1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is larger and slightly thicker, less comfortable for one-handed use for some |
| Weight | 200g | 192g | Poco C65 is slightly lighter, might be noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Virtually identical display size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a much sharper display, noticeable when reading text and viewing high-res media |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 260 | S21+ provides significantly sharper details and clearer visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, better color vibrancy, and improved power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially in gaming and UI navigation |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Poco C65 brightness data is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21+ offers considerably faster performance, quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 237,768 | S21+ is significantly more powerful, suitable for demanding apps and games |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ has superior graphics performance for smooth gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Poco C65 has higher resolution but S21+ has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has optical zoom for capturing distant subjects |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ allows for wide-angle photos |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco C65 has depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco C65 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ allows for much higher quality video recording with better stabilization options |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | None | S21+ camera has been evaluated with strong scores, Poco C65 is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Poco C65 has a slightly larger battery, may result in marginally longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Poco C65 has a newer version of Android out of the box. Samsung is upgradable to 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco C65 has a newer version of Bluetooth with potential for better power efficiency. S21+ supports more Bluetooth profiles |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | S21+ provides consistent multitasking performance; Poco C65 depends on the variant selected. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer similar storage options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21+ provides significantly better audio quality for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Poco C65 has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ provides a larger sensor package |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate provides much better visual quality and smoother experience.
- Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, significantly better video recording, and better image quality based on DxOMark scores.
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and enhanced audio features.
- Stronger Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports the newer WiFi 6 standard.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with dual SIM functionality
Practical Implications for S21+: The S21+ excels in demanding tasks, media consumption, and photography/videography, providing a premium user experience with faster performance and superior display quality.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity may result in marginally better battery life
- Macro lens and Depth sensor: Dedicated lenses for macro and better portrait mode photos.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers quick access and convenience.
- Newer Bluetooth version: More efficient and stable connections with devices.
- Lower Price Point: It is significantly cheaper, making it an appealing budget option.
Practical Implications for Poco C65: The Poco C65 is suitable for basic tasks and media consumption on a budget, providing reasonable performance at an entry-level price with an updated software experience.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ offers superior performance and features but is likely more expensive.
- The Poco C65 has better battery life, is more affordable and has newer software, but compromises on display, performance, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who need a high-performing phone for demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value excellent display quality for watching videos and viewing high-resolution content.
- Photography & Videography Lovers: Those who prioritize camera quality with more versatile lenses for different shooting scenarios.
- Users who want wireless charging: Those who value convenience and wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize speed and multitasking: Those who value quick and snappy performance in their day to day usage.
Specific Use Cases for S21+:
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Professional photo and video editing on the go
- Streaming high-quality videos
- Work tasks that require a lot of processing power
- Viewing detailed maps for navigation
Xiaomi Poco C65 - Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who want a functional smartphone without spending a lot of money.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use a phone for basic tasks like social media, web browsing, and messaging.
- Users who want longer battery life: Those who value having their phone last throughout the day
- Users who want newer android software out of the box: Those who don't care about software updates but want the newest version of the OS when they buy it.
Specific Use Cases for Poco C65:
- Daily social media scrolling
- Web browsing and light email usage
- Watching videos at standard resolution
- Basic photography and social sharing
- Long battery life for basic usage
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better phone, but it comes at a cost. The Poco C65 is more cost effective, but sacrifices performance and features. Therefore, the price-to-value ratio depends greatly on the user's priorities and budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is your budget?
- The Poco C65 is a budget phone, while the S21+ is a premium option.
What is your primary use case?
- Do you prioritize performance and camera, or basic functionality and battery life?
Are display quality and smooth performance important to you?
- The S21+ has a significantly better display and much higher performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High Performance & Media Consumption
- If you frequently game, edit photos/videos, or watch high-resolution content, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice, despite the higher price.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious & Basic Use
- If you primarily need a phone for social media, web browsing, and messaging, and want a longer battery, the Xiaomi Poco C65 offers great value, with slightly slower performance and less impressive camera/display.
Scenario 3: Balance of Features and price:
- If you care about performance and features such as wireless charging, then the Galaxy S21+ is a better option for you.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although the Poco C65 is more recent and has a newer version of Android, the S21+ offers a significantly better user experience. The superior AMOLED display, the high performance and versatility of the camera, along with features like wireless charging make a major difference in everyday use. I prioritize a smooth, fast and enjoyable experience, so the S21+ is the best option, despite its higher price. The trade off for a better screen, faster performance and better camera outweighs the price. The only thing the Poco C65 has over the S21+ is a newer operating system out of the box.
