Xiaomi Mi 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 | Best flagship phone of 2021? (so far)

Comparing the Xiaomi Mi 11 vs the Samsung Galaxy S21, two of the biggest smartphones of 2021, but which is best? Here's a side-by-side testing the camera tech, speed, battery life, specs and features - and my full reviews are live right now.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 has just launched globally, while Samsung's new Galaxy S21 hit the UK a couple weeks earlier for a slightly higher price. Both sport a triple lens rear camera and here you can see how they compare for photo and video quality, including a zoom test, night results and more.
Grab Xiaomi's phone from here, and UK peeps can use the code SPURTMI11 to get some cash off:
bit.ly/2MNx2FX
For performance, the Mi 11 uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset while the Galaxy S21 goes for Samsung's own Exynos 2100 platform. Xiaomi's handset wins the speed test and offers smoother gaming, while the battery life is also better (helped along by the bigger cell).
Overall the specs are stronger on the Xiaomi Mi 11, vs the S21. You get a QHD+ display, compared with the FHD on Samsung's smartphone. Still, both handsets are strong on the media front, among the best you can buy in 2021. My full review of both phones are live, and you can see my unboxing of that Galaxy plus comparisons versus the Pixel 5 and S20 FE.

[@TechSpurt]

They cost about the same, but there's a world of difference between the pleasingly compact S21 and the beefcake Mi 11. Which one's your favourite, definitely hit me up below 😘

[@thefantasyfootballhub]

I think I prefer the mi11. The only real thing in missing out on is ip68 and the telephoto, but I think the 108mp camera will mean I'm not missing out on much

[@scarecrow533]

Mi 11 for the better performance, battery and screen. I don't think the telephoto lens is that important.

[@vikrraal]

@@thefantasyfootballhubcamera is better on Samsung also you are forgetting the thermal of Mi 11 goes bonkers under load.

[@sathishkuntaplli6218]

s21

[@dh-pf6re]

@@scarecrow533 I don't think macro either important so telephoto > macro

[@scarecrow533]

finally someone made a comparison with mi 11 and s21

[@its.sayantan]

Exactly bruh......... every else is crazy with the s21 ultra only

[@Keinehobbys100]

@@its.sayantan true Mi 11 - 799 € vs S21 Ultra 1249 € ...

[@wahaamri]

ikr

[@scarecrow533]

wow 44 likes thx 😉

[@james_the_darklord]

Nope I stay clear of Chinese branded phones.

[@thefantasyfootballhub]

Tech spurt, thank you, I've been waiting for this forever. No real youtuber had done this yet, and you're the first. Love your work. Stay safe . Thanks

[@TechSpurt]

No worries, cheers for watching Karl, stay safe!

[@thefantasyfootballhub]

@@TechSpurt oh yay, you replied

[@youssefhesham6173]

For me I think the Mi 11 is better because of the massive battery, big display, higher quality display, better material used and that monstrous Snapdragon 888 chip

[@KaranModgil]

And it's cheaper after all of this 👍

[@gremian1988]

And charger 😃

[@karolisrum6573]

Im a Samsung fan but I would agree. All of the specs are better or similar and the Mi 11 is way cheaper, only thing I dont like in Mi phones is the OS

[@notalanjoseph]

Both UI are far from stock...MIUI is getting better nowadays. Now its just a matter of preference between them

[@priyansh5471]

@@karolisrum6573 miui 12.5 will make it a lot more lighter hope the experience gets better

[@chillercat_vr]

"Tik Tok and all this crap on there" I like you more and more every day!

[@TechSpurt]

I'm far too old to even begin to understand all that dancing nonsense 😂

[@bruhinthebruhwiththebruh1370]

@@TechSpurt don't worry no one understands that crap

[@deathvraider6475]

@@TechSpurt And that's how it should be

[@caboose8001]

@@TechSpurt I'm too pure to understand all that bullsh*t either.

[@S_T_fania]

@@TechSpurt so I'm not tiktok and honestly just think of it as old KZbin meet new KZbin but all the videos are really short

[@blur3734]

Love your reviews! Always straight to the point and no BS added!

[@rohitkudre3792]

Just here to see you uninstall Facebook off of the phones you review. Oddly satisfying.

[@Jtaylor-kt8ym]

Not oddly, its the silent majority. ( I'm just trying to cling on to any bit of hope I guess)

[@pirx9798]

Why do they come with that crap on them anyway

[@justsb7654]

@@pirx9798 cause they want money

[@GaryJahman]

4:50 why I like this man Big cheers from The Netherlands

[@grandmaster677]

I love your review content smartphone Love from Malaysia ❤️❤️

[@chillercat_vr]

0 views and 30 likes? That's how you know you're good!

[@TechSpurt]

Likes from beyond the veil, definitely feeling blessed over here :)

[@Nedlius]

the fact that there's so much bloatware on an already expensive phone (s21) is a straight up war crime imo

[@ionutraducanu7009]

Love the content, keep it coming!

[@lockeddown7331]

one of my favorite phone reviewers. No BS and i like it 👏

[@arznicho7208]

Great review as normal .. Always annoying thing is seeing these xiaomi reviewed by UK you tubers but can't buy them from UK retailers!!

[@kiel163]

Amazing comparison of those 2 flagship smartphone from xiaomi & samsung. And it is very entertaining to watch it and not so boring. unlike others out there. 👌

[@thisispw]

Great review, they seem to have levelled each other out, so subjective which to chose.

[@LetsBeRational777]

Not even close.

[@13Aisyah]

Been contemplating between these two phones. Thank God i found this video. Now I know which one to buy.

[@megamind4155]

Which one did u end up getting and how is it so far?

[@bry6314]

Hands down the Mi11! I'm so saving up for this on the Black Friday deals.. I'm loving the new quality of the reviews dude, very sweet! You're bushy eyebrows have never looked so good 😏

[@ryeellz9967]

Dude that's 9 months away

[@bry6314]

@@ryeellz9967 Thank you for your astounding powers of observation, indeed it is 9 months away but I've only had the RealMe 6 Pro since August & I don't mind waiting for a bargain..

[@notalanjoseph]

@@bry6314 u r really sensible in spending ur money that we can’t really understand u

[@bry6314]

@@notalanjoseph And? Waiting for a period of time knowing that it will be discounted isn't sensible? Sure, but then again, it's really none of your business how I spend my money is it? *You *Are *You're *Your Kind of ironic about understanding huh?

[@markcasidsid5269]

oh wow thats too far away from now and too close to the launch of mi 12... save for the mi 12 instead 😅

[@davidashmore3929]

One man and his irate badger covered in lard. Presenter Uncle Spurt covers this years opening fixture from Clackheaton.

[@srinathpadmanabhan]

In India S21 costs INR 70,000 which is approximately USD 960. It's not only expensive than the US variant, but also has a comparatively weaker Exynos chipset. Let's see how much Xiaomi prices the Mi11

[@karlfrancisbenosa7169]

Thank you for using the same wallpaper in both phones 🤗

[@JDaveTel]

Watching this on my Xiaomi Mi 11 and I gotta say it is a beast🔥

[@soggydoggy2k6]

Liked before skipping the advert because you know it will be great

[@aperson6490]

You had me at "Irate badger covered in lard". Sub for life

[@arash_afkhamiii]

Man your videos are really intresting and i really enjoy as whatching

[@gerizub]

I'm niet even looking for a new phone, yet I watch all your reviews 🤣🤣 You make my day with your: Cheers! Love you ❤

[@josephomagbemi9005]

Awesome review mate!!!... but please u gotta drop some of ur anime wallpapers for us they look sugoi

[@A7madMaher]

Thanks for this man.♥️

[@ramueljeolin129]

My most awaited comparison ever.

[@HENKO_BEATS]

Nowadays all I really care about in a phone is battery life 🙂 Most of the phones are all good enough for me.. It comes down to preference..

[@darrin173]

Your review is great....you have a new sub..😊

[@TheHankoook]

The best compare from the best Reviewer I would go with the mi11 price to performance and then more great work 👍👍😎

[@anthonygonzalez8747]

Hey there, @Tech Spurt. I've been watching your videos for a while now. Basing on you video comparisons I have decided to buy the last phone I've bought. I would like to hear from Samsung F62. Looking forward to seeing a review of it from you. Cheers!

[@chaddernesto9308]

dude that's sime sick anime wallpaper u got there, where did u get it?

[@f7kev]

can you give me your opinion about the overheating issue of the Xiaomi? Do you it'll get better with future updates?

[@victorgriffith8968]

Great video ! You should have done it against the S21 plus but then again there's the mi 11 pro so I understand.

[@josefdvorak6229]

Well display look on S21 on this video quite oscillated, but it not only on your videos, i have seen it before. It look like 120 Hz frequency is not there for all the time. It is weird for me. I will go for Mi 11 even i do prefer smaller phones. Battery and for good sake charger and not crappy one but 55W that is awesome. BTW fully agree with missing jack, that really upset me....Good video mate

[@shaf3006]

How is the software support and real world use, spec didn’t justified well, a review after a year much appreciated

[@hopjumpfly]

only 2 droid updated with Xiaomi though? And what about the notification glitch? Doesn't that play into this?

[@saadsnake6]

would appreciate a lot if u can tell us where do u get ur wallpapers from ??

[@sakthithenna9082]

I feel like there is a slight design change in the Xiaomi mi 11 on the global version compared to the chine only. The curves now are more even and symmetrical compared to the china version. Idk maybe im seeing things. Early gang

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Thanks for the comparison, was thinking about one of them for my next phone, mostly the S21 ultra but the S21 still good, better if it had the 888 chip for the UK 😭

[@ChiCity50245]

UK 🇬🇧 is trash 🗑 no one likes your country leave our Samsung phones alone get you a cricket

[@archazazel1855]

@@ChiCity50245 every1 actually liked england and enfland has no war with nobody atleast now days back then emgland was invading like every country the world i can even think off trough history including mine in history lessiom in scholl we also learn how the british occupied our terrotory and we cause teror againts them

[@archazazel1855]

@@ChiCity50245 great simple culture long intersting history really high education lot of scholls castel great tv and some good shoping center i guess wich is amazing if yoy visit for a week or couple days or going to study there altough outisde of it most of the parts are unitersting with really high living cost for there residant

[@rogerandersson8937]

There is a company in Sweden called PiezoMotor Uppsala that will take smartphones to a completely different level when it comes to camera functions. So my advice is to wait a little while with both of these mobiles

[@LenaRose1204]

I can't wait for the Xiaomi to be available in the UK 😊

[@hickey85]

Think it's available from the 24th Feb 😎👍

[@a.b1266]

Not finding many videos on the Mi11 Pro vs the Mi 11. Would love to see a comparison.

[@za.307]

"I'll be your huckleberry"... Tombstone reference 👍

[@pkpnyt4711]

I can see purple fringing (14:49, upper left side) on the Mi11 photos and the edges, especially on the wide-angle lens. Uhh never even mentioned it???

[@ballsofplastic]

i'd choose xiaomi beacuse of the ui simplicity / animations but the price sets it off even more with the amazing specs

[@ChefmakiChefmaki]

It's the price bro. Xiaomi has changed the game through its pricing.

[@ballsofplastic]

@@ChefmakiChefmaki Xiaomi is honestly next level on specs i need, As i could also literally change the OS if i don't like MIUI. Although the s21 definetely feels more compact.

[@hickey85]

Great comparison uncle spurt! I'm torn between these because I prefer a more compact phone and ip rating is something I like to have..... However I'd go for that beefcake mi 11. QHD goodness, IR blaster, free condom case, some quick charging speeds and of course a bloody charging brick hooray 😎👍

[@muratcirak281]

Hey Chris @TechSpurt What do you think about Xiaomi MI 11? Is it still okay for daily use?

[@mattsanchez4893]

Love that camera module on the Mi

[@aleccino]

Great video! I'm so torn between the Mi 11, Pixel 6, S21, and S20 FE for my upgrade! Really can't decide.

[@MrJamesdimaano1516]

My Mi11 only lasted for 6 months then the motherboard gave out.. planning to get the S21+ instead since it's cheaper now.

[@anesahmatovic5985]

@@MrJamesdimaano1516 what do you mean gave out and did u get a new phone?

[@-xYz--nk1gm]

@@MrJamesdimaano1516 I have a few of xiaomi phones like mi6, redmi note4, mi8 and each of them works to this day. even the screen is less scratched than the iPhone11 pro max after 6 months

[@MrJamesdimaano1516]

@@anesahmatovic5985 my phone just stopped working. had it checked at an authorized service center and they said that i needed a new motherboard. had it refunded and now im currently using a Samsung S21 Ultra.

[@MrJamesdimaano1516]

@@-xYz--nk1gmis your iPhone 11pro max your daily driver and the other Xiaomi phones are back up phones? I use my phone the whole day. for work, games, movies maps etc.. i guess Mi11 couldn't handle everything i use it for.

[@ibemeretakauto1060]

Your anime wallpapers get me clicking your vids...

[@davidson5910]

I've had enough, WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR WALLPAPERS FROM! 😔

[@yusmeow]

For realll 😩

[@lensav9985]

Can you do a review on the Xiaomi Redmi 9T? I was wondering if it'll be another budget king in your opinion :))

[@stupyshark9632]

Hey there, tech guy... I Just subscribed to the channel

[@dh-pf6re]

advantages of xiaomi mi11 1. glass back (if u chose vegan leather, basically it's a plastic) 2. Qhd+ resolution 3. 108mp hmx sensor 4. slightly brighter display 1500nits vs 1300nits 5. features on miui (I think it has better animation) 6. faster charging speed (charger and cable status unknown) 7. curved display ,bigger display (personal) 8. cheaper "IN SOME MARKET" but here, the price is the same 9. better value for what you paying for advantages of samsung galaxy s21 1. software longevity (3 major update vs 1 or 2 idk) 2. knox (hardware and software security) 3. ultrasonic sensor (optical actually reliable too but less secure) 4. telephoto camera (not crappy macro) 5. features on oneui (it has more features, dex, better camera and video processing) 6. better ecosystem 7. flat display , compact (personal) 8. better ram management (miui known bad at this) 9. ip68 rating

[@jamesdean354]

good analysis

[@palooza0069]

Yeah i strongly agree on xiaomi's crappy ram management in my xiaomi phones..

[@markcasidsid5269]

i think the normal s21 wins in terms of design 😅

[@ScrambleYolk]

The Mi 11 will probably have bad resell value compare to the S21 ☹

[@heavenmystery2020]

What about Harman Kardon sound speakers on Mi11?

[@ChefmakiChefmaki]

An irate badger that's covered in lard. man that cranked me up. Lol

[@parshakamarsh]

The Xiaomi takes it for me

[@revirdkcalb]

Yeah, if it wasn't a small tablet, I would've gone for it. 😕

[@whitegoodman7465]

@@revirdkcalb only 6.45 inches in height for 6.8 inch screen is damn good tho

[@Lezjuliette69]

From what I can see from your presentation..its a clear win for the Xiaomi.my next phone? Hmmm. Don't know Yet. See what else is coming in 2021.

[@berniceled]

Is there a global version for mi11 yet? If not is it easy to install Google stuff on the Chinese rom?

[@dadoopeworld1037]

Where do u get ur wallpapers?

[@petermusukwa7227]

This is amazing 💪💪💪🔥🔥

[@user_ao625]

Consider a S20 vs S21 video to see which is the better value or performance.

[@dakilangduca]

Very helpful reviewww

[@vishnukv6409]

My question is that where do you get this cool anime wallpapers?

[@beautyneytiri]

i'm wondering... when you tap on the back with your nail, does it sound and feel very weak and cheap ? i've had two mi 11 devices now and they both had this issue. someone said maybe they all have this issue, so can you please let me know ?

[@CyanideLucifer]

Where do you get your wallpapers from 👀👀

[@el-zra1787]

those anime walls - I think he knows more anime characters than anyone I know he should start a page on anime recommendations lol 😁

[@lizasoberano6612]

Is theres a tech that front facing camera that can be a 3d scanning or more secure face unlock just the front camera scanning only?

[@kildal67]

Wher do you get your wallpapers?

[@nezarmakhedhi7199]

Does the software has ads like midrange x3 or the rom is clean ? Plz confirm

[@andyH_England]

I think the s21+ is more of a competitor to the Mi11 as they are different sizes and I know the first box I tick is to get the size I want? If that is the case then the price differential is a bit more and the Mi11 is even more interesting. Certainly, so far my 2021 list is 1// Mi11 and 2// S21. We shall see the OP8P soon and that may go ahead of the pack?

[@DoganBcakc92]

Will there be a Mi 11 pro version of this phone, also I thinki mi 11 is better compared to s21 because european version of s21 comes with exynos which has a different image processing algorithm and I think Qualcomm version would be better for global compatibility.

[@eoin4597]

There will be a pro version in China at least which will be very similar but with a much better camera set-up including a telephoto lens, a better ultrawide sensor and a better main sensor.

[@dielit1738]

The battery Mah might be lower on S1 but it actually lasts longer than mi 11 ..saw Technick doing comparison...it retains a decent temperature when using or charging than the mi 11 too.

[@kyleholloway3470]

Having had a Samsung and a Xiaomi in the past (currently have the Redmi Note 9 Pro), I would side with the Xiaomi. My Samsung gave me so many issues towards the end of its life, whereas the only reason I upgraded from my original Xiaomi was because it never got an android version beyond 5, so apps, etc started to become incompatible.

[@KaranModgil]

Same and I'm on note 9 pro max 👍

[@yzo0001]

I'm currectly using the mi9t pro and i'm thinking of buying the mi 11 next year when my phone subscription is done

[@user-qh1qj6jy5r]

Disabling always on display on s21 ultra SD version made a difference of night and day in regards to battery life.

[@Xillr]

Sold my exynos s21 and got my new mi11 , honestly it's a fair upgrade for me personally. S21 is fine but occasionally stutter when I unlock the phone and swipe up yo homescreens - animations are bad whereas miui on mi11 might not be everyone's favorite, it's silky smooth Maybe that's just an exynos thing but yeah

[@d24]

Mi 11 is so tempting. I also like the fast charging bc I hate slow charging

[@aashishmalhotra]

First of all , great content . Second Xiaomi entering globally could lead Samsung and others 🍎in big problem. At the end of day , consumer need value from every penny they are giving.

[@iceakuma2176]

what would you say would be a better pick between the Mi11 vs the 20 FE 5g? answers much appreciated!

[@superstealth385]

Depends on what processor does Samsung have in your country

[@iceakuma2176]

@@superstealth385 I can get the 865 snapdragon with 6/8gb ram

[@superstealth385]

@@iceakuma2176 is there a price difference between The two phones?

[@DurgisFlak]

Could you compare this phone, and other newly released £700ish phones, to last year's super flagships that can be got for about the same price refurbished...

[@TopTopTopReviews]

I have in my hand Xiaomi Note 9 Pro and S21. Is really better performance on Xiaomi from my opinion.Photo (not so big diferences in the real use), Speed - Xiaomi, Battery - Xiaomi. So, the Mi 11 will be absolutly the best choice.

[@GtheJuggler]

The size difference is really the purchase decision maker here. On the other hand when it comes to the S21 Plus Vs Mi 11 than it's game on. I would probably go with the Mi because I like a bit of curve on my phone screen and woman 🤭🤐🤫

[@respectyourbody9912]

Is giztop a good website to buy the mi11?

[@jeremychristoper89]

Dear Tech Spurt, Need advice from u. Planning to buy either Xiaomi Mi 11 5g or Samsung Galaxy S20plus. I have heard Mi11 wifi chip getting fried issues. I need ur input which one could be the better choice.

[@ighoomamuyovwiwesley1100]

I got the mi 11. But i haven't noticed any issues... It get hot but also cool down so fast.. that's only when you're on camera or streaming for a very long time on apps like tango and many more.. it's a very nice phone with great speed and display

[@soapoperaslushy2853]

Does the 21 have LDAC support aswell?

[@HarpreetSingh-mp3ge]

Where do you get mobile wallpapers?

[@gl3832]

Samsung continues to disrespect anyone other than the US with this exynos garbage. Mi 11 for me!

[@cheetahman859]

Samsung disrespects everyone. Dual Sim still not standard, LTE and 5G bands depending upon variant, guess you can't use the phone when travelling, still doesn't stand by it's own product no matter where you buy it.

[@gl3832]

@@cheetahman859 so true. I would still buy mid range samsungs but for that premium price you may as well buy Apple or the Chinese phones which are actually pretty good now.

[@yashovardhanh6619]

@@gl3832 Exynos is not at all bad this year, in fact it's in parity with the 888, even sometimes better, than the 888. You can see the various comparison videos

[@gl3832]

@@yashovardhanh6619 its not

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

New lens? Nice blurry background?

[@2ez4aju]

Do they ship exynos version or snapdragon in US? (from the official samsung site)

[@darkace827]

Snapdragon

[@Maj0rTac0]

Great video but I think s21 plus would have been a better comparison sizewise

[@agentxcompany]

Have you tested the o overheating issues of xiaomi

[@dansheehan6150]

Another really helpful review. why is it so difficult to get a decent case for these chinese phones ? lots of cheap crap on ebay etc but nothing decent like Spiegen.

[@abcdoooabcd]

I have s4 SGH-I337 I didn't find a rom with the same Baseband does Baseband make difference if the model number is the same?

[@nakyoozijuliet4274]

Where do u get wallpapers pretty please

[@turtle_wax91]

I wonder if Xiaomi had done anything to fix their previous aggressive ram management on MIUI 12.5? I'm kinda annoyed with that.

[@moth4fuk425]

While the mi 11 is superior when it comes to specs I chose the s21 because of the customer service and support (trade in, etc)

[@armchaircritech]

Really good one ,S21 though less powerful does a decent job...