1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | The Poco X4 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, which may feel less comfortable for some users but is minimal |
| Weight | 200g | 205g | The S21+ is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | The S21+ has a marginally larger display, which may be slightly better for media consumption but the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical resolution; sharpness will be similar. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Pixel density is almost identical, no practical difference in display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ will be slightly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Exynos 2100 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 395,978 | The S21+ has considerably higher performance, making it faster for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | The S21+ has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Poco X4 Pro has a slightly larger battery, which could result in slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | The Poco X4 Pro charges much faster, reducing charging time considerably. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | The S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | Poco X4 Pro has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. The S21+ has a wider aperture (f/1.8), which is better for low-light conditions |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | The S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities and a dedicated portrait lens. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | The Poco X4 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the S21+ has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Poco X4 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in a shot. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | The Poco X4 Pro features a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | The S21+ features a secondary camera with both wide-angle and macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21+ offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | N/A | The S21+ has a significantly higher DXOMark score, indicating better overall camera quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ supports the newer, faster Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Poco X4 Pro has the latest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, BeiDou (B1) | S21+ offers more precise positioning with dual-frequency GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The S21+ supports eSIM, which can be convenient for travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both offer similar max storage options but Poco X4 Pro has an additional cheaper 64GB model. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer a minimum of 6GB, the S21+ has 8GB standard. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have excellent audio output, the S21+ includes a noise cancellation mic and the Poco X4 Pro has a dual microphone array. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Poco X4 Pro's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21+ has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The S21+ includes more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, leading to a smoother experience with demanding apps and gaming.
- Superior Camera System: It has a more versatile camera setup, with a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better video recording capabilities up to 8K, and higher image quality as evidenced by its DXOMark score.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: These features add convenience, allowing you to charge the phone wirelessly and use it to charge other devices.
- More Precise GPS: Dual-frequency GPS improves accuracy for navigation.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is more resistant to scratches and cracks than Gorilla Glass 5.
Practical Implications:
- For power users and gamers: The S21+ delivers a much smoother and responsive experience.
- For photography and videography: The S21+ captures higher-quality photos and videos, with more features.
- For convenient charging: The S21+'s wireless charging features make it more convenient.
- For users that travel: The S21+'s eSIM and dual-band GPS make it a better option.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: Slightly larger battery might offer slightly longer use between charges.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers more versatility in capturing different types of shots.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for enhanced connections to audio devices.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more convenient and faster than traditional sensors.
Practical Implications:
- For users prioritising battery life and quick charging: The Poco X4 Pro excels here.
- For users who enjoy wide-angle and close-up photography: The Poco X4 Pro provides a wider range of lens options.
- For users who want easy device unlocking: Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are fast and easy to access.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ users will pay more for better overall performance and camera while missing out on fast charging and macro lenses.
- Poco X4 Pro users will sacrifice performance and top-tier camera quality for faster charging and a more versatile lens selection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who require high performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality images and videos with more advanced camera features.
- Users who value premium features: Those who appreciate wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and superior build quality.
- Frequent travelers: The eSIM capability and dual-band GPS will be beneficial to this use case.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay and responsive controls due to the powerful chipset.
- Content Creation: 8K video recording and high-quality photos for content creators.
- Professional use: Reliable performance for productivity tasks.
- Travel: eSIM and more accurate GPS.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who seek good value with a strong emphasis on fast charging and a good display.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate versatility in lenses (wide-angle and macro) but don't need the highest image quality.
- Users who prioritise battery life and quick charging. Those who tend to have short bursts of charging opportunities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Solid performance for social media, web browsing, and media consumption.
- Quick charging: Fast charging capabilities for a user who is always on the go.
- Casual Photography: Taking a variety of images for social media.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers flagship-level performance and features, so it justifies the higher cost, especially for those who use those features regularly.
- The Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G provides an excellent balance of features at a lower price point, making it a strong value choice for budget-conscious consumers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance and a high-end camera? (If crucial, choose the S21+; if less crucial, the Poco X4 Pro is sufficient)
- Do you need the convenience of fast charging and extra lens versatility? (If yes, the Poco X4 Pro; if no, the S21+ can be fine)
- Is wireless charging and reverse wireless charging important to you? (If yes, the S21+ is the better choice)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer with a focus on photography
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. It's superior in processing power, camera, and display for the given use case.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious user wanting decent features and long battery life with fast charging.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. The focus is on fast charging and an adequate camera at a more affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Casual user who needs good performance for everyday tasks, with occasional photos.
- Recommendation: Either phone will be suitable, but the Poco X4 Pro offers similar performance at a lower price.
- Scenario 4: Frequent traveler who needs a reliable device that can take great photos.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. eSIM support, dual-band GPS, and superior camera features make it a clear winner.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Poco X4 Pro is a great phone at a compelling price point, the S21+ offers a demonstrably better experience for my use case. I require consistent and top tier performance for work and mobile gaming, which the Exynos 2100 chipset provides. The S21+'s superior camera system and versatility is also very important to me for social media and content creation. Although the faster charging on the Poco X4 Pro is very enticing, I value the S21+'s wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
