Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G

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

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:126.00

Versus €699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G are both smartphones released in early 2022, offering distinct experiences within the Android ecosystem. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G aims to deliver a near-flagship experience with a focus on performance and camera capabilities, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G emphasizes a large, vibrant display and fast charging. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing users with a wide range of applications and customization options.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, with some variants appearing later in 2023, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G also launched in January 2022.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically offers extended software support for its Galaxy S series, including the FE models, with promises of several years of Android OS updates and security patches. The Galaxy S21 series, which includes the S21 FE, was promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G launched with Android 11 and MIUI 13, with updates to Android 13 and Xiaomi HyperOS later.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection and an IP53 rating, offering splash-proof capabilities but not full water immersion resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to gaming and multitasking.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers robust performance, allowing for smooth handling of demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and efficient multitasking. Users can expect a responsive experience with quick app loading times. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G features a processor that provides solid performance for everyday use, handling typical tasks and multitasking without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various configurations for internal storage and RAM. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, without expandable storage. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage up to 1TB via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, supporting fast wired charging and wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging. Users report it can last through a full day of typical use. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is powered by a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally provides extended usage, often lasting a full day even with heavy use, and some users may achieve two days of use. It supports fast wired charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, influencing everything from media consumption to daily browsing.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels provides a clear and sharp viewing experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G sports a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, also delivering rich colors and strong contrast.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of around 700 nits, with some reports suggesting up to 1200 nits for HDR content. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G may offer a more expansive viewing area for media, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is known for its color accuracy and overall visual quality.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, impacting how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's cameras are noted for producing clear images with good detail and dependable performance in various lighting conditions, including HDR support. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's 108MP main camera can capture detailed photos, especially in good lighting, though some users note it can sometimes overexpose. The ultrawide and macro lenses on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G are considered functional but may not match the main sensor's quality.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps on both its rear and front cameras, along with features like gyro-EIS for stabilization. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, a limitation often attributed to its processor. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a USB-C 3.2 port, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a USB-C port. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and supports face recognition. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, and also offers AI Face Unlock.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has dimensions of 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighs 177g, featuring an aluminum frame and a plastic back. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G measures 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm and weighs 202g, with a matte-finish glass backplate and a plastic frame. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G also includes an IR blaster, a feature not commonly found on many smartphones.

Weight

177 g

202 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G involves weighing different priorities. Users often praise the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its powerful performance, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and premium software experience, including its extended update policy. Some common feedback points to its battery life being sufficient for a day, and its robust build with IP68 water resistance.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is frequently highlighted for its large, bright AMOLED display, impressive battery longevity, and very fast wired charging capabilities. However, some users note limitations in its video recording resolution and the performance of its secondary cameras compared to the main sensor.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a high-end processor, a telephoto camera, and extensive software support may find the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs. This device is often favored by those who appreciate a balanced flagship-like experience. Conversely, individuals who value a larger, brighter screen for media consumption, exceptional battery life, and rapid charging, and who do not require advanced video recording features, might lean towards the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Both devices offer a compelling experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable choice for either model.

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