Galaxy S21 5G Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, launched in November 2022, are both Android smartphones designed for different segments of the market. While the Galaxy S21 5G was positioned as a flagship device, the Redmi Note 12 Pro aims to deliver a strong feature set in the mid-range category. Key differentiators include their release timelines, the level of software support, and their primary camera capabilities.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, which launched in November 2022. This difference in age impacts their remaining software support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G initially shipped with Android 11 and received its final major Android operating system update, Android 15, in early 2025. Security updates for the S21 series ceased around February 2026. The Redmi Note 12 Pro launched with Android 12 and typically receives 2-3 major Android updates and 3-4 years of security updates, suggesting it may receive updates for a longer period from its release date compared to the S21 5G's remaining support.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has been noted for having a moderate repairability score, with some assessments giving it around 7.5 out of 10, while others, like iFixit, rated it lower at 4 out of 10, citing challenges with battery removal despite an easier-to-remove back panel. Information on the specific repairability score for the Redmi Note 12 Pro is less widely available, but mid-range devices can sometimes present challenges for component replacement.

Performance in daily use is shaped by the device's internal components, affecting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently power is managed.

• Processor Capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a processor designed for flagship performance, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with fluidity. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro features a current-generation processor that provides solid performance for everyday tasks, smooth navigation through social media, streaming content, and offers a decent experience for mobile gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer configurations with ample RAM, typically 8GB for the Galaxy S21 5G and options up to 12GB for the Redmi Note 12 Pro, which contributes to smooth multitasking and quick app switching. Users of both phones generally report a responsive system experience.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which in testing provided around 1.5 days of use with a 120Hz display refresh rate, or about 10 hours of Wi-Fi streaming. Heavy usage, especially with the adaptive display, can lead to more frequent charging. The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, often lasting a full day even for heavy users, with some reporting 6-7 hours of screen-on time. It also supports 67W fast charging, allowing for a full charge in approximately 55 minutes.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology, resolution, and refresh rate.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature AMOLED display technology, known for producing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a slightly larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display. Both provide a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, ensuring clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, offering good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's display can reach up to 900 nits. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and an enhanced gaming experience.
• Viewing Experience: The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, enhancing the dynamic range and color accuracy for compatible content. The Galaxy S21 5G also supports HDR10+. The larger screen of the Redmi Note 12 Pro may offer a more expansive viewing experience for media consumption.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, with differences in sensor size, lens configuration, and software processing impacting image and video quality.

• Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid zoom with OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro typically comes with a 50MP main sensor, often with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G is known for capturing detailed and vibrant photos across various conditions, including good low-light performance due to its larger sensors and advanced processing. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's 50MP main camera is capable of capturing impressive photos with good detail and accurate colors in well-lit environments, with its ultrawide lens offering a broader perspective.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 5G supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, along with 4K at 60fps, and features a 10MP front-facing camera for clear selfies. The Redmi Note 12 Pro can record video at 4K at 30 frames per second and includes a 16MP front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and self-portraits.