1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is slightly taller and negligibly thinner; S21+ is easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Poco F4 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Slightly larger screen on the S21+; difference is not significant. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both screens |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, resulting in similarly sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Same vibrant colors and deep blacks on both displays |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Excellent visibility in bright sunlight on both devices |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Poco F4 generally offers a better gaming experience and smoother performance due to more efficient and optimized architecture |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 861,200 | Poco F4 scores higher indicating better performance in benchmarks, also resulting in better gaming experience and smoother performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Poco F4's Adreno 650 is generally preferred for gaming, with more optimized performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Poco F4 captures more detail due to higher resolution; S21+ has slightly better low light performance due to larger sensor size |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed images and portraits; Poco F4 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" | Poco F4 takes higher resolution selfies; S21+ has a slightly better low light performance due to wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Poco F4 has a dedicated wide angle lens, providing a better field of view |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Poco F4 has a dedicated macro lens, capable of capturing detailed close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle and macro camera, providing a better field of view and detailed close-up shots, all in one lense |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ allows for recording higher quality, detailed professional grade videos |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Available | S21+ has a tested camera performance score; Poco F4's score is not available |
| Additional Camera Features | Optical zoom | Ultra stable video | S21+ can zoom without loss of quality, Poco F4 has extra video stabilization |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 67W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Poco F4 charges significantly faster |
| Additional Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | S21+ can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Poco F4 comes with a newer version of android; S21+ will receive one more android update compared to the Poco F4 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support modern standards, Poco F4 includes Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, LE | Bluetooth 5.2, LE | Poco F4 has the latest standard, for slightly better connection efficiency |
| GPS | Multiple systems including GPS L1+L5 | Multiple systems including GPS L1+L5, NavIC | Poco F4 supports more systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | S21+ supports an eSIM for more flexible carrier options |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Poco F4 offers a higher RAM configuration, resulting in smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither have expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancelling Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both have excellent audio, the S21+ has noise cancelling mic which improves call quality, while Poco F4 has 2 mics for clearer audio recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Poco F4 has a more convenient, faster fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has the latest, better scratch resistance screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | S21+ adds barometer for better environmental data, while Poco F4 adds ultrasonic proximity for quicker response |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: The S21+ has a more versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens, plus capabilities for 8K video, offering more flexibility for different shooting scenarios. It also features a wide angle + macro lens, which has improved results than separate lenses.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing convenience for users with other wireless devices and portability of power bank.
- Premium Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch resistance.
- eSIM Support: Offers more options for travelers or digital carrier users.
- Slightly larger battery: Marginally better battery life.
- More Android Updates: Will receive android updates up to android 15
Xiaomi Poco F4 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and higher Antutu score offer superior performance, particularly in gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging can quickly replenish the battery.
- Higher RAM options: Up to 12GB RAM allows for smoother multitasking and app switching.
- More modern Bluetooth and Wifi: Bluetooth 5.2 and Wifi MiMO offers better connectivity efficiency and speed.
- Wide Angle + Macro camera: Dedicated wide angle and macro camera gives flexibility to users to take better landscape or detailed close-up pictures.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Faster response time for proximity sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ sacrifices slightly better performance for a more feature-rich camera system and wireless charging.
- The Poco F4 prioritizes performance and fast charging while lacking a dedicated telephoto camera and wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities and are willing to trade slightly lower performance.
- Users who want a premium build: People who want a phone with a durable screen and premium feel.
- Wireless charging users: Those who have other wireless charging devices and want to charge on the go.
- Frequent travelers: Users who may use the eSIM functionality.
Specific Use Cases for S21+:
- Travel photography, capturing diverse landscapes and subjects.
- Shooting professional quality 8k video.
- Wireless charging of earbuds and other devices.
- Those who prioritize camera and photography capabilities over performance.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who need the best performance for demanding mobile games and multitasking.
- Users on a budget: Users who want the best possible performance for a mid-range price.
- Power users: People who need fast charging and excellent performance for various tasks.
- Users who prefer the newest technology: Those who prefer the newest bluetooth and wifi technology for faster connectivity.
Specific Use Cases for Poco F4:
- Playing graphically intensive games at high frame rates.
- Quickly charging the device before heading out.
- Recording high quality videos with ultra-stable video recording capabilities.
- Multitasking between resource-heavy apps with ease and fast responsiveness.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Poco F4 generally offers better value for performance, particularly for gamers.
- The Samsung S21+ offers more features and a more versatile camera, but generally at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize performance or camera versatility? If performance and gaming are crucial, the Poco F4 excels. If you prioritize advanced camera features and wireless charging, the S21+ is better.
- Do you value fast charging and multitasking? The Poco F4's 67W fast charging and higher RAM options are significant advantages for power users.
- Do you prefer a more durable design or more functionality? If a more premium build with better screen protection, and wireless charging is needed, the S21+ is better suited.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a gamer or power user on a budget: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 for its superior performance and fast charging, as well as newer wifi and bluetooth technology.
- For someone who values camera quality and wireless charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its more versatile camera, wireless charging capabilities and slightly better screen protection, with a small trade-off in performance.
- For users who need an eSIM: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the only option as it supports eSIM functionality.
What I would choose and why:
Based on my preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F4. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a more feature-rich camera system and wireless charging, I value performance and battery life the most in a smartphone. The Poco F4's Snapdragon 870 chipset, combined with its higher RAM options and incredibly fast 67W charging, make it a more appealing option for my daily use which usually includes resource heavy multitasking, and mobile gaming. While I appreciate a versatile camera setup, I am willing to trade some camera features for the superior processing power and battery life that the Poco F4 provides. Also, as a tech enthusiast, the newer bluetooth and Wifi technology is appealing to me.
