1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand, but similar width. |
| Weight | 227g | 205g | Xiaomi 12T Pro is significantly lighter (22g), making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | S21 Ultra offers a much sharper display with higher detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | S21 Ultra provides a visibly crisper image due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, ensuring excellent visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra is noticeably brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a newer, more power-efficient, and more powerful chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,311,127 | Xiaomi 12T Pro is significantly faster for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12T Pro has superior graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 200MP | Xiaomi 12T Pro captures more detail in photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.69 | Xiaomi 12T Pro may perform marginally better in low light due to slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.22" | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a slightly larger sensor, generally better light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 10.8MP (x2) | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 20MP | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/2" | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a larger selfie camera sensor for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 8MP | S21 Ultra has an extra Wide Angle + Macro camera. Xiaomi 12T Pro has dedicated Wide and Macro cameras. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Xiaomi 12T Pro allows close-up photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording with stabilization. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 115 | 129 | Xiaomi 12T Pro has a significantly better overall score, especially in video. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra’s selfie camera has great performance, but the Xiaomi 12T Pro isn't rated here. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, though real-world usage may vary. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Xiaomi 12T Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 Ultra has versatile charging options. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 12T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 12, up to 14 | S21 Ultra has a longer software support, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a more recent OS out of the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and PPI: Sharper, more detailed display, better for text and image clarity.
- Better Display Brightness: Superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom and portraits, also with Wide Angle + Macro camera for enhanced flexibility.
- Better Selfie Camera: With a higher resolution and a great DXOMark rating
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging options and can charge other devices.
- Longer Software Support: Gets software updates up to Android 15.
- Stereo Speakers with Noise Cancellation: A slight edge in audio features (by a small margin).
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a Barometer
- More RAM: Excellent for heavy multitasking
Xiaomi 12T Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides noticeably faster processing and better gaming.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed photos with a 200MP sensor.
- Better DXOMark Mobile Score: Superior video performance.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: May perform slightly better in low light.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Selfie Camera Sensor: For better selfie performance in low light.
- eSIM Support: More flexible with different carriers.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows close-up photography.
- More Satellite Systems: Has GPS with multiple satellite systems for more accurate location tracking
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Lower performance, slower charging, heavier, bulkier
- Xiaomi 12T Pro: Lower display resolution/pixel density, not as bright in direct sunlight, less versatile camera system in terms of zoom capabilities, less software support, missing wireless charging options, slightly inferior front camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who want the sharpest, most detailed screen for viewing content or reading.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with great zoom capabilities and multiple focal lengths.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse charging: Those who want extra convenience in charging their phone and other devices.
- Users who want better selfie performance: Those who often use the front camera for selfies or video calls and want the best possible quality.
- Users who prioritize audio quality and noise cancellation during calls: Those who want to have enhanced audio separation and clearer calls.
- Users who want more RAM: Those who want to do heavy multitasking on their phone.
- Users who want the most up to date Android OS: Those who want software updates up to Android 15
Use Cases:
- High-resolution photography and videography, including optical zoom shots.
- Viewing detailed documents, e-books, or high-quality media.
- Charging wireless devices on the go.
Xiaomi 12T Pro is ideal for:
- Performance-oriented users: Gamers, those who use demanding applications, and those who want a lag-free experience.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who want to quickly charge their phone and get back to using it.
- Users who value camera resolution and great video performance: Those who want high-quality videos and photos with a high-resolution sensor.
- Users who want a lighter phone: Those who use their phone for extended periods and want comfort.
- Users who value detailed low-light performance: Those who frequently take photos in dimly lit conditions.
- Users who want the latest Android OS out of the box
Use Cases:
- Intensive gaming and high-performance tasks.
- Quickly charging the device in a short period.
- High-resolution photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who need multiple satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
- Macro photography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display sharpness and brightness over performance and charging speed?
- Is a versatile camera system with optical zoom essential, or do you prioritize high resolution and fast charging?
- Is wireless charging and a better front camera more important than the latest and fastest chipset?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you frequently use your phone for photography, especially if you use optical zoom, or want a more versatile system with the front camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a better fit.
- Scenario 2: Performance User: If you are a gamer or need a phone for demanding applications and want to charge your phone in the blink of an eye, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: If you are an everyday user and you value display quality and wireless charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is great. But if you prioritize speed and a lighter weight, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is a solid choice.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: Both phones are older models and can be found at reduced prices. The Xiaomi 12T Pro might offer a better price-to-performance ratio, but this depends on local pricing, which I do not have access to.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would personally pick the Xiaomi 12T Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a superior display and a more versatile camera system on paper, the real-world performance difference and faster charging of the Xiaomi 12T Pro are much more important to me. I would take the trade-off in display sharpness and brightness for a smoother user experience, the superior processing power, and much faster charging. Also, I believe that the camera on the Xiaomi is excellent for my use, and the significantly better DXOMark score for its video capabilities is important for my usage. Finally, the lighter weight is a bonus for carrying it around every day. While wireless charging is convenient, it's not something I would miss considering the much faster wired charging speed of the 12T Pro.
Although the Samsung S21 Ultra has a longer software support, and gets updates up to Android 15, I still prefer having better performance which is a daily use, over only having more software updates.
