1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164.3 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm | Slightly larger and thicker, the S21 Ultra might feel a bit bulkier in hand compared to the Mi 11 Pro. |
| Weight | 227g | 208g | The Mi 11 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.81" | Both phones have virtually identical screen sizes; very minor difference is negligible for the user. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1440 x 3200 | Both have sharp, detailed screens with identical resolutions, resulting in indistinguishable visual clarity. |
| PPI | 515 | 515 | Pixel density is identical, leading to no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones utilize AMOLED, which means vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratio. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, which enhances responsiveness of the device, particularly during gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1700 nits | The Mi 11 Pro will be more legible in direct sunlight; this difference is noticeable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11 Pro generally offers higher benchmark scores which would be noticeable for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 854,267 | The Mi 11 Pro demonstrates higher performance in benchmarks, suggesting better overall speed for games and resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 is generally favored in gaming, so the Mi 11 Pro may perform better in graphically intensive games, especially with sustained performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have comparable battery life for daily use, and usage patterns will play a bigger factor in actual battery performance. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster, which can save valuable time during charging. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse | 67W Wireless, 10W Reverse | The Mi 11 Pro offers much faster wireless charging, and slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.95, 1/1.12" | Mi 11 Pro has larger sensor and larger pixel size which means better low light performance, but lower resolution. The S21 Ultra has higher resolution for more detail in good lighting. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto portrait camera, which is great for portrait mode and zoom shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | S21 Ultra provides higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies in a wider range of lighting conditions, also with larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | Not Present | The S21 Ultra offers an additional telephoto camera for even greater optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Mi 11 Pro offers a wide angle camera for fitting more in to the frame. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not Present | S21 Ultra has this camera for macro shots as well as wide angle. |
| Telephoto + Macro Camera | Not Present | 8MP | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto with macro abilities which are good for close up zoom shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Both phones can record high-resolution video, but the S21 Ultra offers more FPS at lower resolutions. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 115 (Photo 121, Video 100) | 124 (Photo 118, Video 132) | Overall Mi 11 Pro has a better score, specifically for video. S21 Ultra performs better in photo tests. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 11 | The S21 Ultra will receive more Android updates, ensuring it stays current for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 + Advanced Features | Bluetooth 5.2 + Standard Features | S21 Ultra supports a broader range of Bluetooth features, which may be useful for some users. |
| GPS | GPS(L1+L5), Galileo(E1+E5a) | GPS(L1+L5), Galileo(E1+E5a) + Additional Systems | Mi 11 Pro supports additional satellite systems for more accurate GPS positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The S21 Ultra has a 512 GB storage option, if you need extra storage for media. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | The S21 Ultra offers more RAM, especially in the highest configuration, which results in better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which might be a concern for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic | Hi-Res Audio, 3 Mics | The S21 Ultra may provide slightly better audio due to spatial audio and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar fingerprint scanners for standard security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both are equally durable against scratches and accidental damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Heart Rate, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | S21 Ultra adds Barometer but Mi 11 Pro adds Heart Rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Versatile Camera System: Includes dedicated telephoto and portrait cameras, offering more flexibility in zoom and portrait photography. It also has better selfie camera quality.
- Higher RAM Option: 16 GB of RAM, providing a superior experience for heavy users.
- Wider Range of Bluetooth Features: Includes more Bluetooth profiles, which may be beneficial for specific use cases such as connecting to older devices or professional audio equipment.
- Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation: Offers immersive audio experience and clearer phone calls due to noise cancellation.
- Additional Barometer Sensor: Useful for altitude tracking and weather prediction apps
- More Android Updates: Guaranteed to receive updates for longer.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for prolonged usage and portability.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility due to higher screen brightness.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging, which is great for users on the go.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score, suggesting better performance for gaming and heavy apps.
- Wider Angle Lens: Includes dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive photos.
- Better video Performance in Dxomark
- Additional Heart Rate Sensor: Can be used for monitoring health data.
- More accurate GPS positioning
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra has a more versatile camera system and more RAM, but it's bulkier, heavier, and slower to charge.
- The Mi 11 Pro prioritizes performance, display brightness, and charging speed at the cost of a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a highly versatile camera system with multiple zoom options.
- Power Users: People who frequently multitask, use resource-intensive apps, or play high-end mobile games and prefer smooth operations.
- Users who prioritize longevity: Users looking for a phone that will stay up to date for a longer time.
- Audio Lovers: Users who want an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation for calls.
- Users of multiple bluetooth devices: Users who connect many bluetooth devices to their phones.
Specific Use Cases:
* Professional photography and videography
* Heavy multitasking across multiple apps
* Immersive gaming and media consumption
* Long calls and audio recording
* Use in outdoor areas
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Users who want a phone with top-tier performance and smooth graphics.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright screen for easy viewing in direct sunlight.
- On-the-Go Users: People who value quick charging to keep their phone battery ready.
- Those who value portability: Users who want a more lightweight phone
- Users looking for good GPS tracking: Those that like to use their phones for outdoor activities and navigation.
Specific Use Cases:
* High-intensity mobile gaming
* Outdoor activities where a bright screen is essential
* Frequent travel requiring quick charging
* Taking wide angle shots.
* Monitoring heart rate.
* Navigation and outdoor activities with good tracking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price of the two phones is not provided so this part will not be possible to complete.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility to you? (Do you need a dedicated telephoto lens and better zoom capabilities?)
- Do you prioritize performance or charging speed? (Do you prefer higher benchmarks or faster charging?)
- What is your preference on phone weight and feel? (Do you prefer a lighter, thinner phone or are you ok with the heavier, bulkier S21 Ultra?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a professional photographer or avid picture taker who values zoom and want more versatility - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer or heavy user of demanding apps and prioritize smooth performance and quick charging - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
- Scenario 3: You value better battery charging and lighter design, you often work outdoors, but you don't take a lot of zoomed-in photos - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Samsung S21 Ultra has a very enticing camera system with its dedicated telephoto lenses and better selfie capabilities, the Mi 11 Pro's combination of a lighter build, brighter screen, significantly faster charging, better overall performance, and superior video performance is more appealing to my use cases. I often find myself in situations where a quick charge is essential. I also appreciate a phone that is comfortable for extended periods and the Mi 11 Pro has the added benefit of being slightly more portable. The wider angle lens and heart rate sensor are also features that I would use. Also the GPS positioning would be more accurate, which is good for me as I like to explore the outdoors.
