1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | The Redmi Note 9T is slightly wider and thicker, making the S21+ feel more streamlined and easier to hold with one hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 200g | Negligible weight difference; both are relatively lightweight for their size. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | The S21+ offers superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen, potentially leading to better durability in the long run. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | The S21+ provides a slightly larger viewing area, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Virtually identical pixel density; Both offer sharp, clear images for most uses. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | No practical difference in sharpness. Both are high-density displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S21+ has superior display technology that offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better visibility in bright sunlight, as well as superior power efficiency when using dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S21+ delivers much smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel, enhancing the overall user experience, particularly when gaming or browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The S21+ offers far superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | The S21+ has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and faster app loading. |
| Antutu Score | 343,150 | 749,100 | The S21+ demonstrates substantially better performance across all tasks, including gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G78 MP14 | The S21+ has a more powerful GPU, giving it better graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixel size | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.80 µm pixel size | While the Redmi Note 9T has a higher megapixel count, the S21+'s larger sensor and pixel size likely result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | Not Available | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.80 µm pixel size | The S21+ offers significantly more versatility with an additional telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1" sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22 µm pixel size | Both offer good selfie performance, however the slightly larger pixel size on the S21+ may lead to better low-light selfies and dynamic range. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75 µm pixel size | Not Available | The Redmi Note 9T offers a dedicated depth sensor, possibly for better bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75 µm pixel size | Not Available | The Redmi Note 9T provides a dedicated macro lens, which is suitable for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixel size | The S21+ offers an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos, while also offering macro capabilities through this wide angle lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps (all with HDR, EIS) | The S21+ offers far superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution (8K), advanced stabilization (EIS) and higher framerate slow motion, ideal for content creators. |
| DXOMARK | Not Available | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | The S21+ has a verified, higher quality camera system, which reflects the score |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | The Redmi Note 9T has a slightly larger battery, which may translate to a bit longer battery life for some users, though real world performance may differ. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The S21+ charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 22.5W charger in-box | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | The S21+ offers more charging flexibility, though a charger is not included in the box, while the Redmi Note 9T includes a charger and does not have wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages
- Slightly larger battery: May offer slightly longer battery life.
- Includes charger in the box: Saves the hassle of buying a separate charger, which the S21+ does not include.
- Dedicated macro and depth cameras: Provides additional photographic versatility for specific types of shots, despite a lower performing primary camera.
- Lower price: Typically offered at a lower price point.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Typically seen as faster and more convenient.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 LE vs. 5.0 LE
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 9T focuses on essential features and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for users who prioritize battery life, convenience, and budget. The inclusion of a dedicated macro and depth cameras is ideal for users interested in diverse photography and creative shooting on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, higher brightness, offering significantly better visuals and smoother user experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Faster chipset and GPU, resulting in better multitasking, app loading, and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, an ultrawide lens for expansive shots, and much better video quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging vs. 18W
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Greater flexibility in charging options.
- eSIM support: Ability to use a digital sim and switch carriers, in addition to physical dual sim.
- Higher RAM: 8GB vs 4GB for better multi-tasking.
- Advanced audio features: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone for clearer audio.
- Superior build quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection.
- More advanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Higher Storage Options: 128 GB or 256 GB vs 64GB or 128GB
- Additional sensors: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic for advanced functionality
- Better Software Support: The S21+ comes with Android 11 and will be updated to Android 15, vs Android 10 for the Note 9T and an unknown max OS.
Practical Implications: The S21+ offers a premium user experience with its superior display, performance, and camera capabilities, making it an excellent choice for users who value these features. The wireless and reverse charging, coupled with the eSIM support, provides greater convenience for modern lifestyles.
Trade-offs
- Redmi Note 9T: Trades higher performance, a better display, and advanced camera features for a lower price point and a slightly larger battery. It includes a charger in box, but does not have wireless charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Trades a higher price point for its premium features and requires a separate charger purchase, while also having a slightly smaller battery than the Redmi Note 9T.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, value basic photography with multiple lens options, and don't require high-end performance.
- Use Cases:
- Daily driver for social media browsing, communication, and basic app usage.
- Users who want a phone with good battery life for long days without frequent charging.
- Casual photographers who want some lens variety.
- Users who prioritize included accessories (charger included).
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User: Users who demand premium features, including a top-tier display, high-end performance, and a versatile camera system, and who don't mind the lack of charger in box.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers seeking a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- Users who watch a lot of videos and need a high-quality display with good brightness.
- Photography enthusiasts who want to capture high-quality images with multiple lenses and professional-grade video.
- Power users who multitask heavily and want a fluid, snappy device.
- Professionals who need advanced software, connectivity and security features.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 9T offers significant cost savings, while the S21+ commands a premium price.
- What are my primary use cases? If you prioritize gaming, video, and camera quality, the S21+ is the clear winner. For basic usage with a focus on battery life, the Note 9T is adequate.
- What is more important: convenience or features? The Note 9T includes a charger, but has less features and performance. The S21+ requires a separate charger purchase, but boasts significantly better features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. It provides a solid experience for everyday tasks at a significantly lower cost and the charger is included in the box.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Premium Experience Seeker: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. It delivers a high-end display, much faster performance, a versatile camera system, better software support, and superior build quality, and more.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumption Heavy User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness will provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although it is more expensive and does not include a charger in the box, the massive upgrade in the display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and software support, combined with the more robust build quality and advanced features, outweighs the slightly better battery and dedicated macro and depth cameras on the Redmi Note 9T. The S21+ would provide a much more satisfying and future-proof user experience. The smooth 120Hz display and faster performance alone are a game changer and far more useful in my daily use.
