Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X3 GT
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.3 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm | Poco X3 GT is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 193g | S21+ is slightly heavier, but the difference is likely not noticeable in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; no practical difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 399 | Both have similar pixel density making them equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Poco X3 GT brightness is not specified in this dataset. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Different chipsets, but both offer excellent performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 745,283 | Both are nearly identical in performance, suitable for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Minor difference in GPU, both powerful but the practical impact will likely be subtle with the S21+ having a very small edge for heavy gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Poco X3 GT has a slightly larger battery; potentially slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco X3 GT charges much faster, reducing charging times significantly. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21+ offers more flexibility with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to charge accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | Poco X3 GT has higher resolution for more detail in good lighting, but S21+ has larger pixels on its sensor which can perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, while Poco does not have this functionality. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle/macro lens, while Poco does not have this functionality. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Poco X3 GT has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the S21+ has a slightly wider aperture for low light |
| Video | 8K@24fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ can record 8K video, offering greater flexibility for videographers. |
| Camera Scores (DXOMark) | Mobile 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | Not available | S21+ camera performance is superior to Poco X3 GT, confirmed by testing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21+ is expected to receive more OS updates over the device's lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Poco X3 GT has a newer Bluetooth version. Both have a lot of the same features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, BeiDou (B1) | Poco X3 GT provides more systems for more accurate location tracking; S21+ offers dual band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones offer adequate RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21+ has noise cancelling, but Poco X3 GT has two mics to capture better stereo audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor on Poco is faster and more practical than basic sensor in S21+ |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both feature the same display protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, along with significantly higher brightness for outdoor viewing.
- Better Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide angle/macro lens for versatility, more video recording capabilities (8K), and better overall camera performance confirmed by DXOMark testing.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers wireless charging, plus the ability to reverse wireless charge accessories.
- More OS Updates: Expected to receive more Android OS upgrades, extending its lifespan.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using an eSIM.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better audio quality in loud environments.
- More sensors: Includes additional environmental sensors, giving users more tracking and data.
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to 25W on the S21+.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers marginally better battery life compared to the 4800mAh of the S21+.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports 5.2 version of bluetooth with additional codecs.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Provides more practical and faster access than basic in-display scanner in S21+.
- More Satellite Systems: Provides more accurate location tracking.
- Dual microphones: Records more accurate audio.
Trade-offs:
- Display Quality: Poco X3 GT has an IPS LCD panel, not as vibrant or power-efficient as the AMOLED on the S21+. Also, outdoor visibility might be problematic as the brightness value is not provided.
- Camera System: The Poco X3 GT is inferior to the S21+ in overall image and video quality, lacks a telephoto, wide angle/macro lens, and 8K video recording.
- Charging Features: Poco X3 GT does not support wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
- Software Updates: Xiaomi Poco X3 GT has no listed max OS upgrade, reducing its future lifespan.
- Lacks additional environmental sensors: Less ability for data collection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, wireless charging, and a longer software support lifespan.
- Use Cases:
- Photography enthusiasts and videographers who want high-quality photos and 8K video capabilities.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want the best possible display experience.
- Frequent travelers who need dual-SIM functionality (including eSIM) and a good camera.
- Users who are environmentally conscious and want devices that will last longer via software updates.
- Users who travel a lot and need multiple location tracking systems.
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize fast charging, longer battery life, and performance on a budget.
- Use Cases:
- Gamers who want a fast-charging phone with a large battery.
- Users who are always on the go and need a phone that charges quickly.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for good performance.
- Users who appreciate the speed and practicality of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Users who want great stereo audio and clear calls.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility, the S21+ is superior.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and quality? The S21+ offers a telephoto lens, wide angle/macro lens, better video recording (8K), and superior image quality.
- How often do you need to charge your phone? If frequent fast charging is a priority, the Poco X3 GT’s 67W charging is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner due to its superior camera system, 8K video recording, and additional features like OIS and a variety of lenses.
- For the On-the-Go User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Poco X3 GT offers excellent performance, fast charging, and a bigger battery at a potentially lower price point, though sacrifices will be made to camera quality and display quality.
- For the Power User Seeking a Premium Experience: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a superior display, better camera, and more features. The user will have to consider that the S21+ comes with no charger.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While I acknowledge that the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT offers fast charging and a slightly larger battery, the overall experience of the Samsung device is better tailored to my needs. The superior display quality (AMOLED), better camera system with its additional features such as telephoto and wide angle lenses, and the promise of longer software support are crucial factors for me. Additionally, the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging options in the S21+ enhance the overall user experience, even with the slower 25W charging rate. Despite the fact that it has a slightly smaller battery, I am more inclined to prioritize the camera and display, and the additional sensors it carries.
