Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software updates, physical resilience, and ease of repair are important. Both devices offer a solid foundation, but their longevity pathways diverge.

• Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security patches extending until January 2027. In contrast, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, also starting with Android 12, was slated for two major Android updates and three years of security patches, with its final major update, HyperOS 2 (based on Android 15), anticipated by the end of 2025. This means the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a longer period of official software and security support.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and an IP53 rating, offering dust and splash resistance, but not full submersion protection.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has been noted to have a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting a relatively straightforward process for component replacement. While a specific score for the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is not widely available, its construction is generally considered to be in line with other devices in its category, with some components being glued.

The performance of these smartphones is influenced by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivers robust performance, capable of handling intensive applications and multitasking with ease. Users can expect smooth navigation and responsive interactions, even during graphically demanding games. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G features a processor designed for efficient everyday use and capable gaming, providing a fluid experience for most applications.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer various configurations of RAM and internal storage, typically ranging from 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB to 256GB of storage. Neither phone supports expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G often utilizes faster RAM and storage types, which can contribute to quicker app loading and more efficient multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, with some users reporting extended usage. It supports 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, often praised for its ability to last through a full day of heavy use. It supports significantly faster 67W wired charging, allowing for quicker recharges, but lacks wireless charging capabilities.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offer compelling screens with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G sports a slightly larger 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED display, which also delivers rich colors and good contrast. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), ensuring sharp visuals for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices boast a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers a peak brightness of 900 nits, which is also sufficient for most outdoor scenarios.
• Visual Enhancements: The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G includes support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, enhancing the viewing experience for compatible content with improved dynamic range and color accuracy. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also supports HDR10+, ensuring a high-quality visual experience for HDR content.

For many users, the camera system is a primary consideration, and both smartphones offer versatile setups for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera array consisting of a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, including zoomed-in shots without significant loss of detail. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G also has a triple camera system, with a 50MP main sensor (featuring Optical Image Stabilization), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The larger main sensor on the Redmi can capture more light and detail, especially with OIS.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is known for producing detailed and color-accurate images across different lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens being a notable advantage. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G's 50MP main camera performs well in good lighting, capturing detailed photos, and its low-light performance is considered decent, especially with Night Mode.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G supporting 4K at 60 frames per second, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G records at 4K 30 frames per second. For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a high-resolution 32MP front camera, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G features a 16MP front camera.

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile data networks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, along with NFC for contactless payments. It features a USB-C 3.2 port. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G also offers NFC and a USB-C port, but notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
• Biometric Security and Other Sensors: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G incorporates an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, alongside face recognition. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which users often find reliable and quick. The Redmi also includes an infrared (IR) blaster, allowing it to function as a universal remote control for various home appliances.
• 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 12 Pro 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 163.0 x 76.0 x 8.0 mm and 187g, with a glass front and back, and a plastic frame. Both offer a comfortable in-hand feel, though the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is marginally more compact.