AAC |
| GPS | Dual Band | Single Band | S21 Ultra has more accurate and faster GPS features |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM for ease of use |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers up to 512GB, suitable for users storing large amounts of data. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, better for heavy multi-tasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has noise cancellation microphone, beneficial for clear calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a more modern, often faster, side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has a barometer, useful for environmental data collection and precision applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness offer a significantly better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Stronger Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM lead to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom, a better selfie camera, and higher video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Better Build Quality: Offers Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch and shatter resistance and has a barometer for environmental sensing
- Longer OS support: Will have longer Android OS support for Google.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging is significantly faster than S21 Ultra's 25W, for a much quicker charge time.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Camera: Offers wider and macro angle capabilities that the S21 Ultra lacks
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use due to lighter weight, leading to better ergonomics
- More Modern Camera: Features a modern 200MP main camera.
- Cost-Effective: It's generally more affordable than the S21 Ultra while still offering a very competitive feature set.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Sacrifices fast charging speed and weight for higher-end performance, build quality, and a superior display and camera system. It is also more expensive.
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Prioritizes rapid charging, a lighter body, and a more modern main camera sensor, at the expense of overall performance, display quality, and advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Professional photographers or videographers.
- Users who value high-end performance, build quality, and a top-tier display experience.
- Gamers who need the best graphics performance
- Users who need the best overall photo and video capabilities.
- Users who need a more accurate GPS
- Use Cases:
- High-resolution photography and 8K video recording.
- Demanding mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight due to the brighter display.
- Using wireless charging when needed
- Professional work requiring a robust and reliable smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers who want great value for their money.
- Users who prioritize rapid charging and a lightweight design.
- Casual photographers who want a good camera with wide-angle and macro options.
- Users who want a modern phone that feels modern
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use with a focus on quick charging.
- Capturing wide-angle shots, or macro photos
- Users who need a reliable smartphone without the high price tag.
- Casual gaming and social media
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to you? (If crucial, S21 Ultra is the better choice).
- Do you prioritize performance and advanced camera features or rapid charging? (S21 Ultra favors performance; Redmi Note 12 Pro+ favors charging speed).
- What is your budget? (The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is more affordable while offering some competitive features).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High-End Performance & Photography): If your primary need is for top-tier performance, a great display, and an advanced camera system for photography and video, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice, despite the higher cost.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Friendly with Fast Charging): If your budget is tighter, but you still want a great smartphone with a fast charging speed and modern design, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers excellent value.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday Use, Moderate Demands): If your needs are for general use, social media, and some casual photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a sensible option, due to its lower price and great charging speed. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is still viable if the higher price is acceptable.
My Choice:
Given my needs, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here's why:
- Display Quality: As a heavy user of my phone for content consumption, web browsing, and occasional photo editing, the higher resolution and brightness of the S21 Ultra's display would significantly enhance my daily experience.
- Performance: I often run multiple apps simultaneously and prefer having a smooth and responsive experience. The S21 Ultra's better chipset and RAM configuration would provide the edge I need.
- Camera System: I value the versatility and quality of a good camera system, and while the Xiaomi has its advantages, the S21 Ultra has multiple zoom options and a higher quality selfie camera.
- Overall Experience: The S21 Ultra offers more premium feel with the Gorilla Glass Victus and also comes with a barometer for environmental sensing.
- Future-Proofing: The S21 Ultra also has longer software support from Google, which means I can use the phone for longer.
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers fantastic fast charging and is a more cost-effective option, I am willing to pay more for the higher-end display, performance, and camera system provided by the S21 Ultra.
