The latest model from Samsung or the latest from Xiaomi? We compare the Samsung Galaxy S21 against the Xiaomi Mi 11, two high-end mobiles with triple camera, AMOLED screen and 5-nanometer processor with 5G connectivity. Although on paper they seem very similar, they have very interesting differences.
Different processor
In the United States, this point would not be available in this comparison, since Samsung terminals in the American country have a Qualcomm processor. However, in Europe and other markets they bet on Exynos, their own processors. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has an Exynos 2100 chipset, which is eight cores and 5 nanometers.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, also with eight cores and 5 nanometers. In both cases with 8 GB of RAM, although the Mi 11 has a version of 12 GB of RAM.
Now, although there is a difference in the processor model, performance could be very, very similar. Both models have practically the same features: support for 5G connectivity, high screen frequency in QHD + resolutions and more. Therefore, the processor should not be a decisive point between both models.
COMPARATIVE SHEET
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | Xiaomi Mi 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| screen | 6.2 inches with Dynamic AMOLED X2 technology, Full HD + resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate | 6.81 inches with Super AMOLED technology and QHD + resolution with 120 Hz and brightness of up to 1500 nits. |
| Main chamber | Main sensor with 12 megapixel wide-angle lens, f / 1.8 focal aperture and 1.8 um pixels Secondary sensor with 12 megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, f / 2.2 focal aperture and 1.4um pixels Tertiary sensor with 64 megapixel telephoto lens, f / 2.0 focal aperture and 0.8 um pixels |
– Main sensor 108 megapixels – Secondary sensor with 12 megapixel wide angle lens – Tertiary sensor with 5 megapixel macro lens |
| Camera takes selfies | 10 megapixel main sensor, f / 2.2 focal aperture and 1.22 um pixels | 20 megapixel main sensor |
| Internal memory | 128 and 256 GB | 128 o 256 GB |
| Extension | Via micro SD cards up to 1 TB | It is unknown |
| Processor and RAM | Exynos 2100 5 nanometer with eight cores 8 GB RAM memory |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, eight cores and 5 nm 8 or 12 GB of RAM |
| 4,000 mAh with fast charging and improved wireless charging. Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare shared fast charge | 4,600 mAh, 55W fast charge | |
| Operating system | Android 11 under One UI 3.0 | Android 11 under MIUI 12.5 |
| Connections | WiFi 4 × 4 MIMO, up to 7 AC, LAA, LTE Cat20 (up to 2.0 Gbps download and 150 Mbps upload) or 5G sub-6, Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band GPS (GLONASS, Beidou, SBAS and Galileo), NFC and USB type C 3.1 | 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 5, NFC, radio FM, USB C, GPS… |
| SIM | nano SIM | Dual nano SIM |
| Design | Polycarbonate and aluminum frames Colors: black, purple, white and blue |
Metal and glass Colors: blue, black, purple |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 millimeters and 172 grams | 164.3mm x 74.6mm x 8.06mm 196 |
| Featured Features | AKG stereo sound Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor Facial recognition |
Face unlock, on-screen fingerprint reader, infrared scanner, curved screen on both sides |
| Release date | Available | To confirm |
| Price | From 850 euros | From 500 euros to change |
Are there differences on the screen?
On the screen we also see some differences between the two devices. Although it is true that both have the same technology, the screen of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is smaller, in addition to having a lower resolution. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 6.2-inch panel with Full HD + resolution, while the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a 6.81-inch screen and a QHD + resolution. They both retain the same refresh rate.
Triple camera on both models, but with different resolution
Triple camera for the two, but with different resolution. Samsung bets on a smaller sensor and computational photography thanks to the new processor, while Xiaomi prefers a larger sensor. The Samsung model has a 12 megapixel main camera, 108 megapixels for the main lens of the Mi 11.
The wide-angle camera has the same resolution on both models, but it does not mean that it is the same sensor. Therefore, the quality could be different.
As for the third sensor, the Samsung Galaxy S21 includes a 64 megapixel lens which allows you to take pictures with an optical zoom. Here Xiaomi opts for a 5 megapixel macro lens, which is used to take pictures at close range.
What about the front camera? Again, Samsung bets on a lower resolution: 10 megapixels. Xiaomi goes up to 20 megapixels.
Differences in battery
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 4,000 mAh battery, while the Xiaomi Mi 11 has a battery with 4,600 mAh capacity. That is, 600 mAh more. Of course, it must be borne in mind that the Mi 11 not only has a larger screen, but it also has more resolution, which can make it use more battery. Therefore, on a day-to-day basis there may be no difference and both terminals have the same screen time.
As for charging, both the Galaxy S21 and Xiaomi Mi 11 have fast charging and wireless charging, that of the Mi 11 is 55W, while that of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is 25W. Another interesting detail; both come without a charger, but in the case of Xiaomi, we can get it separately for free.
Design: plastic vs glass
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs iPhone 12: all the differences
On the front, in addition to the screen size, we only found a small difference: the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S21 is in the center, while in the Xiaomi Mi 11 we find it on the side.
In the rear there are more differences. To get started, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a polycarbonate back and a camera module located in a corner, which is fused with the aluminum frames. The back of the Mi 11 is made of glass, with a somewhat less striking camera design, but that does not break the premium aesthetics of the terminal either.
Price and conclusions, which one is worth more?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is on sale for a price of 850 euros. The Xiaomi Mi 11 is not yet available in Spain, If we calculate the change to Yuan, it is 500 euros. However, if we look at the price of the Xiaomi Mi 10, we can expect this Mi 11 to go on sale for about 800 euros.
Both devices are very similar in terms of performance and autonomy despite the specifications. Where we see the most differences is in the screen, camera and design. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a more compact panel with a lower resolution, while the Mi 11 has a larger screen. In the camera, the Mi 11 has more resolution, but the configuration of the Samsung Galaxy S21 seems more interesting to me.
In the absence of knowing the official price of the Xiaomi Mi 11, the two terminals are a very good option and they will offer you very good results, both in terms of performance, screen and in the photographic section.
Other news about … Samsung, Xiaomi
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