1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | The S21 Ultra is significantly larger and bulkier, making the Xiaomi 12 easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 179g | The Xiaomi 12 is much lighter, leading to more comfortable extended use and less hand fatigue. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, not foldable, smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.28" | The S21 Ultra offers a larger viewing area, ideal for media consumption and multitasking. The Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. Text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 515 | 419 | Higher PPI on the S21 Ultra translates to a noticeably sharper display, especially when viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, fluid visual experience during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | The S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility and legibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 generally offers faster processing and improved power efficiency compared to the Exynos 2100. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,150,831 | Xiaomi 12 provides significantly better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Xiaomi 12 generally provides better graphics performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor, allowing for more detailed images and greater cropping flexibility. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, generally capturing more light and detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Xiaomi 12 has larger pixel size, which is often better in low light situations. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Similar aperture, both phones will have similar low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | Not present | The S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution selfies, allowing for more detail and better cropping. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.14" | The S21 Ultra's larger sensor generally allows it to capture better details in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | Not present | The S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto capabilities for further reach. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not present | 13MP | The Xiaomi 12 allows for capturing wider perspectives, fitting more of a scene into a single shot. |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 5MP | The Xiaomi 12 has a dedicated macro lens for capturing extreme close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | Not present | The S21 Ultra offers a wide-angle lens which can also be used for macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-quality video capabilities; Xiaomi 12 can record slow-motion at higher frame rate (1920 vs 960). |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main score: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main score: 113, Photo: 118, Video: 121 | Samsung has slightly better photo score while Xiaomi has better video. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main Score: 135, Photo Score: 133, Video Score: 140 | Not present | The S21 Ultra appears to have an excellent front camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The S21 Ultra's larger battery likely provides longer battery life, suitable for heavy usage. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 67W | The Xiaomi 12 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Xiaomi 12 provides significantly faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 9W | 10W | Both devices offer similar reverse charging capabilities. |
| Charger in Box | No | Yes | Xiaomi 12 comes with a charger in the box, offering immediate charging capability. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 ships with a newer version of Android. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers an option for 512GB of storage, catering to users with a lot of media. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | S21 Ultra offers an option for 16GB of RAM, providing better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both devices offer high quality audio. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer similar biometric security. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite with Barometer | Comprehensive suite with Ultrasonic proximity and RGB sensor | S21 Ultra has more environmental sensors while Xiaomi 12 provides more specialized proximity and RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience and sharper images with its 6.8" 1440p screen. Better for media consumption.
- More versatile camera system: Offers more zoom capabilities with dedicated telephoto lenses, along with a superior selfie camera. Better for photography enthusiasts
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life due to its 5000mAh capacity.
- Potentially more RAM: Available with 16GB RAM configuration, offering better multitasking.
- Additional environmental sensors: Includes barometer for more detailed environmental data.
Xiaomi 12 Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket, offering better portability.
- Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides better performance for gaming and heavy app usage.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and 50W wireless charging offer a significantly faster charging experience.
- Wide-angle and Macro Lenses: Provides more creative flexibility with its additional lens options.
- Newer Android version: Ships with Android 12.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra is bigger and heavier, making it less comfortable to use and carry.
- The Xiaomi 12 sacrifices a telephoto lens and has lower resolution in photos and display for a lighter, faster, and more modern experience.
- Samsung has a bigger battery but slower charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a large, high-resolution display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography Buffs: Users who need versatile cameras with excellent zoom capabilities and high detail.
- Power Users: Individuals who require longer battery life, multitasking and might benefit from the 16GB RAM configuration.
Xiaomi 12 Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who prioritize smooth gaming performance with a faster processor.
- On-the-Go Individuals: Users who need a lighter, more compact phone that is easy to carry and use one-handed.
- Fast Charging Seekers: Those who value rapid charging and minimal downtime.
- Creative Photographers: Users who need wide-angle and macro photography capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Editing videos on the go, taking professional photos, extended gaming sessions without frequent charging, consuming media in bright sunlight.
- Xiaomi 12: Playing intensive games, quick top-ups during busy days, capturing unique perspectives with wide-angle and macro lenses, taking calls with the 2 mic noise cancellation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- It is important to check the current market price for both devices as older devices may depreciate over time.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a large, high-resolution display and versatile cameras, or a compact design and faster performance?
- Is a bigger battery more important, or is fast charging a necessity?
- Do you value high zoom capabilities and a dedicated telephoto lens, or wide-angle and macro lens capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You’re a photographer who values a versatile zoom and best-in-class smartphone camera. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Scenario 2: You are an on-the-go user who need fast charging, lighter phone with a good camera. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
- Scenario 3: You want a larger screen for consuming media and gaming. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Scenario 4: You want an all-rounder phone with a more modern experience, fast performance and fast charging. Recommendation: Xiaomi 12
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi 12.
Here's why:
While the S21 Ultra boasts a superior display on paper, I value the practicality and ease of use more. The Xiaomi 12's lighter and smaller design, coupled with its noticeably faster performance and significantly faster charging, makes it a more compelling daily driver for my personal needs. The inclusion of a macro and wide-angle lens adds creative possibilities that the S21 Ultra lacks. Although it sacrifices some zoom and screen resolution, the overall experience of a fast and lightweight phone is something I would choose. In essence, the Xiaomi 12 prioritizes the user experience in everyday tasks, which for me personally holds more value than the niche capabilities of the S21 Ultra.
