1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | Mi 10T 5G is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable in hand/pocket. |
| Weight | 216g | 200g | S21+ 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ 5G offers superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Negligible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21+ 5G has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T 5G offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ 5G offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both are high-end, but Exynos 2100 (5 nm) is newer and more power efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 742,400 | 749,100 | Near identical performance in benchmarks; real-world difference is minimal. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both offer excellent gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | Mi 10T 5G captures more detail in good lighting. S21+ 5G captures more light due to wider aperture and larger pixel size, thus better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | S21+ 5G has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Similar ultrawide capabilities |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Mi 10T 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Mi 10T 5G captures more detailed selfies. S21+ 5G better in low light due to a wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Video | 8K@30fps | 8K@24fps | Both capture high-resolution video. S21+ 5G includes HDR and stereo sound. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | S21+ 5G offers superior stabilization due to OIS, resulting in smoother videos and sharper images. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Mi 10T 5G may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 25W | Mi 10T 5G charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 15W | S21+ 5G supports convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | None | 4.5W | S21+ 5G can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | S21+ 5G offers a larger storage option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Similar multitasking capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display provides smoother scrolling.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets you back up and running quicker.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Larger Battery: Possibly longer battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED offers better visuals (contrast, colors, brightness).
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offers optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Better Low-Light Camera Performance: Larger pixels and a wider aperture on the main camera improve low-light shots.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T 5G: Sacrifices display quality and camera versatility for a smoother refresh rate and faster charging.
- S21+ 5G: Sacrifices slightly faster charging and a dedicated macro lens for a superior display and better build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Prioritize a high refresh rate for smooth gameplay.
- Budget-conscious Users: Seeking high performance at a lower price point.
- Users who need to charge their phone very quickly
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Watching fast-paced videos
- General daily use
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value versatile camera system with telephoto lens and OIS.
- Media Consumers: Prioritize a vibrant display for watching movies and videos.
- Users who value Wireless Charging: Convenience of wireless charging is important.
- Users who want better build quality and screen protection.
- Users who like to take photos in low-light scenarios.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios
- Watching movies and streaming content
- Daily professional/personal communication and tasks
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality: How important is a vibrant, high-contrast display to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD)
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a telephoto lens for zoom capabilities?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G for its high refresh rate and lower price.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its versatile camera system with telephoto lens and OIS.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User who consumes lots of media: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superb display, wireless charging, and better build quality.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G has its strengths, the S21+ 5G's AMOLED display is a game-changer for media consumption and everyday use. The addition of a telephoto lens significantly enhances the camera's versatility. Also, the Wireless charging is a great feature. Although the battery is a bit smaller and the charging isn't as fast, I'm willing to trade those things for the better display, camera, and build quality. The better screen visibility in sunlight is also very important to me.
