Xiaomi 11T Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A Detailed Showdown

The Xiaomi 11T Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are both compelling mid-range options offering flagship-like features. But which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make the right choice for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi 11T Pro takes the lead with its blazing-fast 120W charging and slightly brighter display. However, the S21 FE's Samsung brand recognition, potentially better software support, and more refined camera processing make it a strong contender. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 11T Pro Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1600/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, September 152022, January 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 05Available. Released 2022, January 07
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)177 g (6.24 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, Dolby Vision, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 2
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - Version 2
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660 - Version 1Mali-G78 MP14 - Version 2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960, HDR10+, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 Tuned by Harman Kardon 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
Battery
Charging120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 72% in 10 min, 100% in 17 min25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMeteorite Gray, Moonlight White, Celestial BlueWhite, Graphite, Lavender, Olive
Models2107113SG, 2107113SI, 2107113SRSM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2, SM-G990U3
Price€ 139.00 / $ 185.21 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 39,999€ 199.00 / $ 143.95 / £ 154.99 / ₹ 29,990
SAR0.78 W/kg (head)     0.49 W/kg (body)0.77 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.95 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 92h Endurance rating 92h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.3 LUFS (Good) -26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 566529 (v8), 719696 (v9) GeekBench: 3049 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi 11T Pro

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Slightly brighter display
  • Strong performance
  • Competitive price

  • Camera processing can be inconsistent
  • Software updates may be less frequent
  • Design less premium than S21 FE

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

  • Reputable brand and software support
  • Refined camera processing
  • More premium design
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Slower charging speed
  • Potentially less raw performance
  • Price slightly higher than Xiaomi 11T Pro

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent contrast. The Xiaomi 11T Pro boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 837 nits compared to the S21 FE's 792 nits, making it marginally better for outdoor visibility. Both offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates for fluid scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

The S21 FE generally produces more consistent and pleasing images, thanks to Samsung's well-regarded image processing. The Xiaomi 11T Pro's camera is capable, but can sometimes struggle with color accuracy and dynamic range. Both offer versatile camera systems with multiple lenses, including ultrawide and macro.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset (though the S21 FE has an Exynos variant). The Xiaomi 11T Pro generally offers slightly better raw performance due to potentially more aggressive thermal management. However, real-world performance differences are often negligible for everyday tasks. The S21 FE's software optimization can sometimes provide a smoother experience.

Battery Life

Both phones have an endurance rating of 92h, suggesting comparable battery life. However, the Xiaomi 11T Pro's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups, while the S21 FE's 25W charging is significantly slower.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is ideal for users prioritizing charging speed, a vibrant display, and raw performance. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a better fit for those who value a trusted brand, potentially longer software updates, and a more polished camera experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE generally receives longer and more consistent software updates due to Samsung's commitment to their devices.
❓ Is the Xiaomi 11T Pro worth it if I need fast charging?
Absolutely! The 120W charging is a standout feature, allowing you to charge your phone from 0% to 100% in just 17 minutes.