1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-12 | The Poco X6 Pro is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160.5 × 74.3 × 8.3 mm | The S21 is more compact and pocketable, while the Poco X6 Pro is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 186g | The S21 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.67" | The Poco X6 Pro offers a larger display, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1220x2712 | The Poco X6 Pro has a sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 446 | The Poco X6 Pro offers slightly sharper visuals, although both are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1800 nits | The Poco X6 Pro is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm) | The Poco X6 Pro has a newer and more powerful chipset, resulting in better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,479,279 | The Poco X6 Pro has significantly higher performance, ideal for demanding applications, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali G615-MC6 | The Poco X6 Pro's GPU is better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco X6 Pro has a larger battery, offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Poco X6 Pro charges much faster than the S21. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Xiaomi P2, G1 chip | S21 offers versatile charging but lacks a charger in box; Poco X6 Pro offers intelligent charging but lacks wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 64MP | The Poco X6 Pro captures images with much higher detail, although the S21 has a larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | The Poco X6 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, performing better in low light situations. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | The S21 has a larger sensor, capturing better light and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | Yes | No | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | The Poco X6 Pro captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The S21 performs slightly better in low light for selfies, due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/3.06" | Poco X6 Pro has a slightly larger sensor for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | The Poco X6 Pro allows for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | The Poco X6 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | Yes (12.2MP) | No | S21 has a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 has better video capabilities, including 8k recording and 960fps slow motion. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21 has a tested and validated camera performance, though Poco X6 Pro lacks testing |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | S21 has a tested and validated selfie camera performance, though Poco X6 Pro lacks testing |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical Zoom | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction | S21 offers optical zoom and 8k recording, Poco X6 offers flicker reduction and noise reduction |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Poco X6 Pro has a much newer OS with additional features and security improvements. |
| Max OS Version | 15 | 17 | The Poco X6 Pro will receive more OS updates over its lifetime. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MiMO | Both offer fast Wi-Fi speeds; Poco X6 Pro includes MiMO for a stronger connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | The Poco X6 Pro has a newer, faster, and more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), NavIC | Poco X6 Pro has more satellite systems for improved accuracy and reliability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | The Poco X6 Pro offers higher storage capacity for more files, apps and media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | The Poco X6 Pro offers more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Poco X6 Pro offers Hi-Res audio for better quality, S21 offers noise cancellation for better audio calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 uses a more durable screen protection, reducing chances of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 has additional sensors for environmental readings while Poco X6 offers more sensors for better functionality in certain scenarios. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers better zoom capabilities and portrait mode.
- 8K Video Recording: Ideal for users who need high-resolution video capture.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient charging options and ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Superior screen protection: Offers better protection against scratches and cracks.
- More environmental sensors: Offers ability to track barometric pressure which is used for navigation.
- Validated Camera Performance: DxOMark testing provides objective data on photo and video quality.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: Offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger and Sharper Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and viewing content.
- Significantly Brighter Screen: Improved outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charge times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures images with higher detail and potentially better low-light performance.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: More versatility in photography.
- Newer Operating System: Provides the latest features, security updates and longer software support.
- More RAM (Up to 12GB): Better for multitasking and heavy usage.
- More Storage Options: More storage space to accommodate more media and files.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides better quality audio playback.
- More advanced Bluetooth version: Better and more efficient wireless communication.
- More advanced GPS systems: Provides better accuracy and reliability.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more refined camera experience with telephoto capabilities and 8K video, but is significantly less powerful than the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro
- The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro is larger and heavier, which may not be suitable for all users.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G lacks a macro and wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a more compact and lightweight design.
- Users who need wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize zoom and portrait photography.
- Users who require 8K video recording.
- Users who appreciate a phone with validated camera performance.
- Users who value better screen protection against scratches and cracks.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travel Photography: Optical zoom and high-resolution video make it great for capturing memories.
- Professionals needing portable media: Great for content creators or videographers needing portability for 8K video.
- Users who prioritize sleek design: The lighter and more compact design makes it easy to handle and carry.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who want a large, bright display for media consumption.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with a wide-angle and macro lens.
- Users who value having the latest Android OS and software updates.
- Users who prioritize having large storage space.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gamers: The powerful chipset, large display, and fast refresh rate make it excellent for gaming.
- Media Consumption: The bright and sharp display makes it great for watching videos and browsing social media.
- Heavy Multitaskers: The higher RAM and powerful processor allow for running many applications at once smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system offers more creative flexibility in image capture.
- Users seeking a high-performance phone at a value: The Poco X6 Pro offers top level specifications with a more affordable price tag.
Price-to-Value: The Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro offers more performance and features for a likely lower price, making it the better value option for most users. The S21 5G is older and may be priced lower, but its price to value is not as competitive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are your priorities? Do you prioritize compact design and wireless charging (S21) or performance and battery life (Poco X6 Pro)?
- How do you primarily use your phone? Are you a gamer, a photographer, or a casual user?
- What is your budget? Are you looking for the best value for your money (Poco X6 Pro), or willing to spend more for specific features (S21)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer: If you need the absolute best performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro is the clear winner due to its newer chipset, higher RAM, better cooling, and longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Media Viewer: If you want a balanced phone that is compact and has a good camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious User: If you want to get the best value and need a phone with a good camera system, great performance and long-lasting battery, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro is a great option.
- Scenario 4: User focused on photography: If you value telephoto and 8K video, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the more suitable option.
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro. The main reason is that it provides significantly better performance due to its superior chipset and higher RAM. In addition, I also value long battery life, fast charging, and the versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lens capabilities. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 has its advantages in terms of a more compact design, 8K video recording and telephoto camera, its performance is much lower when compared with the Poco X6 Pro. The Poco X6 Pro's larger, brighter screen is also a significant advantage for media consumption and gaming, which are the main things I would use a phone for. Finally, considering the price point of both phones, the Poco X6 Pro provides far more value and modern features, making it the ideal choice.
