Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable, M5 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 201g | S21 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.58" | M5 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming, but S21 is more compact for portability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have similar sharpness, differences are negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 401 PPI | S21 has slightly sharper display, although differences are subtle for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21's 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations making the phone feel more responsive, M5 is slightly less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much more visible in direct sunlight due to significantly higher peak brightness. M5's brightness is not specified, suggesting it might be very basic/inferior |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21's chip is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 414,500 | S21 offers significantly faster performance, noticeable in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21's GPU offers much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | M5 has a larger battery which could translate to longer battery life depending on optimization. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | S21 charges faster reducing wait time compared to M5. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 provides the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging; M5 does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | M5 has higher resolution, but S21's larger sensor typically captures better low-light images with better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 has an additional telephoto camera for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots; M5 lacks this versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 has a better selfie camera in terms of resolution, capturing more detailed photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M5 has dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M5 has macro camera for close-up shots; S21 lacks this capability. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 has dedicated ultrawide lens which allows you to take more expansive and creative shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 is capable of much higher resolution videos for professional use, also has better stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 has verified camera performance advantages over the M5 in tests. M5 is untested, making it hard to compare with. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | M5 ships with a slightly newer Android version, but S21 has better future-proof upgrades (Android 15) |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 supports faster, more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | M5 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | L1+L5 GPS | L1 GPS | S21 provides better GPS accuracy via dual band. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | S21 offers more internal storage capacity, especially if you need space for lots of apps, media, or files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21 has more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities and application performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 offers far better audio quality through Dolby Atmos enhancement and dedicated stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | M5 has more user-friendly fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has a more durable screen against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors Suite | Gyroscope, Barometer | Basic sensors | S21 has a more complete suite of sensors for gaming and environmental monitoring; M5 has a basic sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1300 nits brightness provide a much better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Far Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU offer significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto and ultrawide lens, better main sensor, and higher quality selfie camera, offering more versatility in shooting situations.
- High-Quality Video: Capable of recording up to 8K video with advanced features like HDR and EIS.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, higher maximum storage, more RAM and better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Better Software Support: Can be upgraded to Android 15 (2 years newer than the M5)
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and has better GPS capabilities.
Xiaomi Poco M5 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Lower Price: The Poco M5 is considerably more budget-friendly.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably a more convenient sensor location for some users
- Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens allows for close-up photography.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G trades price for significantly enhanced performance, display quality, camera versatility, and overall premium features.
- The Poco M5 trades performance, display quality, and camera features for a lower price and potentially longer battery life.
- The M5 lacks a lot of information in its specs like display brightness and camera sensor information making it harder to assess compared to the S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, and require high-quality display and audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile and high-quality camera system for various shooting situations.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Users who appreciate premium features like wireless charging, a better software support, and overall high-end performance.
Specific Use Cases (S21 5G):
- Playing graphics-intensive games smoothly at higher settings.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos in various conditions.
- Using demanding apps without any lag.
- Consuming media and streaming with high-quality audio and visuals.
- Those seeking the best future proofing software experience.
Xiaomi Poco M5 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who prioritize battery life over high-end performance and features.
Specific Use Cases (Poco M5):
- Basic day-to-day use like calling, texting, and browsing social media.
- Casual mobile gaming.
- Long-lasting battery life for users who aren't near a charger often.
- Close-up shots with macro camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference is significant, dictating if premium features are worth the cost.
- What is your primary use case? Is it basic use, mobile gaming, or photography?
- How important are features like camera quality, display quality, and performance? Do you value a premium phone experience, or are you okay with a more basic phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a power user, gamer, or photography enthusiast who doesn't mind the higher price, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- If you are a budget-conscious user who needs a basic smartphone for general use and values longer battery life above all else, the Xiaomi Poco M5 is a more suitable option.
- If your priority is having the best possible screen, camera quality, and power then the S21 is the best option by far despite it being older.
- If your main goal is longer battery life on a budget, the Poco M5 is the better phone for you.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it's an older phone, its advantages in display technology (AMOLED, 120Hz, higher brightness), performance (significantly faster chipset and GPU), camera quality (more versatile system with better sensors and video capabilities), software support and premium features outweigh the benefits of the Poco M5. Although the Poco M5 has a larger battery, the difference in everyday usability, fluidity, and camera quality would lead me to choose the S21 5G despite it being older. I believe the benefits of the higher-end components make a significant difference in the long run and would be worth the increased price for most users, as well as better future proofing with an upgrade to Android 15.
