Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Xiaomi 13T Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 29, 2021 September 26, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 111.09 cm³ 104.37 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3 "/g 3.34 "/g
Weight 227 g 200 g
Height 165.1 mm 162.2 mm
Width 75.6 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Phantom Black
  • Phantom Silver
  • Phantom Titanium
  • Phantom Navy
  • Phantom Brown
  • Navy
  • Black
  • Meadow Green
  • Alpine Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1220 x 2712
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.4 % 87.5 %
Pixel Density 515 PPI 446 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness 1500 nits 2600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.01 mAh/cm³ 47.91 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - International Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G78 MP14 - International Immortalis-G715 MC11

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 15 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GXiaomi 13T ProPractical Impact
Design
Launch Date2021-01-292023-09-26Xiaomi 13T Pro is a much newer device, likely with more modern software and features.
Dimensions165.1x75.6x8.9 mm162.2x75.7x8.5 mmS21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker but similar width. Xiaomi 13T Pro is more compact and may feel more pocketable.
Weight227g200gXiaomi 13T Pro is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use.
Display
Size6.8"6.67"S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger display, offering a slightly more immersive experience.
Resolution1440x32001220x2712S21 Ultra has a higher resolution, leading to a sharper and more detailed image.
Pixel Density515 ppi446 ppiS21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer, sharper display.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz144HzXiaomi 13T Pro offers a slightly smoother visual experience, particularly beneficial for gaming and scrolling.
Brightness1500 nits2600 nitsXiaomi 13T Pro provides significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 2100 (5 nm)Dimensity 9200+ (4 nm)Dimensity 9200+ offers much newer and better performance.
AnTuTu Score749,0001,510,298Xiaomi 13T Pro is significantly faster, leading to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
GPUMali-G78 MP14Immortalis-G715 MC11Xiaomi 13T Pro's GPU should provide superior graphics performance for demanding games and applications.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery capacity suggesting comparable battery life.
Charging25W120WXiaomi 13T Pro charges much faster; a full charge will be significantly quicker.
FeaturesReverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 9WSurge P1 & G1 chipsS21 Ultra has wireless charging, whereas the 13T Pro has very fast wired charging and battery management chips.
Camera
Main Camera Res108MP50MPS21 Ultra has a higher resolution primary sensor which can result in more detailed images.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.8f/1.9S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better performance in low-light.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/1.33"1/1.28"Xiaomi 13T Pro has a slightly larger sensor which can result in better low-light performance.
Telephoto + Portrait Camera Res10.8MP50MPXiaomi 13T Pro has significantly higher resolution telephoto/portrait camera.
Telephoto + Portrait Camera Aperturef/2.4f/1.9Xiaomi 13T Pro has a wider aperture telephoto/portrait camera
Telephoto + Portrait Camera Sensor Size1/2.65"1/2.88"S21 Ultra has a slightly larger sensor telephoto/portrait camera.
Selfie Camera Res44MP20MPS21 Ultra has higher resolution for more detailed selfies.
Selfie Camera Sensor Size1/2.65"1/2"Xiaomi 13T Pro has a slightly larger sensor size for better low-light selfies.
Telephoto LensYesNoS21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
Wide Angle LensNoYes13T Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in each shot.
Wide Angle + Macro CameraYesNoS21 Ultra features a combined wide-angle and macro lens for versatility.
Video RecordingUp to 8KUp to 8KBoth phones offer high-resolution video recording.
DxOMark Mobile Score115131Xiaomi 13T Pro generally offers better camera performance according to DxOMark score.
DxOMark Selfie Score135N/ASamsung S21 Ultra has a better selfie score.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 15)Android 13 (up to 17)Xiaomi 13T Pro has a newer operating system and will likely receive longer software updates.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 7Xiaomi 13T Pro supports newer Wi-Fi 7 for faster speeds.
Bluetooth5.2 LE5.4 LEXiaomi 13T Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for enhanced connectivity.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a)GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)Xiaomi 13T Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM / eSIMXiaomi 13T Pro offers eSIM support for more convenient carrier switching.
Storage
Internal Storage128/256/512GB256/512/1024GBXiaomi 13T Pro has a larger 1TB storage option.
RAM12/16GB12/16GBBoth offer plenty of RAM for demanding tasks.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo SpeakersDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesS21 Ultra has noise cancellation microphone but 13T Pro has two microphones.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasicBasicBoth use a basic fingerprint sensor for device unlock.
Build
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass 5S21 Ultra has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerFingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeS21 Ultra has additional Barometer, whereas 13T Pro has Heart Rate.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:

  • Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper, more detailed viewing experience with more pixels and a higher pixel density.
  • Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Provides better optical zoom capabilities for clearer zoomed-in photos.
  • Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers a combination of wide-angle and macro photography features.
  • Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding versatility.
  • Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and damage resistance.
  • Better Selfie DxOMark Score: A better selfie camera in terms of quality.

Xiaomi 13T Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 9200+ chipset is considerably faster than the Exynos 2100, leading to improved app loading and gaming performance.
  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: A smoother visual experience with a 144Hz refresh rate.
  • Much Brighter Display: Offers significantly better outdoor visibility with a much higher brightness.
  • Much Faster Charging: 120W charging dramatically reduces the time to fully charge the battery.
  • Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 and is expected to receive updates up to Android 17, offering a more modern experience.
  • Larger Maximum Storage: Offers a 1TB storage option which is double the maximum storage of the S21 Ultra.
  • eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching, providing more flexibility for users.
  • Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports faster Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
  • Better Mobile Camera DxOMark Score: The phone has a better main camera in terms of quality
  • Wide Angle Camera: Dedicated wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture

Significant Trade-offs:

  • S21 Ultra: Trades overall performance, faster charging and a better main mobile camera for more camera versatility and wireless charging
  • Xiaomi 13T Pro: Trades some camera versatility and wireless charging for much higher performance, a faster-charging phone, a better main mobile camera, and a newer system

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens and combined wide-angle/macro lens.
  • Multimedia Consumers: Those who appreciate a high-resolution display with a large screen for watching videos and browsing content.
  • Users who want wireless charging: Those who prioritize the convenience of wireless charging.
  • Those who appreciate a better selfie camera: Those who value the selfie camera more

Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:

  • Detailed Photography: Capturing detailed zoomed-in photos with the telephoto lens and macro shots with the wide-angle/macro lens.
  • High-Quality Content Consumption: Enjoying video content on its larger, higher-resolution display.
  • Travel and Adventure Photography: Taking versatile shots in different situations from various distances.

Xiaomi 13T Pro Ideal Users:

  • Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who require a fast, responsive device for demanding apps and multitasking.
  • Outdoor Users: Those who need excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
  • Users who value charging speed: People who don't want to wait too long to have their phone fully charged
  • Users who want the latest software: Users that value a modern system and will need software updates
  • Users who want a better main camera: Users who value the main camera more

Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi 13T Pro:

  • Mobile Gaming: Enjoying smooth, high-frame rate gaming.
  • Outdoor Use: Using the phone comfortably in sunny conditions.
  • On-the-Go Professionals: Those who need a fast-charging device that can handle intensive tasks.
  • Everyday Photography: Capturing high quality photos from the main camera

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your priority: camera versatility vs performance? Do you prioritize having a lot of lenses and a better selfie camera over having overall performance?
  2. Do you need extremely fast charging or wireless charging? Do you value the convenience of not needing a wire or the speed of charging a phone in less than 20 minutes?
  3. Do you value more up-to-date software and the latest features? Would you prefer a modern system with the latest updates and features over an older system?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: You are a photography enthusiast who enjoys versatility in camera lenses. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses and better selfie camera.
  • Scenario 2: You are a gamer or power user who prioritizes fast performance and charging. Choose the Xiaomi 13T Pro for its faster chipset and much faster charging.
  • Scenario 3: You often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight. The Xiaomi 13T Pro is a better choice with its much brighter display.
  • Scenario 4: You value having a modern system and the latest updates. Choose the Xiaomi 13T Pro for its newer software.
  • Scenario 5: You take more photos using the main camera and care less about different lenses. The Xiaomi 13T Pro is the best choice with its better main camera.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 13T Pro. While the S21 Ultra offers a more versatile camera system and the convenience of wireless charging, the Xiaomi 13T Pro's dramatically better performance, significantly faster charging, brighter screen, modern software and better main camera outweigh the S21 Ultra's advantages for my personal needs and the price to value ratio is significantly better. I value overall performance and quick charging more than having various lenses and would prefer to have a better main mobile camera.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.