Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12: Which is Better

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12: Even though both smartphones have similar starting price of $699, the performance and configurations are different. The build quality and camera experience differs too. So this comparison post will guide you to make a sound purchasing decision.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12

Specifications	Galaxy S21 FE	Xiaomi 12
Display	6.4-inch, 120Hz	6.2-inch, 120Hz
RAM	8 / 8GB	8 / 12GB
Storage	128 / 256GB	128 / 256GB
Back Camera	12 + 8 + 12MP	50 + 13 + 5MP
Front Camera	32MP	32MP
Chipset	Snapdragon 888 5G	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Software	Android 12	Android 12
Battery	4,500mAh (25W)	4,500mAh (67W)

Display

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED touchscreen with 120 Hz refresh rate support. It has a plastic back cover and a glass front. The Galaxy S21 FE has IP68 water and dust resistant rating which makes it more durable. It Supports HDR10+ contents.

While Xiaomi 12 is more compact of these two. But despite it’s smaller size, the display quality is top notch. It has 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED with 120 Hz refresh rate enabled. The screen brightness can peak up to 1100 nits. Sadly though, it has no IP certification which means liquid penetration could damage it. It Supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Overall, both smartphones have good display quality. However, I prefer the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE because of its durability. Also both devices have under-display fingerprint scanner.

Camera

The Galaxy S21 FE has triple rear camera system. A 12 MP OIS main camera, alongside a 12 MP ultrawide and an 8 MP 3x telephoto lens. Upfront it has 32 MP for selfie camera. The front and back cameras can shoot video in 4k resolution.

Compared to Xiaomi 12’s camera, it brings 50 MP OIS primary cam, supported by 13 MP ultrawide and 5MP telemacro lens. Upfront is 32MP selfie. With the rear camera you can record video in 8k resolution while the front facing camera is capped at 1080p.

In overall, these two devices have excellent camera features. However, the main camera of the Xiaomi 12 is better than that of Galaxy S21 FE. It looks warmer sometimes but definitely looks more crispier too. While when it comes to zooming, the Galaxy S21 FE is better.

Performance | Storage | RAM | 5G

Xiaomi 12 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 5G chipset which is fabricated on a 4nm node. Its performance is 25% better than its predecessor – Snapdragon 888 that powers the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.

In terms of configuration, both smartphones are almost similar. The Xiaomi 12 is available in 8/12 GB of RAM and 128/256 GB storage, while Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is available in 6/8 GB RAM and 128/256 GB storage.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE performance is good, but the Xiaomi 12 performance is better because of its advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship chipset.

Software

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12 run Android 12 software out of the box. Both tech companies also promised years of software update and security patch.

Battery

Battery wise, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has 4,500 mAh capacity with 25W fast charge support. While the Xiaomi 12 brings 4,500 mAh battery capacity with 67W fast charge support.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12: Price

Even though both smartphones have similar starting price of $699, the Xiaomi 12 offers better deal because you’ll get 8/128 GB configuration. While with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE you’ll get 6/128 GB configuration for $699.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12: Verdict

For similar price of $699, the Xiaomi 12 offers a better deal. So it’s easy for us to recommend it ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Simply put, whatever the Galaxy S21 FE can do, the Xiaomi 12 would do better.

So if I’m to score both smartphones by percentage. I’ll score the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (47%) while the Xiaomi 12 gets (53%).

Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Xiaomi 12

Galaxy S21 FE	Price	Xiaomi 12	Price
Buy Amazon UK	£699	Buy on Giztop	$699