Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G, with a focus on practical user experience implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Poco M4 Pro 5G is slightly taller and thicker, which may affect handling and pocketability. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Poco M4 Pro 5G is slightly lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | (Not specified) | (Not specified) | (Not specified) Unable to determine durability and feel. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ 5G offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, meaning similar text and image clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 399 | Negligible difference in pixel density, meaning virtually identical sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ 5G's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption more enjoyable and offering better battery efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility, making it more usable in bright sunlight. Poco M4 Pro 5G's brightness is not specified, suggesting it may be substantially lower. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | S21+ 5G’s Exynos 2100 offers significantly higher processing power, leading to faster app loading and better overall performance, also slightly better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 438,700 | S21+ 5G provides substantially better gaming performance and can handle more demanding tasks such as video editing and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ 5G's GPU offers significantly better graphics processing, making it a better choice for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Poco M4 Pro 5G has higher resolution, but S21+ 5G’s larger sensor may capture more light and detail, and better low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better portraits and zooming without significant quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Both offer Wide Angle cameras. S21+ 5G's additional macro lens is useful for capturing detailed close up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Poco M4 Pro 5G offers higher resolution, but S21+ 5G has a wider aperture which may offer better low-light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, various frame rates | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21+ 5G offers higher quality video recording, making it suitable for professional video content creation and advanced camera enthusiasts. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ 5G has proven to have better camera quality based on DxOMark scores, confirming its better overall camera performance |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8K Video, RAW etc. | Ultra Stable Video | S21+ 5G offers more advanced camera features including optical zoom, optical image stabilization and 8K video, making it suitable for pro and enthusiast photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Poco M4 Pro 5G charges faster, getting you back to full charge more quickly. |
| Other Features | Wireless, Reverse charging | None | S21+ 5G offers more convenient charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers a much better visual experience, especially for outdoor use and media consumption.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a much smoother and faster experience, especially noticeable in gaming and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, wider angle + macro, 8K video recording, OIS, and a higher DxOMark score, making it better for versatile and professional photography.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers added convenience, although you have to pay extra for a charger.
- Better Build Quality Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable, providing good value for budget-conscious users.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers marginally longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging enables quicker replenishment of battery power.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers more efficient wireless audio.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Higher price and slightly lower battery capacity are trade-offs for its superior features. Does not include charger.
- Poco M4 Pro 5G: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a lower price and slightly larger battery. The brightness on the display is also very limited.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who value smooth performance, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-quality video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality viewing experience for movies, games, and social media.
- Professionals: Those who need a reliable device with strong performance and good camera capabilities for work.
- Specific Use Cases: Gaming, high-quality video recording, professional photography, resource-intensive app usage, extensive media consumption in various lighting conditions.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Ideal Users:
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ 5G is more expensive, so consider if the extra cost is justified for your needs.
- How important are performance and display quality? If these are priorities, the S21+ 5G is a clear winner.
- How important is camera quality? The S21+ 5G offers a more versatile and higher-quality camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User with Limited Budget - The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is a better choice due to its lower price, decent performance, and better battery life.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast - The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the superior choice due to its better processor, AMOLED display, and advanced camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Value-Conscious User - The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a more basic user experience but will still get the job done if you are not aiming for high-end performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers, my needs lean more towards premium performance and a superior multimedia experience. The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate, the significantly more powerful processor, the advanced camera capabilities, and the added conveniences of wireless charging are all critical factors for my usage. I also value the better screen protection.
For me, these enhancements in performance, display quality, and camera technology outweigh the higher price and slightly reduced battery capacity. The S21+ 5G's ability to handle intensive tasks such as gaming and content creation efficiently, alongside its versatility in photography and videography, makes it the better choice for someone who prioritizes a premium smartphone experience. The fact that it is a more high-end phone will also be noticeable in the long run.
