1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.6 × 74.3 × 8.9 mm | S21+ is slightly wider and thinner, while Poco is taller and thicker. Overall size is similar, but Poco is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both phones feel equally hefty. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer similar sharpness; difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 394 | 407 | Both have comparable pixel density, resulting in similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to Poco's IPS LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Poco offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced content or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight thanks to its higher peak brightness. Note: Xiaomi data is likely a missing spec. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Poco's chipset offers marginally better benchmark performance, potentially translating to slightly snappier app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 820,061 | Poco scores higher, indicating potentially better overall performance, particularly in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPUs; Poco's GPU may offer slightly better gaming performance, while S21+'s is a capable performer as well. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5080mAh | Poco has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco charges significantly faster, reducing time spent tethered to the charger. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, providing added convenience, while Poco has a simpler charging setup. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP f/1.89, 1/1.72" | Poco has higher resolution, but S21+ has larger pixels, which may capture more light; real-world image quality depends on software processing. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP f/2.45, 1/3.06" | Poco has higher selfie resolution, but the S21+ has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor that might perform better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Poco includes an ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing more in a scene. S21+ lacks a dedicated wide angle. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5" | Poco has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. S21+ does not have a separate macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultrawide and macro lens, offering more versatility in photo modes. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, OIS | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ can record higher resolution videos (8K vs 4K), with OIS for better stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Main Score: 111 | Not tested | S21+ offers tested and certified camera performance, while Poco's camera performance is unknown. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the visual experience, especially for media consumption.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits) makes it much easier to view the display in bright sunlight.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide + macro lenses, along with the ability to shoot 8K video. Also offers optical image stabilization, for sharper photos and videos.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Adds convenience for users needing to charge devices on the go.
- Advanced Audio Features: Has features like noise cancellation and better quality playback and immersion compared to the Poco X4 GT.
- eSIM Support: Allows for using a digital carrier, as well as a physical SIM card simultaneously.
- Screen Protection: Has more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus for increased scratch and drop resistance.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Marginally Better Performance: Benchmark scores suggest slightly better performance thanks to its Mediatek Dimensity 8100 chipset.
- Ultra-wide and macro camera: Has dedicated sensors and lenses, allowing for increased range of shooting options, from ultra-wide to macro.
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers Bluetooth 5.3, compared to the 5.0 on the S21+.
- More GPS Satellites Supported: Supports more satellite systems, providing enhanced GPS accuracy.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more ergonomic placement than an in-display sensor.
- Lower Price Point: Generally sold at a more budget-friendly price point, for a very good value.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ sacrifices charging speed and refresh rate for a better display and camera system, and wireless charging.
- The Poco X4 GT provides a faster experience with a great display and camera system, but lacks the overall image quality and video capabilities of the S21+. It also lacks wireless charging and an eSIM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good optical zoom and advanced video features like 8K recording and OIS.
- Users Who Value Wireless Charging: Those who prefer the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a screen that is easily viewable in bright sunlight.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching HDR content on the vibrant AMOLED display with excellent contrast.
- Capturing detailed photographs with the telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- Filming high-quality video content at 8K.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor environments without visibility issues.
- Charging wireless accessories, or providing charge to other devices in a pinch.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize high refresh rates and snappy performance for a smooth gaming experience.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for the best performance-to-price ratio.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: Those who prefer faster charging over wireless charging.
- Casual photographers and videographers: Users looking for a phone with good all-around camera and video capabilities for everyday shooting situations.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing fast-paced mobile games with the 144Hz refresh rate.
- Quickly charging the phone before going out.
- Taking a variety of photos with the standard, ultra-wide and macro cameras.
- Using the phone for general multimedia consumption and daily use.
- Users looking for a high-performance phone on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality vs. Refresh Rate: Do you prioritize a vibrant display with deep blacks and high brightness (S21+) or a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate (Poco X4 GT)?
- Camera Versatility vs. Charging Speed: Do you want a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses (S21+) or faster charging (Poco X4 GT)?
- Premium Features vs. Value: Are you willing to pay more for features like wireless charging and a brighter display (S21+) or are you looking for the best performance per dollar (Poco X4 GT)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Use: If you need excellent display for content creation and a reliable camera with high video quality and optical zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Entertainment: If you are a gamer or heavy multimedia consumer that wants the smoothest experience possible and fast charging, the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you want the best performance for the price and are okay with sacrificing some premium display and camera features, the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT provides very good value.
- Scenario 4: Versatile Mobile User: If you need the most versatile mobile experience, with additional features like an eSIM, wireless charging, and top-of-the line screen protection, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G will serve you best.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While I acknowledge that the Poco X4 GT offers a higher refresh rate and faster charging, my priorities lean towards a better overall user experience with a more versatile feature set. The AMOLED display on the S21+ is far superior for my daily use, as I frequently watch videos and browse images. Its significantly brighter screen is also a big plus, since I am often in brightly lit environments. Furthermore, the advanced camera system with its telephoto and wide+macro lenses provides much more creative freedom and versatility, something the Poco X4 GT lacks. I do a fair amount of mobile video recording, and the 8K recording capabilities along with the optical image stabilization on the S21+ make a compelling argument for me. Finally, the addition of wireless charging and reverse charging, along with eSIM support provides a better experience for me.
Although the Poco X4 GT is a solid performer, the superior display and camera system, along with additional features like wireless charging, are more important for my specific needs, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point and slightly less performance.
