Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 2, 2021 January 7, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 82.62 cm³ 91.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 4.15 "/g 3.62 "/g
Weight 158 g 177 g
Height 160.5 mm 155.7 mm
Width 75.7 mm 74.5 mm
Thickness 6.8 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Peach Pink (Tuscany Coral)
  • Bubblegum Blue (Jazz Blue)
  • Truffle Black (Vinyl Black)
  • Snowflake White (Diamond Dazzle)
  • White
  • Graphite
  • Lavender
  • Olive

Display

Screen Size 6.55 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.3 % 86.7 %
Pixel Density 402 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 500 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.06 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.44 mAh/cm³ 49.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4250 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1
CPU Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1
GPU Adreno 642L Adreno 660 - Version 1

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 12 16

Comparison Summary

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A User-Centered Comparison

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones through the lens of user experience, not just specs. Let's embark on a comparative journey!

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureXiaomi 11 Lite 5G NESamsung Galaxy S21 FE 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignMIUI 12.5 (Android 11)One UI 4 (Android 12)MIUI offers extensive customization, One UI prioritizes clean aesthetics and ease of use.
Interaction FlowSmooth, 90Hz AMOLED displayMore fluid, 120Hz AMOLED displayS21 FE's higher refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience for scrolling and gaming.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsEnhanced One UI accessibility featuresS21 FE may offer more robust accessibility options for users with diverse needs.
Design ErgonomicsLighter (158g), slimmer (6.8mm)Heavier (177g), thicker (7.9mm)Xiaomi prioritizes portability, Samsung offers a more premium, albeit slightly bulkier, feel.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a busy professional who needs a phone for both work and leisure.

  • Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: Our professional appreciates the lightweight design, making it comfortable for one-handed use during commutes. The vibrant 90Hz AMOLED screen brings presentations to life. However, battery life might be a concern with heavy usage.

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: The powerful Snapdragon 888 processor handles multitasking with ease, allowing our professional to seamlessly switch between work apps and video calls. The stunning 120Hz display enhances the gaming experience during downtime. The longer battery life ensures they stay connected throughout the day.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the casual user: The Xiaomi's lower price point and sleek design might be more appealing.
  • For the power user: The S21 FE's superior performance and features like reverse wireless charging cater to demanding needs.
  • For the visually impaired: Both devices offer standard Android accessibility features, but the S21 FE's One UI potentially provides more advanced options.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Choosing between these phones hinges on your priorities. If portability and affordability are paramount, the Xiaomi shines. If you crave top-tier performance, a smoother display, and a longer-lasting battery, the S21 FE is the better choice.

My Choice: As Sophia Rodriguez, prioritizing user experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

Why? While the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE offers an attractive design and a decent feature set, the S21 FE provides a more compelling overall user experience. The smoother 120Hz display, powerful processor, enhanced camera capabilities (as evidenced by the DxOMark scores), and longer battery life significantly enhance daily usability. The slightly higher price tag is justified by the noticeable performance difference and premium features. Though heavier, the S21 FE's build quality feels more substantial, hinting at durability. Ultimately, the S21 FE delivers a more satisfying and future-proof experience for a wider range of users. It seamlessly blends performance with a refined user interface, making technology an engaging and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.