1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Poco M4 5G is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both phones feel the same weight in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | Slightly larger screen on S21+ for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Visually very similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Both offer similar display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G brightness spec is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 381,300 | S21+ will handle heavy apps and games much smoother. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 5G may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21+ charges faster reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21+ offers more flexible charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a better standard camera with wider aperture, likely performing better in low light, despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21+ takes higher resolution, more detailed selfies. |
| Depth | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 5G can provide more portrait mode data, better with blur effects. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21+ captures a wider field of view for landscape/group shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ captures much higher resolution and frame rate videos for better video quality and slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | N/A | S21+ has a significantly higher rated camera system. |
| Features | 8K video, Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization | S21+ offers more professional-grade camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco M4 5G has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21+ offers better location accuracy using dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ provides the option to use an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | S21+ offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21+ is better for multitasking and heavy applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Basic audio | S21+ offers better audio quality and immersion for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has significantly superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21+ offers more sensors for accurate environment data |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher refresh rate and brightness significantly improves visual experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: More powerful processor and GPU handle demanding apps and games much better.
- Better Camera System: Versatile camera setup with telephoto lens, higher quality sensors, and 8K video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging add more convenience and better charging time.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers deliver a more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM and Storage Options: 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage provide more space and smoother operation.
- Better Build Quality & Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior durability.
- Additional Connectivity: WiFi 6 and Dual-band GPS offers more reliable network and positioning.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Slightly Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity may offer marginally better battery life.
- Newer Android Version out of the Box: Comes with Android 12 by default.
- More Convenient Fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be more ergonomic for some.
- Lower cost: Generally available at a lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ - Higher price point. No charger included in the box
- Poco M4 5G - Significantly lower performance, inferior display and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and premium features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile Gamers: Benefit from the powerful processor, high refresh rate screen, and enhanced audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Enjoy the versatile camera system with telephoto lens and professional features.
- Frequent Media Consumers: Appreciate the vibrant AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and HDR video capabilities.
- Power Users: Benefit from the fast performance, wireless charging, and robust software capabilities.
- Business Professionals: Those needing high-performance with reliable connectivity and a professional camera.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a basic 5G phone for everyday use.
- Use Cases:
- Basic Mobile Usage: Browsing the internet, social media, and messaging.
- Casual Users: Those who don't need high-end performance and camera features.
- Price-Sensitive Buyers: Individuals looking for a 5G phone at a lower cost.
- Users looking for newer Android OS Out of the box.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy S21+ 5G is a premium phone, while the Poco M4 5G is budget-friendly.
- How important are performance and display quality? If you frequently game or consume media, the S21+ is a better choice.
- What are your camera needs? If you need a versatile camera system with professional features, the S21+ is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If your budget is tight and you mainly need a basic phone, the Poco M4 5G is a practical option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Media Focus): If you want a great display, smooth performance, and excellent media features, the S21+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focus): If you want a versatile camera system with telephoto and professional features, the S21+ is the clear winner.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Overall Experience: While the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is newer and more affordable, the difference in user experience is significant. The S21+ offers a superior display (AMOLED, 120Hz, high brightness), much better performance, a more versatile camera, and better build quality. These factors make a big difference in daily usage.
- Future Proofing: The more powerful chipset and superior hardware make the S21+ more capable of handling future updates and apps. The improved screen quality and features will remain relevant for longer.
- Practical Use: As someone who uses their smartphone for various tasks, including photography, media consumption, gaming, and work, I would benefit significantly from the S21+'s advanced features.
- Value Proposition: While the S21+ costs more, the overall value is higher when considering performance, camera capabilities, and longevity. I am willing to pay a premium for that jump in experience and features, and that makes the S21+ a better overall choice for me.
Although the Poco M4 5G offers 5G connectivity, it seems to trade off too much on the other core features (display, camera, and performance) to reach its lower price point. For me, the benefits of the S21+ justify its cost.
