Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X5
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of key specifications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable; Poco X5 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 189g | S21 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection | Unknown screen protection | S21 has superior screen protection. The Poco X5's screen protection is unknown, creating a potential durability concern |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Poco X5 has a significantly larger display, better for media consumption and gaming; S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 395 | S21 has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 is slightly brighter, improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 422,900 | S21 offers much higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm pixels | Poco X5 has higher resolution, but S21 has a larger pixel size which can mean better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 0.8µm pixels | Not Available | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm pixels | 13MP, f/2.45 | Poco X5 has a slightly higher resolution; S21 has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco X5 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco X5 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1.4µm pixels | Not Available | S21 has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 supports higher video resolution and has advanced features like HDR, EIS, and stereo sound for professional-grade video capture. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 960fps | Yes, 120fps | S21 has a much higher slow-motion capture capability. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Available | S21 has a confirmed solid camera score and is a verified better camera. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Available | S21 has a confirmed solid selfie score and is a verified better camera. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW, advanced focus & modes | Night Mode 2.0, basic modes | S21 offers advanced photo and video features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco X5 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco X5 charges slightly faster than the S21. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 offers more versatile charging options. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Poco X5 has a slightly newer base OS. S21 has a defined max upgrade. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 supports a newer, faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco X5 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | S21 has more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM Dual Standby | Dual Nano SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | Both offer good RAM; S21 has a minimum of 8 GB while the Poco X5 may have less RAM in its base configuration. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic | S21 offers better overall audio experience for music, movies and calls. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Poco X5 has a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Light sensor, Geomagnetic, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 includes a Barometer and other sensors which offer more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor (Exynos 2100) for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Cameras: More versatile camera system with telephoto lens, better video capabilities, OIS, and overall better image quality verified by DXOMark.
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse charging, and better audio (Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers).
- Higher Quality Screen: Slightly better brightness for outdoor visibility and higher pixel density
- More Accurate Location: Better GPS capabilities.
- Advanced sensors: The device includes a Barometer for measuring air pressure and other environmental features.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better protection.
Practical Implications:
The S21 is the clear choice for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and premium features. It excels in gaming, professional photography/videography and is generally a better choice for power users.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming due to a larger screen.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, great for heavy users and on-the-go users.
- Faster Charging: Offers faster charging to minimize downtime.
- Wider angle and macro lenses: The phone has a more modern camera system.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More modern and convenient fingerprint sensor
Practical Implications:
The Poco X5 is suitable for users who need a big screen for media, a long battery life, and faster charging. It's better for media consumption and general use than the Samsung.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Performance vs Battery: S21 prioritizes performance at the expense of battery life, while Poco X5 prioritizes battery at the expense of raw power.
- Camera Quality: S21 offers better camera quality but the Poco X5 has a more modern and versatile camera system.
- Features: S21 provides many premium features at a higher price point, while the Poco X5 offers a more streamlined experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal Users: Gamers, professional photographers/videographers, users who demand high performance and premium features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Shooting high-quality videos and photos.
- Power users needing fast performance and multitasking.
- Users who value a premium and small form-factor.
Xiaomi Poco X5:
- Ideal Users: Media consumers, users who need long battery life, casual gamers and everyday users.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and streaming content.
- Long travel days where battery life is critical.
- Everyday smartphone tasks.
- Users who prefer a larger screen.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 likely has a lower price given its older age, but offers better features and performance, but may come at a premium.
- The Poco X5 offers great value for those seeking a big screen and long battery life on a budget, without a lot of premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are my performance priorities? If you prioritize gaming and performance, the S21 is the better choice. If you prioritize battery life, the Poco X5 is better.
- How important is camera quality and features? If camera quality, OIS, and premium features are important, the S21 is better. If you need a basic camera experience, the Poco X5 is adequate.
- How important are premium features and build quality? The S21 offers premium features and build quality (wireless charging, reverse charging, better audio, and gorilla glass protection), while the Poco X5 offers a larger screen and a more basic experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for superior processing power, better graphics, and a more responsive experience, if you can stomach its older battery tech.
- For Media Consumers and Everyday Users: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X5 for its larger screen, longer battery life, and faster charging. It's a very good phone for most day to day tasks and will be a great workhorse.
- For Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its more advanced camera system, better video capabilities, OIS and RAW file support.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Xiaomi Poco X5 offers great features for its price, especially if you prioritize battery and display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, despite it being an older phone, for several key reasons. Firstly, its superior processing power is crucial for ensuring a smooth, responsive, and lag-free experience, especially when gaming or handling demanding tasks. The higher quality camera system, especially the telephoto lens and advanced video recording features, aligns well with my needs for photography and videography. The premium features like wireless charging and the higher quality display also enhance the overall user experience.
While the battery capacity of the S21 may be lower than the Poco X5, the performance and camera quality benefits outweigh this disadvantage for me. Also, the S21 has much more useful sensors for environmental features. The S21 is a more well-rounded and capable phone, and despite its age it is still a potent contender in the modern market.
