Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi 11T Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 11T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.1 × 76.9 × 8.8 mm | Slightly shorter and thinner; Xiaomi is a tad wider. S21 Ultra might feel slightly more compact despite being marginally taller. |
| Weight | 227g | 204g | Xiaomi 11T Pro is noticeably lighter; more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, providing a bit more screen real estate for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra has a much higher pixel density, making the display noticeably clearer and more detailed, especially for text and high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; comparable viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter; better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Different architectures; Snapdragon 888 generally edges out in raw performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 863,489 | Xiaomi 11T Pro has a higher benchmark score, indicating slightly faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Different GPU configurations; Snapdragon’s Adreno 660 often performs better in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; expect comparable day-to-day usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 11T Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime substantially. |
| Features | Wireless/Reverse Charging | Dual-cell Design | S21 Ultra offers more charging flexibility, while 11T Pro's dual-cell design allows for faster charging speeds. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.52" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers more versatile zoom capabilities for portraits, absent on the Xiaomi. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, likely better for detailed selfies in various lighting. |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers more versatile zoom capabilities, absent on the Xiaomi. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Xiaomi 11T Pro offers an ultra-wide option for landscape shots. |
| Macro | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Xiaomi 11T Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated wide and macro camera option. |
| Video | 8K@24/30/60/240/960fps | 8K@30fps | Both offer up to 8K recording for professional-quality videos; S21 Ultra offers more options for slow-mo and frame rates. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 Mobile / 135 Selfie | 108 Mobile / 121 Selfie | S21 Ultra excels in photo performance. Xiaomi 11T Pro excels in video. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF | Ultra Stable Video | S21 Ultra offers OIS and more focus options. Xiaomi offers Ultra Stable Video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Up to 15 | Android 11, Up to 13 | S21 Ultra has potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, extensive profiles | 5.2, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Both have Bluetooth 5.2; S21 Ultra has more profiles; Xiaomi offers LDAC for better audio. |
| GPS | Dual-Band | Dual-Band | Both offer advanced GPS for accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra has option for higher storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 8GB/12GB | S21 Ultra can have more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation mic | Stereo, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 mics | Both offer high quality audio; S21 Ultra has noise cancellation mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint (basic) | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Xiaomi 11T Pro features a more modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | Various | Various | Both have comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness offer a crisper and more vibrant visual experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers more flexibility with dual telephoto lenses, a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens, and better selfie camera specs.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Software Updates: Potentially longer software update support.
- More RAM: Option for 16GB RAM allows for seamless multitasking and handling demanding apps.
- More Storage: Option for a 512GB storage variant.
Xiaomi 11T Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces charging time, very beneficial for heavy users.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods due to its reduced weight.
- Better Price-to-Performance Ratio: Offers high performance at a potentially more affordable price point.
- Wider Aperture on main camera: Slightly better for low light situations.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro lenses: More flexible for creative shots.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic and modern fingerprint placement.
- Better video recording: Xiaomi 11T Pro excels in video recording over the Samsung S21 Ultra.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Trades off size and weight for better display and a more comprehensive camera system. Sacrifices charging speed.
- Xiaomi 11T Pro: Prioritizes faster charging and lighter design, but loses some camera versatility and display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera system with powerful zoom, quality low-light capabilities, and advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-resolution, bright display for streaming content and general media consumption.
- Power Users: Those who appreciate a large amount of RAM and internal storage for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: Those who require flexibility when it comes to charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography, mobile content creation, photo editing.
- Watching high-resolution movies and videos, intense gaming, reading detailed documents.
Xiaomi 11T Pro is Ideal For:
- Speed-Focused Users: Users who prioritize fast charging times and smooth performance.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want flagship performance without a premium price tag.
- Gamers: Users who need smooth gameplay, though the GPU is still comparable, not better.
- Users who value practicality and convenience: Those who appreciate a more comfortable and lighter phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, frequent media consumption, daily smartphone use.
- Users who need a reliable, fast-charging phone for their demanding routines.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility to you? If you need advanced zoom options and a top-tier selfie camera, the S21 Ultra excels. If you want good quality photos and videos with a macro camera, the 11T Pro could be enough.
- Do you value fast charging, or is wireless charging more important? The Xiaomi 11T Pro has significantly faster wired charging, while the S21 Ultra offers wireless charging capabilities.
- Is screen resolution a priority or is a lighter design and value for money more important? If the ultimate screen quality is key then the S21 Ultra is the way, but if you are happy with a great screen at a slightly lower spec, then the 11T Pro is suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Professional Photographer): Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its better camera system, high-resolution photos, and video recording options.
- Scenario 2 (Daily User on a Budget): The Xiaomi 11T Pro provides better value for money, as well as faster charging and great performance for a lower price point.
- Scenario 3 (Media Enthusiast): The S21 Ultra has the higher resolution display. However, the slightly lower resolution on the 11T Pro, would still be acceptable and it would be balanced by the significantly faster charging and lighter weight.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi 11T Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a superior display and camera system on paper, the dramatically faster 120W charging of the 11T Pro is a game-changer in my daily usage. I value practicality, and the weight and price difference are also significant factors. While I appreciate a great camera, the 11T Pro's camera system is still excellent for everyday use, and I am happy to make the trade-off of the telephoto lens for the benefits of faster charging, value and a lighter phone. Additionally, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a more modern and practical placement than the basic in-screen sensor of the S21 Ultra.
