1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | Poco F3 is slightly taller, but both phones have the same thickness and are similarly sized in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Both phones feel almost identical in weight. The difference is negligible for everyday use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference; both provide immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Both offer almost identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Rich colors and deep blacks on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Excellent visibility under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 870 provides a slight edge in performance in benchmarks, translates to slightly better gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 800,216 | Poco F3 has slightly better performance in demanding tasks, such as gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 is generally slightly better for gaming on the Poco F3. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Samsung has better per-pixel quality in low light due to a larger sensor size despite having less megapixels, Poco F3 will have more detail in bright scenes. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | Samsung provides more flexibility in shooting options. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | Poco F3 offers higher resolution, the S21+ 5G has a slightly better aperture/sensor for low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung provides more flexibility for video recording, including higher resolution 8K capture. |
| DxoMark Score | 111 (Main), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not Available | Samsung's camera is generally better overall than the Poco F3 based on the DxoMark score. |
| Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | None | Samsung offers more advanced camera features for better image quality in certain scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4520mAh | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger battery for potentially slightly longer battery life, though real world usage may vary. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | QC3+/PD3.0 | S21+ 5G offers versatile charging options including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which allows you to charge other devices. Poco F3 supports the more common charging protocols |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto and ultrawide cameras for more shooting options, optical zoom, better stabilization and better all-around quality according to DxoMark.
- Advanced Camera Features: Features OIS, RAW capture, and a dedicated night mode which provides better image quality in certain scenarios.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for charging wirelessly and sharing power with other devices.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life though may not be noticeable in normal use.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for SIM card usage by allowing a digital sim option.
- Superior Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for better durability.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a Barometer for environmental pressure readings.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Includes noise cancellation for microphones.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Better Raw Performance: Slightly faster performance in benchmarks.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging replenishes battery more quickly.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports newer Bluetooth audio codecs such as LDAC for slightly higher quality audio on compatible devices.
- Lower Price Point: Usually priced more aggressively.
- More Precise Location: More precise location support with additional satellite systems.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ 5G sacrifices some charging speed for wireless charging and a more versatile camera system.
- The Poco F3 prioritizes performance and charging speed, while lacking advanced camera features and optical zoom.
- S21+ includes a charger in the box while the Poco F3 does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility and image quality, and need features like OIS, optical zoom, and RAW capture.
- Power Users: Those who utilize wireless charging, and may need to reverse charge other devices.
- Those who prefer additional features like a barometer sensor, noise cancelling microphone and are not concerned with minor performance differences.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Using wireless charging and reverse charging frequently.
- Need high quality audio recording with noise cancelling.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance and fast loading times.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want the most performance for their money without advanced camera features.
- Users who prefer fast charging and do not need wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Quickly charging their phone with 33W.
- Budget conscious user who wants the most performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? If photography is a priority, the S21+ 5G's camera is superior.
- Do you need wireless charging, reverse charging, and optical zoom? If yes, the S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- How important is the fastest charging and raw performance for you? If fast charging and the most performance is essential, the Poco F3 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a casual user who takes the occasional photos and videos, does not play graphically intensive games, the S21+ is still the better option for the superior camera quality. However if budget is very tight, the Poco F3 is an adequate alternative.
- Scenario 2: If you are a photographer, content creator, or simply need the best quality photos, the Samsung S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you want the most performance for the price and play intensive games frequently, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is likely a better fit due to better raw performance and faster charging.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Poco F3 offers a slight performance advantage and faster charging, the S21+ 5G provides a significantly more versatile camera system with additional features, better overall camera quality, wireless charging, reverse charging and a superior screen protection. The comprehensive sensor suite, including a barometer and noise-cancelling microphone, adds value for my use cases. I prioritize a high-quality camera, flexible charging options, and superior build quality over a small performance bump and faster charging. Although it's a slightly older phone, the S21+ 5G's feature set aligns better with my needs.
