1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, Poco F3 is slightly wider and thinner. S21 Ultra has a slightly larger volume, while the Poco F3 is more pocketable due to its slimness. |
| Weight | 227g | 196g | The Poco F3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. S21 Ultra may feel heavy in hand. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers better scratch and drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | S21 Ultra is more readable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance, but the Snapdragon 870 in Poco F3 has a slight edge in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 800,216 | Poco F3 is slightly faster in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Different GPU architectures, but both offer high-end gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 48MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | S21 Ultra captures more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Similar light gathering ability. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 20MP | S21 Ultra takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.4" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | S21 Ultra captures more light in the selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultra-wide and macro camera for versatile shots. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports higher resolution and frame rate videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 Ultra's video stabilization is superior. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested and higher rated mobile camera score |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested and higher rated selfie camera score |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | Triple camera | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features and modes. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4520 mAh | S21 Ultra has slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | QC3 + / PD3.0 | S21 Ultra offers wireless and reverse wireless charging. Poco F3 offers supports more fast charging protocol. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers more flexibility with multiple lenses (telephoto, wide-angle/macro), higher resolution sensors, and advanced features. Better low-light performance and video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides added convenience and ability to charge other devices.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Offers clearer calls and better audio separation.
- Higher Max Software Updates: The S21 Ultra is promised more software updates.
- Higher RAM: Offers a better multitasking performance.
- Better Build Quality: Features more durable screen protection and has additional protection from drops and scratches.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: Charges significantly faster with 33W, minimizing downtime.
- Slightly Better Benchmark Performance: Has a slight edge in benchmark scores due to the Snapdragon 870.
- More Satellite systems for GPS: Has a more accurate GPS due to inclusion of more satellite systems.
- Better Fingerprint sensor: Features a more modern side mounted finger print sensor
- Potentially more affordable: Usually priced lower than the Samsung S21 Ultra
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra sacrifices portability for a larger display and superior camera system, and is heavier.
- The Poco F3 sacrifices camera versatility and screen quality for lighter weight, faster charging and potentially lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced features for both photos and videos.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, gaming, and browsing.
- Power Users: Users who require advanced features, wireless charging, and a high performance, especially for heavy multitasking.
- Users who value build quality and screen protection: Those who want durability and less chances of screen breakages.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography/videography
- High-end mobile gaming
- Extensive media consumption
- Heavy daily use with a need for wireless charging.
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Price-conscious Users: Users who want a high-performance phone at a more affordable price point.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize gaming performance and faster charging.
- Users who prefer lightweight phones: Users who find heavier phones cumbersome.
- Users who value fast charging: Users who want less downtime charging their phones.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Everyday use and social media
- Users who are less dependent on high-end camera features
- Users with limited charging time and a need for quick charging
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If a premium camera experience is a top priority, the S21 Ultra is the better choice.
- How important is portability and charging speed? If comfort and fast charging are crucial, the Poco F3 is preferable.
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra is generally more expensive than the Poco F3.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer/videographer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice due to its versatile and higher quality camera system and advanced video recording capabilities, and better quality screen.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious gamer: The Xiaomi Poco F3 offers excellent gaming performance at a lower price and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user who values a premium experience: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a superior display and versatile camera in a more premium package.
- Scenario 4: User who prioritizes comfort and portability: The Xiaomi Poco F3 provides a lighter and slimmer design.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a very capable phone with excellent performance and faster charging, the S21 Ultra provides a much more comprehensive and premium experience.
Here's why:
- Camera Versatility: As someone who enjoys photography, the S21 Ultra's advanced camera system, including its multiple lenses, higher resolution sensors, and OIS, would allow me to capture higher-quality images and videos in different scenarios.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution and brightness of the S21 Ultra's screen would provide a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience, particularly outdoors.
- Overall Premium Experience: The S21 Ultra's build quality, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and comprehensive feature set give it the edge for a more polished and premium feel, making it a more complete package for me. The additional features the S21 Ultra provides are more useful to me than the fast charging and lighter design of the Poco F3.
While the Poco F3 has clear advantages in pricing, charging speed and weight, the S21 Ultra better fits my priorities. The difference in camera quality and the advantages of the display of the S21 Ultra is worth the added cost for my specific needs.
