1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi 14T Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-09-26 | Xiaomi 14T Pro is a much newer device with potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.4 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. The 14T Pro is more compact and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 209g | Xiaomi 14T Pro is noticeably lighter and more comfortable to hold and use for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. 14T Pro is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display with finer details, ideal for high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | S21 Ultra offers a significantly sharper and more detailed screen experience, better for viewing text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, so similar visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Xiaomi 14T Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, particularly beneficial for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 4000 nits | Xiaomi 14T Pro is dramatically brighter, ensuring excellent visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) | The 14T Pro's newer chipset delivers significantly higher performance, faster app loading, and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,913,823 | Xiaomi 14T Pro is much faster and smoother for all tasks, especially gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | Xiaomi 14T Pro offers superior graphics processing for smoother and better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, so expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | Xiaomi 14T Pro charges much faster, going from 0 to full in a fraction of the time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless, Reverse wireless | 50W Wireless, Pengpai chips | The 14T Pro offers faster wireless charging, while the S21 Ultra offers reverse wireless and charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP f/1.6, 1/1.31" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution. The 14T Pro has wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto for better portraits. |
| Selfie | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution front camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76" | The 14T Pro has a much higher resolution telephoto lens with a wider aperture, for better zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP f/2.2 | The 14T Pro offers a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra includes a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K @ 60fps | Up to 8K @ 30fps | Both offer high quality video capture, with similar recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 135 | Xiaomi 14T Pro has a higher camera score, indicating better overall picture and video quality. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a tested selfie camera, but 14T Pro is untested. |
| Camera Features | Quad, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Triple, Cinematic Mode, Flicker Sensor | S21 Ultra has advanced autofocus, RAW capture for flexibility, 14T Pro has cinematic mode for video, flicker sensor for better image quality in some scenarios. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 | Xiaomi 14T Pro ships with a more modern OS, offering a better, more up-to-date user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Xiaomi 14T Pro offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Xiaomi 14T Pro has the latest Bluetooth version for better connection stability and audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5) + more | Xiaomi 14T Pro has access to more satellite systems for increased accuracy, especially in difficult environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | The 14T Pro has eSIM compatibility for increased flexibility in carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The 14T Pro offers up to 1TB, more generous storage options. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | S21 Ultra, in some variants, provides slightly more RAM for very intensive multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Canceling Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | S21 Ultra has Noise Canceling Microphone, slightly better audio quality for calls. Both offer similar speaker quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar basic fingerprint sensor technology for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones offer good screen protection from scratches and minor damage, the 14T Pro with a newer version of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Proximity, Motion | Proximity, Motion | S21 Ultra includes an additional barometer, better for environmental readings and some gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Display Resolution and Pixel Density: Offers a sharper, more detailed visual experience.
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens for better portrait shots.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Additional Environmental Sensor: Barometer for enhanced environmental data.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows charging of other devices wirelessly.
- Noise Cancelling Microphone: Improved audio quality during calls.
- Selfie Camera DxOMark Score: The selfie camera quality is tested and has a score.
- More RAM: Some versions have 16 GB of RAM, making it better for multitasking.
Xiaomi 14T Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much more powerful processor, superior in every day tasks.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Much Faster Charging: Goes from empty to full much faster than the S21 Ultra.
- Newer OS: Ships with a more modern version of Android.
- Superior Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 7 for the latest, fastest network standards.
- Better Telephoto Lens: Offers a higher resolution telephoto lens with a wider aperture.
- Ultra-Wide Angle Lens: Includes a dedicated ultra-wide-angle camera.
- More Storage: Offers up to 1 TB of storage for users needing the maximum capacity.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4 offers better stability and audio performance.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for easy carrier switching, along with dual nano SIM capability.
- Better Mobile DxOMark Score: The phone achieved a significantly higher score for its mobile camera capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra has a slightly more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto, macro, and better selfie camera (DxOMark score), but is significantly slower.
- The 14T Pro sacrifices some camera versatility for much superior performance, a dramatically brighter screen, and faster charging, along with newer features and technologies.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize detailed and versatile photography, with macro lens, optical zoom, and RAW support.
- Users Needing Reverse Wireless Charging: Those who need to charge other devices wirelessly on the go.
- Users Needing a Sharper Display: Those who want a very sharp, detailed screen with higher resolution.
- Users needing a high quality selfie camera: Users who want a phone with a very high quality selfie camera.
Use Cases:
- Detailed landscape and macro photography.
- Professional photo editing on-the-go.
- Occasional charging of wireless headphones or other devices.
- Users who are not bothered by older software.
- Viewing very high-resolution content and text.
Xiaomi 14T Pro Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who demand smooth multitasking and blazing-fast performance.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
- Travelers: Those who need a reliable camera and all-day battery with very fast charging.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and faster wireless connections.
- Users who need high quality photos and videos: Users who need the highest possible photo and video quality on their phone.
Use Cases:
- High-intensity gaming and demanding applications.
- Shooting video in bright outdoor environments.
- Quick top-ups during busy days due to faster charging.
- Accessing the latest Wi-Fi 7 networks.
- Frequent traveling and need the latest GPS navigation.
- Using the latest software and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is performance to you? (e.g., gaming, app speed, multitasking)
- How important is screen brightness in daily usage? (e.g., outdoor visibility)
- How important is a versatile camera system with macro and telephoto lenses?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize top performance, speed and a dramatically brighter screen, the Xiaomi 14T Pro is the better choice.
- If you value a versatile camera system with telephoto, macro, a dedicated selfie camera and are okay with slightly lower performance, the Samsung S21 Ultra is a good option.
- If you need a phone that can charge rapidly and has the latest features, the Xiaomi 14T Pro is a much better option.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would pick the Xiaomi 14T Pro.
The performance difference, the drastically brighter screen, the much faster charging, and the newer software make it a superior device in most practical daily usage scenarios. Although the Samsung S21 Ultra has some advantages in camera versatility and display sharpness, the significant performance and speed of the 14T Pro outweighs those benefits for me. I value smooth, fast performance and great outdoor visibility more than macro photography, and I don't feel as though I would miss the additional lens in my daily usage. The speed and modern features of the Xiaomi 14T Pro would make my day-to-day usage much better overall.
