Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

The Verdict

Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE targets budget-conscious buyers at $699.99, while Xiaomi's 12 Pro costs $999 and aims at flagship performance. The S21 FE delivers solid fundamentals with a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display (1300 nits), Snapdragon 888 processor, and a competent triple camera setup led by a 12MP main sensor with OIS. Battery life is respectable at 4500mAh with 25W charging. The 12 Pro significantly raises the bar with a larger 6.73-inch QHD LTPO AMOLED screen (1500 nits), newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, and a superior camera system featuring three 50MP sensors including a 2x zoom telephoto, plus 8K video recording. Its 4600mAh battery pairs with exceptional 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. Performance gaps favor the 12 Pro by roughly 30 percent, while its camera versatility is substantially better. The S21 FE's plastic build versus the 12 Pro's aluminum frame reflects their price positioning. For users needing genuine flagship specs and willing to spend $999, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clearer choice. Those prioritizing value and acceptable performance should grab the S21 FE, which remains capable for daily computing, gaming, and photography despite stepping back from top-tier performance.