1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-07 | Poco M4 5G is newer by about 1 year, potentially offering newer features and better software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | S21 5G is smaller and more pocketable, while Poco M4 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 200g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.58" | Poco M4 5G offers a larger display for more immersive viewing, while S21 5G offers a more compact form factor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have similar sharpness; differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 401 ppi | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers superior blacks, contrast, and potentially more vibrant colors; better for multimedia consumption and outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G provides a smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21 5G's chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 381,300 | S21 5G performs nearly twice as fast, leading to snappier performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 5G's GPU offers better graphics for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Poco M4 5G has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless charging, 4.5W Reverse wireless charging, no charger in box | Reverse charging, No charger in box | S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience; both lack an included charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.8µm pixels | None | S21 5G offers zoom capabilities and better detail in telephoto images, while Poco M4 5G lacks these capabilities. |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.4µm pixels | None | S21 5G provides wider field of view and macro capabilities while Poco M4 5G lacks those. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G provides higher quality selfies. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effects; however, software-based solutions can often achieve similar results. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G offers significantly higher video quality and stabilization options. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 111 main, 132 selfie | Not tested | S21 5G has been verified to be better for both selfie and main camera usage |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | 4K Video, Night Mode, HDR etc. | S21 5G offers significantly more advanced features, including optical zoom and stabilization and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G launches with a slightly newer base OS, however, S21 is upgradable to Android 15 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 5G offers newer and faster WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco M4 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potential enhancements. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 5G has more precise GPS for navigation with dual band options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 5G has larger storage option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | S21 5G has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Basic audio | S21 5G provides much better audio quality for media consumption and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Poco M4 5G has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 5G is much more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Additional Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21 5G offers a broader suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher refresh rate and brightness provides a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers much faster processing and graphics performance, suitable for demanding tasks and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, ultra-wide lens, higher video recording capabilities and much better photo quality
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Faster wired charging and the convenience of wireless charging options,
- Premium Build Quality: More durable screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6 and better GPS capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise-canceling microphone for enhanced audio experience.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers a much longer potential battery life.
- Newer OS: Launches with Android 12 (though S21 can upgrade to Android 15)
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: more convenient and faster access.
- Lower Price: Generally much more affordable than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G's superior performance, display and camera come at the cost of a smaller battery and higher price.
- The Poco M4 5G's longer battery life and more affordable price are balanced by a less impressive display, slower performance, and a lower quality camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Media consumers: Users who enjoy high-quality video and prefer vibrant displays and premium audio experience.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with advanced features and better video quality.
- Users who want premium feel: Users who value premium design, quality build materials and additional features like wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and graphic-intensive applications
- Capturing high quality photos and videos.
- Watching HDR content and high-resolution movies
- Heavy multitasking and productivity on the go
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a reliable phone with good battery life without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and browsing.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need all-day battery without frequent charging.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, browsing, and social media
- Streaming music and basic multimedia
- Long trips or situations where charging is difficult
- Users who require side fingerprint sensor
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Poco M4 5G is a much more affordable option.
- What features do I prioritize? Battery life, camera quality, performance, display quality, etc.
- How do I use my smartphone daily? For heavy gaming and video or casual use and communication?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you frequently play mobile games, edit videos, or run demanding apps, the Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious Casual User): If you prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionalities and want to spend as little as possible, the Poco M4 5G will meet your needs well.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a balance of performance and battery life and are not very price-sensitive, the S21 5G, despite the lower battery, offers an excellent experience due to faster charging.
- Scenario 4 (Media Consumer): If watching videos, and consuming media, the much better screen quality of S21 makes it the obvious choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Poco M4 5G has its merits, the S21 5G offers a significantly superior overall experience, especially for my priorities. Here’s why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED screen with its higher refresh rate and significantly better outdoor visibility makes a huge difference in daily usage. I often use my phone outdoors and consume a lot of video content.
- Performance: I appreciate having a phone that feels fast and responsive, especially when multitasking or gaming. The Exynos 2100 chip ensures that the phone remains smooth for many years to come.
- Camera Capabilities: I use my phone's camera frequently and the better image quality, combined with the versatility of having a telephoto and wide angle lens are a must for me.
- Overall experience: The S21 is a much more premium device compared to Poco M4, and for me, the slightly lower battery capacity is not a deal breaker since I am okay with charging once per day.
While the Poco M4 5G is a good value option, the Galaxy S21 5G's premium features, superior display, and higher performance make it the better choice for me, aligning with my priorities and use cases.
