Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm | Poco X5 Pro is larger, making it slightly less pocketable and harder to use one-handed. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 169g | 181g | S21 5G is lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | Poco X5 Pro offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both displays have the same level of detail. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 395 ppi | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is significantly brighter, making it easier to view outdoors, especially in sunlight. Poco X5 Pro brightness data not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21 5G has a higher performance chipset based on benchmark scores, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 609,106 | S21 5G will likely have slightly faster app loading and smoother general operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21 5G's GPU offers slightly higher graphics performance, which is beneficial for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Poco X5 Pro's 108MP main sensor theoretically captures more detail and resolution, however the S21 has bigger pixels and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21 5G features a wide angle lens and macro lens combined in the same sensor, while the Poco has a separate wide angle and macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | Poco X5 Pro captures slightly higher resolution selfies, while S21 5G has a wider aperture lens for better low-light performance and better sensor size. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 5G offers higher video resolution capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 5G's camera is rated to be quite a bit better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco X5 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Poco X5 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 5G offers more versatility with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | S21 5G is upgradable to a newer android version (15) while the poco is only upgradable to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Poco X5 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco X5 Pro has broader satellite coverage and potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 5G has a fixed 8GB, while Poco X5 Pro offers 6GB or 8GB options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer good quality audio, S21 has better noise cancellation for phone calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-display | Side-mounted | Poco X5 Pro has a more convenient and faster side-mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G has a more durable glass screen for better scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G has a wider range of sensors, including a barometer for elevation tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance Chipset: Faster overall performance and better gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens, better video recording features, and high DxOMark scores indicate better image quality and more versatility.
- Better Wireless Charging and Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging and more security features
- More Durable Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced protection.
- Wider Range of Sensors: Additional sensors including barometer for environmental tracking.
- Better Software Support: Expected updates up to Android 15
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.67" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery Capacity: 5000mAh battery for longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered by many more accessible and user-friendly than in-display fingerprint readers.
- Newer Bluetooth: More modern connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2.
- Broader GPS Satellite Support: For more accurate location tracking.
- Lower Price: Generally available at a lower price than the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Smaller display, smaller battery, slower charging, but better performance and camera features.
- Poco X5 Pro: Larger size, potentially less robust build quality, but better battery life, faster charging, and lower cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and camera quality.
- Users who need a high-brightness screen for outdoor use.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who prefer a premium build and a more compact design.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Frequent outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Users who prefer a premium build and a more compact design.
- Price-to-Value: Offers premium features at a relatively higher price point.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Users who want a large display for media consumption.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who prefer a more budget-friendly phone with good performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Long days away from a charger.
- General use with a focus on entertainment.
- Price-to-Value: Offers strong performance and features at a more affordable price, providing a better price-to-value ratio for its target audience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco X5 Pro is a more affordable option.
- What do you prioritize more, camera quality and performance or battery life and charging speed? The S21 5G has a better camera and faster performance, while the Poco X5 Pro has better battery and charging.
- How do you plan to use the phone on a daily basis? S21 excels in performance, camera and display while the Poco excels in media consumption, battery and practicality
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance User: If you are a gamer or power user and/or prioritize a premium experience, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Media Consumption User: If you watch a lot of videos, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro's large screen and long battery life are better suited.
- Budget-Conscious User: If you want a good value option, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro offers strong performance at a more affordable price.
- Outdoor Use: If you spend a lot of time outdoors under direct sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's higher brightness display is preferable.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Poco X5 Pro offers excellent value with its larger battery and faster charging, I prioritize the superior camera performance, higher-brightness display, more durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus, and the broader range of sensors that the S21 5G provides. The overall smoothness and faster experience provided by the Exynos chipset, combined with more advanced software support makes it the better pick for my needs. Although it comes at a higher price, the enhanced user experience and premium features of the S21 5G make it the more compelling option for me.
