Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi 12T
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling more substantial in hand. The difference is small and may not be noticed. |
| Weight | 227g | 202g | Xiaomi 12T is noticeably lighter, offering better comfort during long usage periods and easier to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1220 x 2712 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a sharper display with more detail, noticeable when viewing high-resolution content, reading text, or viewing photos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 446 | S21 Ultra offers a significantly sharper display, with text and images appearing clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, resulting in similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience and enhanced gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra's dramatically higher peak brightness offers superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. The Xiaomi 12T's brightness is not specified, which is a significant limitation in the comparison. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5 nm) | Different chipsets. The Dimensity 8100 Ultra in the Xiaomi 12T is generally more power-efficient. Performance is comparable for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 835,913 | Xiaomi 12T has slightly better benchmark performance. Expect snappier app loading and smoother multitasking, especially in demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPU configurations. The S21 Ultra has more GPU cores than the Xiaomi 12T which may lead to more consistent gaming performance for heavy titles. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | S21 Ultra has a slightly smaller aperture but a larger sensor size leading to better low-light performance and potentially better dynamic range. The Xiaomi 12T has slightly higher aperture letting in more light, but the sensor is smaller, so it might not outperform the S21 Ultra in challenging conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for portrait mode and optical zoom. The Xiaomi 12T lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 20MP, f/2.24, 1/2", 0.8µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution for detailed selfies. The Xiaomi 12T has larger pixel size on a larger sensor, possibly performing better in low-light selfies despite the resolution difference. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. Xiaomi 12T lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Xiaomi 12T offers a dedicated ultra-wide camera for capturing landscape and group shots; The Samsung lacks a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Xiaomi 12T has a macro lens for close-up photography. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra lacks a macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle and macro camera for versatile close up and group shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports 8K recording, offering superior video resolution for professionals. Both offer various frame rates for different needs but the S21 Ultra is the higher end choice. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | 115 (Photo: 120, Video: 127) | Both phones achieve a similar overall score. The Xiaomi 12T excels in video, while the S21 Ultra slightly better at photos. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | N/A | Only the S21 Ultra has been benchmarked by DXOMark for selfie camera, making it hard to compare with Xiaomi 12T. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, implying comparable battery life for general usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12T has significantly faster charging, allowing for much quicker power replenishment, especially beneficial for those who often need to quickly top up their device. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging, no charger in-box | None (beyond non-removable) | S21 Ultra offers more flexibility for charging using wireless methods and reverse charging other devices. The Xiaomi 12T has the advantage of coming with a charger, while it's an optional purchase for S21 Ultra. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for sharper visuals, better clarity.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- More Camera Versatility: Dedicated telephoto lenses with optical zoom and a dedicated wide angle + macro lens leading to better photography versatility.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience and flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and heavy apps.
- Higher-End Build: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: 8K video recording for professional-grade video content.
- More Sensors: Additional sensors including a barometer for environmental data.
Xiaomi 12T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging for quick power replenishment.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Better Video Score Better video performance, making it a good choice for video recording needs.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: A wider aperture on the main camera for better low-light performance compared to the S21 Ultra.
- Dedicated Ultra-Wide Camera: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger in the box.
- Newer Software: Launches with a newer version of Android (12 vs 11)
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: Heavier, slower charging, may not include a charger, more expensive at launch, slightly lower video performance.
- Xiaomi 12T: Lower display resolution, missing telephoto capabilities, lacks wireless charging, lacks barometer sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, content creators, and anyone who values a premium build with a high-end display, versatile camera capabilities, and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Heavy multitasking with demanding apps.
- Viewing and editing high-resolution content.
- Extensive outdoor usage where screen brightness is essential.
Xiaomi 12T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who value fast charging, and those who prefer a lighter phone with good performance and a versatile main camera.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use and social media consumption.
- Gaming and general multimedia consumption.
- Frequent need for quick battery top-ups.
- Users who value having a wide-angle camera.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide a buying decision:
- How important is camera versatility and quality to you? If you need various zoom levels, a telephoto lens, and the highest possible resolution, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. If you are more interested in a good primary and ultra-wide lens, the 12T can be a compelling option.
- How crucial is fast charging and weight? If you prioritize quick top-ups and a light phone, the 12T is the better pick. If you prefer wireless charging, then the S21 Ultra is your best choice.
- What is your budget, and how much emphasis do you place on display quality? If you can afford the premium, the S21 Ultra's brighter, sharper display is a big upgrade over the Xiaomi 12T. However, the 12T provides a great display experience as well.
Final Recommendation
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Xiaomi 12T offers significant advantages in charging speed and weight, the S21 Ultra's superior display, camera versatility, wireless charging, and higher build quality are more aligned with my priorities. I value the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, and the additional zoom lenses, 8K video, and brighter display of the S21 Ultra are significant advantages. Though it's an older device, it's clear the flagship device had higher priorities in mind when made. Additionally, I value the S21 Ultra's more versatile audio options with its noise cancellation microphone. While faster charging is beneficial, the S21 Ultra's premium features and build are more appealing to me, even at a potentially higher price point.
