1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Poco F6 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 179g | Poco F6 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended holding and portability. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone build |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate; Poco F6 is slightly more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1220x2712 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with higher detail, better for media consumption and text clarity. |
| PPI | 515 | 446 | S21 Ultra displays finer details and sharper text due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent contrast and vibrant colors; no practical difference in base display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, with identical visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2400 nits | Poco F6 is dramatically brighter, offering superior visibility in bright sunlight and outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Poco F6's newer chipset is expected to be more power-efficient and provide higher performance in daily tasks and demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,530,662 | Poco F6 has substantially higher performance, offering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 735 | Poco F6's Adreno GPU provides better performance for graphic-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/2" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and larger sensor, while Poco F6 has wider aperture. S21 Ultra excels in detail capture, while Poco F6 is better in low light. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated optical zoom and portrait capabilities, while Poco F6 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 20MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra has higher resolution front camera. Poco F6 has wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a second dedicated telephoto zoom lens, while Poco F6 lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Poco F6 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, while the S21 Ultra lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens. The S21 Ultra offers an ultrawide lens with macro capabilities instead of just a regular wide angle |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide lens with macro capabilities; Poco F6 has no dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra supports 8K video recording, offering higher resolution and more options for professional video recording. Both support 4K and 1080p resolutions. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been tested in a lab, giving a good comparison point for the main camera. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been tested in a lab, giving a good comparison point for the selfie camera. |
| Features | Extensive (OIS, Laser AF) | Extensive (OIS, Flicker Sensor) | Both have extensive camera features, Samsung has a more robust camera suite with OIS, laser AF, and optical zoom and has more lenses. Poco F6 provides a flicker sensor and noise reduction for better images. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco F6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, offering similar battery life under comparable usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 90W fast charging | Poco F6 charges significantly faster, reducing wait times and keeping you powered up quickly. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper screen for better viewing experience and detailed text.
- More Versatile Camera System: Multiple dedicated lenses for telephoto, ultrawide and macro, offering flexibility for different shooting scenarios, also boasts higher camera DXO scores.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices.
- More RAM Options: More RAM with a 16 GB option making it excel at heavy multitasking.
Xiaomi Poco F6 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and better GPU, providing smoother performance in all tasks.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility, essential for use in direct sunlight.
- Much Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime and maximizing device usage.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, meaning a longer support life and more updated features, while the S21 ships with Android 11.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Offers better camera versatility and a sharper screen, but is heavier, bulkier, has lower performance, and slower charging than Poco F6.
- Poco F6: Provides dramatically better performance, faster charging, and a brighter screen but lacks the extensive camera zoom features and wireless charging of the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with dedicated zoom capabilities and a more detailed image.
- Media Consumption: Users who prioritize a very sharp, high-resolution screen for watching videos and reading text.
- Those Who Value Wireless Charging: People who appreciate the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Power Users with RAM needs: Those who need the 16GB option for the heaviest multitasking.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography or video, where optical zoom and 8K video are crucial.
- Long hours of reading documents or e-books where sharpness is crucial.
- Frequent travel, needing flexibility in charging options and taking photos in various situations.
Xiaomi Poco F6 is ideal for:
- Gamers: Users who want top-notch performance and a smooth gaming experience.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a very bright screen that can be easily seen in sunlight.
- Users Who Value Speed: Those who prioritize fast charging and quick performance in everyday tasks.
- Users on a Budget: Looking for great performance, a great screen, and a great battery at an accessible price.
Specific Use Cases for Poco F6:
- Mobile gaming with fast-paced action games.
- Navigating outdoors, in bright conditions.
- On-the-go lifestyles that need fast and reliable charging and performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Poco F6 likely offers a higher price-to-value ratio for many users due to its superior performance and significantly faster charging at a lower price point compared to the Samsung S21 Ultra which has a better camera system but a less powerful processor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily productivity)
- How much do you value screen visibility outdoors? (brightness in sunlight)
- How important is fast charging versus wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User/Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F6. Its superior performance, brighter screen, and much faster charging will provide a better gaming and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 2: The Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its versatile camera system, including multiple lenses, optical zoom, and 8K video recording makes it better for photographers and videographers.
- Scenario 3: The Everyday User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F6. Its newer chipset and faster charging combined with a bright screen offers better overall performance and user experience.
- Scenario 4: The Price Conscious User Choose the Xiaomi Poco F6. It offers a more up to date chipset and better overall performance at a lower price.
My Choice
Given my priorities, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F6.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a great camera system with several unique features and a better display in terms of resolution, the Poco F6 offers a vastly superior processor which would make a huge difference in daily usage. The dramatically faster charging is also a great benefit, as is the brighter screen for outdoor use. The Poco F6 is a more practical phone that provides a better experience for most use cases, except for those that require the unique optical zoom or 8K recording capabilities of the Samsung S21 Ultra. The faster charging and stronger processor more than make up for the losses in camera capability, especially considering the price.
