1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | S21+ is more pocketable and comfortable to hold due to being thinner and shorter. Mi 10T Pro feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 218g | 200g | S21+ is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ offers significantly better scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T Pro has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference may not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ is significantly easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance. Exynos 2100 (on the international version) generally offers slightly better efficiency and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 749,100 | Virtually identical performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both provide excellent graphics performance for gaming. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.69, 1/1.33" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | Mi 10T Pro captures more detail in good lighting. S21+ has better low-light performance due to larger pixel size on the sensor. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in photos without significant quality loss. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Both feature ultrawide lenses for capturing wider scenes. S21+ has better image quality due to bigger sensor. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Mi 10T Pro has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Mi 10T Pro captures more detailed selfies. S21+ selfie images are more color accurate |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record high-resolution video with stabilization. S21+ has HDR support for videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Mi 10T Pro offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Mi 10T Pro charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S21+ supports convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 4.5W | S21+ can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds. |
Software & Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | S21+ offers longer software support with guaranteed updates to Android 15. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Minor differences. |
| eSIM | No | Yes | S21+ can use an eSIM for a second line. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | S21+ offers enhanced audio quality and noise cancellation. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | In-display Fingerprint | Both provide secure biometric authentication |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Barometer | Different sensor suites |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging provides quicker top-ups.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display offers smoother visuals (though may not be noticeable to all users).
- Dedicated Macro Lens: For those who enjoy close-up photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology delivers better image quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Telephoto lens provides optical zoom, and larger sensor captures more light, and color accurate.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging capability.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility with dual SIM usage.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates to Android 15.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Screen Protection: More durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Trade-offs:
- Mi 10T Pro: sacrifices display quality and camera versatility for slightly better battery life and faster charging.
- S21+: sacrifices slightly faster charging and macro capabilities for a superior display, versatile camera, and premium features like wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Ideal User:
- Users prioritizing battery life and fast charging above all else.
- Gamers who value a high refresh rate display (though the IPS LCD may not be ideal).
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking flagship performance at a lower price.
Use Cases:
- All-day usage without needing to frequently charge.
- Gaming on a budget.
- Users who appreciate macro photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value a premium display experience with vibrant colors and high brightness.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging and other convenience features.
- Users who want guaranteed software updates for longer.
Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (watching videos, browsing photos).
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Photography and videography.
- Users who want a phone that will receive software updates for several years.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness, the S21+ is the better choice.
- Do you need optical zoom capabilities in your camera? The S21+ offers a telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots, while the Mi 10T Pro does not.
- How important are software updates and longevity? The S21+ is guaranteed to receive updates for longer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major concern: The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G offers excellent performance at a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: You prioritize camera versatility and display quality: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone that will last for several years with guaranteed updates: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its longer software support.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G offers good value and a larger battery, the superior display on the S21+ is a game-changer for me. As someone who consumes a lot of multimedia content, the vibrant colors and deep blacks of the AMOLED display would significantly enhance my viewing experience. Additionally, the S21+'s more versatile camera system, with its telephoto lens, provides more flexibility for capturing different types of photos. The wireless charging and longer software support are also valuable features that contribute to a better overall user experience. Although the Mi 10T Pro has a slightly larger battery, the advantages of the S21+ outweigh that for my personal use case.
