Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-01 | The Poco F5 Pro is a newer device with more modern features and potentially better software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.8 × 75.4 × 8.6 mm | The Poco F5 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, which may affect handling for some users. |
| Weight | 200g | 204g | Both phones feel similar in weight in your hand; insignificant difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen sizes, minimal difference in actual usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | The Poco F5 Pro's higher resolution results in a significantly sharper and more detailed image. |
| PPI | 394 | 526 | The Poco F5 Pro's higher pixel density makes text and images look much clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations are the same on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | The Poco F5 Pro offers slightly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Poco F5 Pro's chipset is newer and faster, translating to better app performance and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,317,798 | The Poco F5 Pro provides significantly faster performance in everyday use and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Poco F5 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5160mAh | The Poco F5 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Poco F5 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 30W wireless charging | Poco F5 Pro has faster wireless charging. S21+ has reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | The Poco F5 Pro has a higher-resolution main sensor. The S21+ has a physically larger sensor. Differences in image quality would vary, both have pros. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The S21+ has dedicated zoom capability that is missing from the F5 Pro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 1/2.55" | None | The S21+ has dedicated macro and ultrawide lens in one sensor which the F5 Pro is missing completely. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | The Poco F5 Pro offers a dedicated ultrawide lens which is missing from the S21+. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Poco F5 Pro offers a dedicated macro lens which is missing from the S21+. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | The Poco F5 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera. S21+ has a wider aperture. Differences in image quality would vary, both have pros. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR and EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Similar video recording capabilities, both offer 8K video, but the S21+ has HDR in more modes. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | The S21+ has been professionally tested, giving an insight into image quality. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Ultra stable video | Poco F5 Pro has additional features for video and lower light situations, S21+ has optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | The Poco F5 Pro comes with a newer Android version out-of-the-box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities, the Poco F5 Pro includes Wi-Fi MiMO for better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Poco F5 Pro features a newer Bluetooth version for better power efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Poco F5 Pro has more comprehensive GNSS support, potentially better for accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano) | The S21+ offers eSIM functionality for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Poco F5 Pro has higher capacity options, better for users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | The Poco F5 Pro offers a 12GB RAM option for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio quality. Samsung S21+ offers additional features such as noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint biometric security, there is no specific advantage here. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21+ has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The S21+ has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Established Camera Performance: Offers professionally tested camera system with good photo and video scores, optical zoom and good low light performance, along with a more capable ultrawide camera.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility for users who switch carriers or travel frequently.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Better for users needing a broader array of sensor functionality (e.g., precise environmental data).
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: More versatile charging options, including the ability to charge other devices.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and damage resistance.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better audio when on calls.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers much better performance for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Higher Resolution and PPI Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals, especially noticeable with text and images.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 30W wireless charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger Battery: The larger battery capacity provides better battery life.
- More Internal Storage Options: Up to 512 GB of storage for media and apps.
- Newer Software: The device launches with Android 13 out of the box.
- Newer Bluetooth: More efficient and stable connections.
- Ultra Stable Video: Offers better stabilization for videos
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices processing power for a more feature-rich camera system, more comprehensive sensor suite, and wireless charging options.
- The Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is focused on performance and display quality while lacking the feature-rich camera setup, and additional sensors found in the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a tested camera system with optical zoom, and prefer a more versatile suite of camera features and good low light performance.
- Travelers: Those who benefit from eSIM support and reverse wireless charging.
- Users Needing Enhanced Sensor Data: Users who need a barometer and other sensors for specific applications.
- Users wanting better audio on calls: The noise cancellation microphone improves audio experience.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Long trips where eSIM and reverse charging are useful.
- Outdoor activities that benefit from the barometer and GPS.
- Daily users who want more flexibility.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who need the highest possible performance for demanding mobile games.
- Power Users: Those who run heavy apps or multitask frequently.
- Media Consumers: Users who want the sharpest and most detailed display for watching videos and browsing.
- Users wanting the latest technology: Users who prefer having newer tech and faster charging.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Running resource-intensive productivity apps.
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies.
- Daily users who want better performance and battery life.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco F5 Pro offers higher performance and a better display for its price point, providing a better value proposition for users seeking performance and display quality.
- The S21+ comes at a higher price point, but offers a more mature camera system and some extra features that the F5 Pro is missing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use, etc.)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Heavy user, average user)
- What is your preference for camera features? (Professional testing, zoom, versatility etc)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming and Performance): If your primary focus is high-performance gaming or heavy multitasking, the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is the clear choice due to its faster processor, superior GPU and 12GB RAM option.
- Scenario 2 (Photography and Versatility): If you prioritize a tested camera system, versatility and a comprehensive suite of features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is more suitable due to its optical zoom, eSIM support, and wireless charging options, even though it is slower.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use and Value): If you need a good balance of performance, display quality, and value, the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is recommended.
- Scenario 4 (User who needs comprehensive features and flexibility): The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is recommended.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro.
Here's my reasoning:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the Exynos 2100. I value a fluid and responsive experience, particularly when running demanding apps or games.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution and PPI of the Poco F5 Pro's screen would make daily use and media consumption much more enjoyable. The improved image quality would matter much more to me than the slight differences in size.
- Charging Speed: The substantially faster charging on the Poco F5 Pro would be very convenient in my daily routine. I would prefer faster charging over the other extra battery features the S21+ has.
- Value: The Poco F5 Pro appears to be better value.
- Software: I prefer a newer OS version, therefore having android 13 out of the box is great.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has its strengths, like a tested camera system, eSIM support, and wireless charging, they don't outweigh the benefits I'd get from the F5 Pro's superior performance, faster charging, and higher-resolution screen. The Poco F5 Pro matches my specific preferences and use case better. I do not need the extra sensors, and the slight differences in the camera do not matter to me as much as better performance.
