Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. We’ll break down the specs, see where each shines, and figure out who each phone is best for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of each phone, along with a "Real-World Implications" column to show you what they mean in practice:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | The S21 FE 5G is more compact and thinner, making it a bit more pocket-friendly. The Redmi Note 11 4G is a bit larger and may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 181g | 177g | Both phones are quite similar weight, shouldn't be an issue |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Both phones have similar displays. The Xiaomi has 0.1" more screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp and clear. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 403 PPI | Identical sharpness |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | The S21 FE 5G has an AMOLED display, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, which is fantastic for watching videos and enjoying games. The Redmi has an unspecified display type and won't be as vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The S21 FE 5G's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, giving a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The S21 FE 5G's higher brightness (1300 nits vs an unknown for the Redmi) is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | The S21 FE 5G's Snapdragon 888 is a much more powerful chip, delivering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 923,836 | The S21 FE 5G obliterates the Redmi Note 11 in performance, meaning snappier, more seamless user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE's Adreno 660 graphics are better for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi has a higher megapixel count, but the S21 FE likely has a better sensor and image processing, resulting in better overall image quality. |
| Telephoto Camera | - | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has a telephoto camera which the Redmi doesn't |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.2 | The S21 FE has a much higher resolution selfie camera, which translates to more detailed and higher-quality selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | - | Redmi Note 11 has a wide-angle camera that the S21 FE does not have. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | Redmi Note 11 has a Macro camera that the S21 FE does not have. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | - | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has a wide angle + macro camera that the Redmi doesn't |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 FE supports significantly higher video recording resolutions, perfect for higher quality videos and vlogs. |
| DxoMark | - | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE has a DxoMark score. |
| Features | RAW, HDR | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | The S21 FE offers some more features like OIS, and night mode for better photos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The Redmi Note 11 4G has a larger battery, suggesting better endurance on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | The S21 FE 5G offers faster charging, allowing you to quickly juice up your device. |
| Other features | 9W Reverse Charging | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | The S21 FE offers wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The S21 FE 5G ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Max OS Version | - | Android 16 | S21 FE has a longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The S21 FE 5G supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which provides faster speeds and better performance on newer routers. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | The Xiaomi has a newer version of bluetooth but both offer similar capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The S21 FE has options for up to 256GB of storage for those who need more space. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | The S21 FE has up to 8GB of RAM, great for gaming and multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone support MicroSD expansion. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has the edge in audio, offering more advanced audio. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The S21 FE offers a better screen protector. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity | Proximity, Barometer, Geomagnetic, Hall | S21 FE has some additional sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Battery Life: The Redmi Note 11 4G offers a larger 5000mAh battery, making it a better option for users who prioritize battery life and extended usage without charging.
- Price Point: The Redmi is very budget-friendly and would be good for someone who doesn't need a lot of power or is on a budget.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Redmi Note 11 4G may offer faster and more convenient access compared to the basic fingerprint sensor on the S21 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset makes the S21 FE 5G far more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides an enhanced visual experience with vivid colors and smooth transitions, essential for entertainment and media consumption.
- Camera: The S21 FE 5G camera offers better image quality with a dedicated telephoto lens, as well as higher resolution selfies and advanced video recording capabilities (including 4K at 60fps).
- Software: With a newer version of Android out of the box and longer software support, the S21 FE is more future-proof.
- Audio: Superior audio with Dolby Atmos
- Build Quality: Better screen protection
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: The Redmi has weaker performance, and a basic display, but great battery and price.
- Samsung: The S21 FE has a smaller battery and higher cost, though it excels in almost every other category.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for people who want a capable phone without spending a lot of money.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Those who prioritize long battery life and extended use before needing to recharge.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Best for day-to-day tasks such as browsing, social media, and messaging.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Power Users: Those who require high performance for gaming, editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Individuals who value a high-quality display for watching movies, playing games, and viewing high-resolution content.
- Photography Fans: Users who want great camera quality for photos and videos, including a good selfie camera, with advanced features like OIS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To make your decision easier, ask yourself these three questions:
- What is my budget? If you need a low price, the Redmi Note 11 4G is the clear winner. If you can spend more, the S21 FE offers more.
- What tasks do I use my phone for most often? If you mostly use your phone for daily tasks, the Redmi is sufficient. If you play games or watch a lot of videos the S21 FE will be a better choice.
- How important is camera and photo/video quality to me? The S21 FE has a much better camera and advanced video features
Scenario Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you mostly use your phone for basic tasks like social media, messaging, and browsing and need a long-lasting phone, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is a very solid choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you're a mobile gamer, or just love having fast, snappy performance and a very high-quality display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is worth the extra money.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: For those who prioritize camera quality, the S21 FE’s advanced camera system, telephoto lens, and higher quality video recordings is much better than the basic camera in the Redmi Note 11.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone for myself from these two options, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Although I appreciate the long-lasting battery of the Redmi Note 11 4G, for me, the superior display, the much faster performance, and better camera are worth the extra money. The Snapdragon 888 ensures a smooth and responsive experience, and the advanced camera features allows you to shoot higher quality content. The display is also a game changer. I would pick the S21 FE 5G, without hesitation, even with the smaller battery capacity. The superior user experience is well worth the trade-off.
