Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. As a tech journalist, I always aim to bridge the gap between raw specs and real-world use, so here we go!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison with a focus on how each specification translates into practical experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-03-16 | The Poco M4 Pro is slightly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software at launch. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable or unique designs. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | The Poco M4 Pro is a bit taller and slightly thicker; S21 FE is a tad wider, but generally both feel similar in the hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 179.5g | Very similar weights; both feel light enough for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Near identical screen sizes, very similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed displays, though the Poco M4 Pro's slight resolution bump is barely noticeable. |
| PPI | 403 | 409 | Similar pixel density; both deliver crisp and clear text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED displays; expect great colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 FE has smoother animations; better for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE’s brighter screen is much better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. (Note: Zero brightness for Poco M4 Pro likely a data entry issue) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Helio G96 (12 nm) | The S21 FE offers flagship-level performance; the Poco M4 Pro is mid-range; S21 FE will be faster in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 438,700 | The S21 FE has significantly higher performance, making it much faster overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The S21 FE’s Adreno GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks more efficiently. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro has a larger battery, likely meaning longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Poco M4 Pro charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers additional wireless charging options; Poco M4 Pro only wired charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Poco M4 Pro has more resolution, but the S21 FE's larger sensor may capture more light and detail in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE provides optical zoom capabilities; much better zoom capabilities than Poco. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | S21 FE's higher resolution and wider aperture should result in superior selfie quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Both offer a wide-angle lens but the S21 FE offers a macro capability. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 1080p @ 30fps | The S21 FE can record much higher quality videos. |
| DXOMark Score | 117 (Mobile), 127 (Selfie) | Not Available | S21 FE’s cameras are rated as high-quality by DXOMark, offering good photo and video performance. |
| Features | OIS, 4K, Zoom | Dual Cam, Ultra Video | The S21 FE offers more advanced camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 11 | S21 FE is more future-proof with its newer OS and upgrade potential. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The S21 FE offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Poco M4 Pro has newer version with slightly enhanced connectivity features. |
| GPS | More Satellites | More Satellites | Both offer accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | Unknown | The S21 FE offers more storage options for apps, media and files. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | Unknown | The S21 FE has more RAM, resulting in better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, a limiting factor for high usage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have great quality sound. Poco has better Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | The Poco M4 Pro has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 FE has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More Sensors | Fewer Sensors | The S21 FE includes more sensors for expanded functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display with high brightness is excellent for all use cases.
- Advanced Camera System: The telephoto lens, better selfie camera, and 4K video capabilities make it a solid choice for photography.
- Wireless Charging: Convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers top-tier screen protection.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: S21 FE has an array of sensors, useful for additional functionality.
- Trade-offs:
- Smaller battery capacity compared to the Poco M4 Pro.
- No expandable storage.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery means longer use between charges.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets you back up and running faster.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced sound quality with Hi-Res audio capabilities.
- More modern Fingerprint sensor: Convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable, providing good value for the price.
- Trade-offs:
- Mid-range processor results in slower performance than the S21 FE.
- Lower refresh rate display with lower brightness.
- Basic camera system, inferior to the S21 FE.
- Older Operating System
- Less comprehensive sensor suite
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize performance, smooth gaming, and fast app loading.
- Those who want a superior display with vibrant colors and high brightness.
- Photography enthusiasts who value flexibility with telephoto and advanced camera features.
- Users who prefer wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users wanting the latest software
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Ideal For:
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a good mid-range experience.
- Those who enjoy high-quality music and audio playback.
- Users who prioritize a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy access.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions when making your choice:
- Performance Demands: Do you need a phone for heavy gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks? If yes, the S21 FE is the better choice.
- Battery Priority: Is long battery life your number one concern? If so, the Poco M4 Pro might be more suitable.
- Camera Needs: Do you value advanced camera features like telephoto zoom, higher video quality, and better selfies? Then the S21 FE is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its powerful chipset, high refresh rate display, and excellent graphics capabilities.
- The Multimedia User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for its larger battery, fast charging, and enhanced audio experience.
- The Casual User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for its balance of cost-effectiveness and general usability.
- The Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its high-quality camera system, including 4K recording and telephoto lens.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys delving deep into the performance of gadgets, the S21 FE simply offers a more premium experience. The combination of the Snapdragon 888, a smooth 120Hz display, and a very solid camera system ticks all the boxes for me. While the Poco M4 Pro is undoubtedly a solid phone, especially at its price point, the performance and display of the S21 FE are what I would value more for day to day use, alongside better overall capabilities. It's a device that will not only handle daily tasks with ease but also provide a satisfying experience for gaming and content creation. And the wireless charging is a nice bonus!
