Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi 13 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-04-21 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra is significantly newer, offering more up-to-date technology. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.2 × 74.6 × 9.1 mm | Xiaomi is larger, taller, wider and thicker; S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 227g | S21 is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.73" | Xiaomi has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi has a sharper, more detailed display, enhancing image clarity. |
| PPI | 421 | 522 | Xiaomi offers higher pixel density, resulting in noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | Xiaomi is significantly brighter, more readable outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xiaomi's chip is newer and more powerful, resulting in smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,532,113 | Xiaomi has superior performance, better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Xiaomi has a more powerful GPU, resulting in superior graphic performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi has a larger battery, likely offering longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 90W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wireless, Surging P2/G1 Chips | Xiaomi offers faster wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, plus extra power management features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1", 1.6µm | Xiaomi's main sensor has higher resolution and a larger sensor for more detailed photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.51", 0.64µm | S21 has higher resolution; Xiaomi has wider aperture and more balanced performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/3.0, 1/2.51", 0.64µm | Xiaomi offers a dedicated telephoto lens, increasing zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.51", 0.64µm | Xiaomi has higher resolution and wider aperture for better wide angle shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.0, N/A, 0.7µm | Xiaomi has higher resolution and wider aperture for sharper selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video, but Xiaomi has more slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 140 | Xiaomi’s camera is higher rated for overall photo and video performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 | 128 | S21’s front camera scores higher for photo and video quality. |
| Additional Camera Features | Triple camera, OIS, RAW | Quadruple camera, OIS, Laser AF, RAW 14 bits | Xiaomi offers more versatility and advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xiaomi runs on a newer version of Android, but S21 has a longer update support window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards; Xiaomi adds MiMO for better signal strength. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Xiaomi has a more recent Bluetooth version for better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems, which may offer more accurate and faster location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | Xiaomi offers more storage options, beneficial for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | Xiaomi has more RAM, for better multitasking and app loading speed. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose carefully between available options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Xiaomi offers more advanced audio options with Hi-Res and multiple microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security feature in both models. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xiaomi has the newer, slightly more durable version of the glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Gravity, RGB | Both phones have a wide range of sensors for varied use, but with minor differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry in a pocket.
- Higher DxOMark Selfie Score: Better performing front-facing camera.
- Longer Android Update support: Upgradable to Android 15
- Lower starting price: Can often be found for a lower price, offering a better value for some users
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and GPU for smoother app loading and gaming.
- Larger, Sharper, Brighter Display: Better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Better Main Camera: Offers more detail with larger sensor and higher resolution
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life with quicker charging.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Ideal for users with lots of apps, media, and for heavy multitasking.
- More advanced audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers and 3 microphones.
Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: Xiaomi 13 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier, which may not be suitable for users who prioritize portability.
- Selfie Camera Quality: While it has a higher resolution, it is outmatched in DxOMark tests by the S21.
- Software Updates: Xiaomi 13 Ultra has shorter maximum OS version support.
- Price: Xiaomi 13 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users seeking a compact, lightweight phone for everyday tasks.
- Users on a budget who want a reliable phone with a decent camera.
- Users who take lots of selfies, as its front-facing camera is rated higher by DxOMark.
Use Cases:
- Casual social media browsing and communication.
- Everyday photography and video recording.
- Use as a secondary phone.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize high-performance gaming and demanding tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts seeking a versatile camera system.
- Users who consume a lot of media and prefer larger, brighter screens.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption (movies, games, etc).
- Travel and outdoor activities where the bright display and large battery are beneficial.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers better value for budget-conscious users, considering its more basic functionality, but its hardware is older.
- The Xiaomi 13 Ultra provides a premium experience with its cutting-edge technology, but at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions to help you decide:
- What are my primary uses for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily use)
- How important is portability and weight? (e.g., do you need a pocketable phone?)
- What is my budget? (e.g., are you looking for value or premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Daily User: If you need a phone for basic tasks and prioritize cost, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a solid option.
- Performance-Focused User: If you are a gamer or power user, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the obvious choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want the best possible camera experience and versatility, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the better option.
- Frequent Traveler or Outdoor User: If you need a bright display, larger battery, and quick charging, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is ideal.
My Choice
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. While it is more expensive, the combination of significantly better performance, a much better main camera, larger battery, faster charging, and a superior display makes it the more future-proof and versatile device for my needs. The trade-offs in size and weight are acceptable for the overall improvement in features and performance. Furthermore, the higher DxOMark score for the overall camera system makes it very appealing for taking quality photos and videos. The slightly shorter software update lifespan would be my main concern for long-term usage.
