1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | Redmi Note 10S is slightly taller and thicker; S21 FE 5G is more compact and slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 177g | Both are very similar in weight, negligible real-world difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.4" | Visually very similar; the difference in size is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both offer sharp displays; minimal difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 403 PPI | Both provide very sharp images; minimal difference in pixel density is not noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 FE 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE 5G is more visible in bright sunlight; more comfortable outdoor usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | S21 FE 5G has a significantly more powerful chip, providing faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 923,836 | S21 FE 5G is much faster and smoother, better for demanding apps and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE 5G GPU provides superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Redmi Note 10S likely offers better battery life, more time between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10S charges faster, less time plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | S21 FE 5G offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while Redmi has only reverse wired. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | Redmi Note 10S has higher resolution but smaller pixel size; S21 FE 5G has larger pixels, potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21 FE 5G has a telephoto lens for zoomed photos, lacking in Redmi Note 10S. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | S21 FE 5G has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated ultrawide camera, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, however not always better than software processing. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | N/A | Redmi Note 10S has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21 FE 5G has a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, No EIS | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, Yes EIS | S21 FE 5G offers higher frame rates in 4K and 1080p, with Electronic Image Stabilization, resulting in better video quality and smoothness. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE 5G has been rated in DXOMARK tests indicating good camera performance, Redmi Note 10S has no such test. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization | Optical zoom, Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW | S21 FE 5G offers better image stabilization, and manual controls. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery likely provides better battery life for extended use.
- Faster Wired Charging: 33W charging replenishes the battery faster compared to the S21 FE's 25W.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which is lacking on the S21 FE 5G.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides a dedicated depth sensor to aid in portrait mode processing.
- Lower Price Point: Usually available at a significantly lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness for better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in sunlight.
- Better Video Recording: Offers higher frame rates and electronic image stabilization, resulting in smoother and higher-quality video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Telephoto Lens: Includes a telephoto lens for better zoomed photos.
- Superior Build: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection
- Better Software support: Comes with a newer Android version and will receive more software updates.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture offer superior selfies.
- DXOMARK Score: Has a tested DXOMARK score, meaning that there is an independent and tested analysis of the cameras.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 10S: Sacrifices performance and display smoothness for a larger battery and faster charging.
- S21 FE 5G: Sacrifices some battery capacity and charging speed for significant gains in performance and display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a good value for money, prioritising battery life and basic camera functions.
- Everyday users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and communication, and need long battery life.
- Users who prefer a dedicated macro lens Those who frequently use the macro camera.
- Users who prefer to charge their phone quickly Those who need faster wired charging.
Use Cases:
- Long days without easy access to charging.
- Casual photography with macro shots.
- Basic mobile gaming and media consumption.
- Reliable device for everyday tasks.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need smooth, fast performance and a great user experience.
- Multimedia lovers: Users who value a great display with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate for video consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a more versatile camera system, telephoto lens and OIS and want good quality selfies
- Users wanting better software support: Users who want to receive the most recent Android updates and security patches.
- Users wanting the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users wanting a screen with better protection Those who want a device with better screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and graphic-intensive apps.
- High-quality video consumption and editing.
- Travel photography, including zoomed-in shots.
- Fast paced multitasking, smooth and reactive experiences.
- Professional use for creating high quality content.
Price-to-Value:
- Redmi Note 10S: Offers excellent value at its price point, making it a great option for budget-conscious users.
- S21 FE 5G: Provides flagship-level performance and features at a mid-range price point, offering a great balance of price and capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and a smooth user interface? If you prioritize seamless performance, gaming, and a 120Hz display, the S21 FE 5G is the better choice.
- How crucial is battery life and fast wired charging? If you need all-day battery life and quick charging is a priority, the Redmi Note 10S has an advantage.
- What type of camera system do you need? If you take more selfies and need better video recording, and a versatile camera system, the S21 FE 5G is the better option. If you prioritize macro photography and the dedicated depth sensor the Redmi Note 10S might be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user needing long battery life: Choose the Redmi Note 10S.
- Performance enthusiast wanting a smooth user interface: Choose the S21 FE 5G.
- User who values a better screen and is happy with shorter battery life: Choose the S21 FE 5G.
- User who wants a versatile camera and does not want to compromise on battery life: Choose the S21 FE 5G, but be aware the battery life is less than the Redmi Note 10S.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
While the Redmi Note 10S offers a larger battery and faster wired charging, the overall experience provided by the S21 FE 5G is superior for my needs. The significantly better performance, the smoother 120Hz display, the better camera system (including the telephoto lens and superior selfie capabilities), and superior screen protection would significantly enhance my day-to-day usage. I prioritize performance, a premium display and good photography capabilities. The wireless charging and better software support are also a very welcome addition for convenience, and longevity. Although the battery is smaller, it's a trade-off that I am willing to make for the other improvements. Additionally, the DXOMARK score gives me a reference to how good the cameras are. Ultimately, the S21 FE 5G provides a more complete and enjoyable experience despite the higher price tag.
