Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT, along with their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.6 × 74.3 × 8.9 mm | Poco X4 GT is larger & bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use but offers more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 169g | 200g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard (non-foldable) smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | Poco X4 GT provides a more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp displays, differences in pixel density are negligible to the human eye. |
| PPI | 421 | 407 | Both have very similar pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Poco X4 GT offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions; brightness for Poco X4 GT is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Different chipsets; Poco X4 GT has a newer chipset, which translates to better raw performance and efficiency |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 820,061 | Poco X4 GT scores higher in benchmarks, suggesting better overall performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G610 MC6 (Mali-G610 MC6) | Different GPU configurations with slight performance differences. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555, 1.80µm pixels | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW1, 0.80µm pixels | Poco X4 GT has higher resolution, but S21 5G has a wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm pixels | Not Available | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374, 1.22µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV16A10, 1.00µm pixels | Poco X4 GT has higher resolution for selfies. S21 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2, sensor model unknown, pixel size unknown | Poco X4 GT offers an ultrawide lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B10, 1.75µm pixels | Poco X4 GT has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563, 1.40µm pixels | Not Available | S21 5G has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, offering better versatility in shooting scenarios. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 5G can record higher resolution videos; ideal for professional or enthusiast video creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers better video stabilization. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: Main score 111, Photo score 118, Video score 90; Selfie: Main score 132, Photo score 125, Video score 145 | Not Available | S21 5G has reputable scores indicating better overall camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5080mAh | Poco X4 GT offers significantly better battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco X4 GT charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, No Charger in-box | None | S21 5G offers more charging convenience; lack of charger in-box is a downside. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Poco X4 GT has newer Android version out of the box. S21 5G has OS upgrade potential. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar WiFi capabilities, Xiaomi Poco X4 GT has Wi-Fi MiMO for better signal strength and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Poco X4 GT has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better range and performance, it offers other codecs like LDAC, AAC. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Poco X4 GT supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy and reliability. |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both are good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT audio features a slight edge (Hi-Res audio, improved voice capture). |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco X4 GT offers a potentially faster and more convenient unlocking experience. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G has superior screen protection for better scratch and damage resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | S21 5G includes more sensors which may be useful for specific applications; Xiaomi Poco X4 GT has some unique sensors like RGB and Ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better visual quality with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and vibrant colors. It's also significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens, 8K video recording, optical zoom, and optical image stabilization (OIS). It also has better scored camera tests according to DxOMark.
- Wireless Charging: Provides convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Premium Build Quality: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
More Sensors: includes more sensors including an environmental sensor, useful for specific applications.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize display quality, advanced camera capabilities (including zoom), wireless charging, and premium build quality.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.6" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling.
- Better Performance: The newer Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset offers slightly better benchmark scores.
- Significantly Larger Battery: 5080mAh battery offers much longer battery life, which is a key advantage.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Has newer bluetooth version 5.3 with other codecs like LDAC and AAC.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced and convenient fingerprint unlock.
Practical Implications: Suitable for users who value a larger display, longer battery life, faster charging, gaming performance, and slightly better connectivity.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21 5G: Loses out on battery life and charging speed compared to Poco X4 GT. Lacks a wide-angle and macro camera.
- Poco X4 GT: Sacrifices display quality (IPS LCD vs AMOLED), premium camera features (optical zoom, OIS) and wireless charging, as well as screen brightness. It has a larger size and is heavier, making it less pocketable than the S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Content Consumers: Users who value a vibrant and sharp display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, optical image stabilization, and advanced video features like 8K recording.
- Power Users: Those who need wireless charging and a premium build.
Users who prioritize premium build quality and more features.
Use Cases: Watching high-definition content, capturing detailed photographs in various scenarios (including zoomed shots), creating professional-grade video content, and daily use in bright outdoor conditions.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize a high refresh rate and excellent gaming performance.
- Heavy Users: Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a high-performing device without breaking the bank.
Users who want a big screen and slightly better connectivity.
Use Cases: Mobile gaming, extensive social media use, long days away from a power source, and users who prefer larger screens.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and high brightness (Samsung S21 5G), or a larger display with a higher refresh rate (Poco X4 GT)?
- Battery and Charging: Is longer battery life and faster charging more important, or are wireless charging convenience and other features like reverse wireless charging your priority?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need advanced camera features like optical zoom and OIS (Samsung S21 5G), or would a more simple camera setup be sufficient (Poco X4 GT), or do you need a wide-angle and macro lens (Poco X4 GT)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its advanced camera system, and reputable DxOMark scores.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Xiaomi Poco X4 GT is preferable because of its higher refresh rate, newer chipset for better gaming performance and significantly better battery life.
- For the Average User: Consider your priorities regarding display, battery, and camera. The Samsung S21 is the all-rounder, whereas the Poco X4 GT is for people who prioritize gaming performance, battery life and speed.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
While the Poco X4 GT has undeniable strengths in battery life, charging speed, and raw gaming performance, my personal preference leans towards the more premium user experience offered by the S21 5G. I highly value display quality, and the AMOLED panel with its higher brightness is a significant advantage for me. I also often use my phone for photography, and the additional features like optical zoom, OIS and 8K video recording are very important to me, which are missing on the Poco X4 GT. Wireless charging is also a very convenient feature. I also prefer the more premium build quality and more compact form factor of the S21. While the battery is smaller, for my usage, it is usually sufficient, and I can top it up easily with a charger.
The Poco X4 GT is an excellent device, but it is built with more budget conscious user in mind. For me, the S21 5G offers a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience that aligns better with my priorities and use case.
