Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Xiaomi 13T Pro

Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

See options
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:253.00

Versus €900.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Fan Edition), released in January 2022, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro, launched in September 2023, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G focuses on delivering a balanced set of features from Samsung's flagship line, the Xiaomi 13T Pro emphasizes high-end performance and advanced camera capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they differ in their hardware and software approaches, catering to distinct user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release and Age: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an older model compared to the Xiaomi 13T Pro, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date impacts the remaining period of software support.
  • OS Support: The Xiaomi 13T Pro is committed to receiving four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches from its release, potentially extending support until Android 17 and security updates until 2028. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, having launched with Android 12, typically receives four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its support window will close sooner than the Xiaomi 13T Pro.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a more extended period of official support. Both devices feature IP68 dust and water resistance, contributing to their physical durability.

Year of Release

2022

2023

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a more recent and powerful processor, which translates to smoother operation for intensive applications, faster game loading times, and more efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still offering capable performance for everyday use and most games, utilizes a processor from an earlier generation.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Xiaomi 13T Pro generally experience a highly responsive interface and quick app launches, benefiting from its advanced internal components and higher RAM configurations, which can go up to 16 GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, typically available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, provides a smooth experience for general tasks, though it may show slight delays with very heavy multitasking or graphically demanding games compared to the Xiaomi device.
  • Battery Behavior: The Xiaomi 13T Pro is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, often providing a full day of use, even for moderate to heavy users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, with user experiences varying; some report a full day of use, while others find it requires more frequent charging, especially with high refresh rate enabled. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also boasts significantly faster wired charging speeds.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature AMOLED display technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, while the Xiaomi 13T Pro features an AMOLED display. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a slightly higher resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels on its 6.67-inch screen, resulting in a sharper image with 446 pixels per inch (ppi) compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 1080 x 2400 pixels on a 6.4-inch screen with 401 ppi.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Xiaomi 13T Pro supports a higher refresh rate of 144Hz, providing exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations, and can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a bright display suitable for outdoor use, though its peak brightness is lower.
  • Screen Size and Protection: The Xiaomi 13T Pro has a larger 6.67-inch screen, offering more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display. Both displays are protected, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and the Xiaomi 13T Pro using Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1220 x 2712

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a triple camera setup co-engineered with Leica, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Xiaomi 13T Pro is praised for its detailed images, versatile shooting modes, and the distinct 'Leica Authentic' and 'Leica Vibrant' color profiles, offering strong performance in good lighting. Its telephoto lens provides clear 2x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G produces vibrant and social media-ready photos, particularly in well-lit conditions, with its 3x optical zoom telephoto lens being a notable feature.
  • Video and Front Camera: The Xiaomi 13T Pro can record video up to 8K resolution and features a 20MP front camera. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G records 4K video at 60fps with both its rear and 32MP front cameras, which is a strong point for selfie video recording.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The Xiaomi 13T Pro supports newer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Security: Both smartphones incorporate in-display optical fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. They also offer face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is lighter at 177g and has a slightly more compact form factor with a plastic back and aluminum frame. The Xiaomi 13T Pro is heavier, weighing 200g or 206g depending on the variant, and offers options for a glass or vegan leather back with a plastic frame. The larger screen of the Xiaomi 13T Pro might appeal to users who prefer more expansive viewing, while the S21 FE 5G's lighter build could be more comfortable for one-handed use.

Weight

177 g

206 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi 13T Pro each present a compelling package, though they cater to slightly different user priorities. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is often praised for its familiar Samsung user experience, vibrant display, and capable camera system that produces consistently good results, especially for social media sharing. Users appreciate its balanced performance for everyday tasks and the inclusion of wireless charging. Some common criticisms, however, point to its battery life being merely adequate for heavy users and its charging speed being slower compared to newer devices.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro, on the other hand, receives commendation for its powerful processor, leading to exceptionally smooth performance in demanding applications and gaming. Its high refresh rate display and rapid 120W wired charging are frequently highlighted as significant advantages. The Leica-tuned camera system is also a strong point, offering detailed photos and versatile shooting options. User feedback sometimes notes that while battery capacity is large, actual endurance for very heavy use might not always exceed a full day, and the absence of wireless charging is a consideration for some.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, a very high refresh rate display, and ultra-fast wired charging may find the Xiaomi 13T Pro well-suited to their needs. Its extended software support also makes it a strong contender for those seeking a device with a longer update lifespan. Conversely, users who value a slightly more compact and lighter design, reliable camera performance with strong selfie capabilities, and the convenience of wireless charging might lean towards the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Both devices offer an eco-friendly alternative through quality-assured refurbished options, allowing consumers to make informed and sustainable choices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons