Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | Slightly taller (1.1mm) but similar width and thickness; Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 227g | 200g | Poco M4 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | S21 Ultra offers much sharper visuals; significantly higher pixel density, noticeably sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 401 | S21 Ultra provides crisper details and less pixelation; noticeably sharper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra provides superior blacks, contrast and vibrant colours, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations; small but noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight; readable even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21 Ultra has much faster processing, better multitasking, and smoother performance for demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 381,300 | S21 Ultra delivers substantially superior performance, better gaming and app performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra has significantly more powerful graphics, better for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have comparable battery life for typical daily usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Reverse charging, Non-removable | S21 Ultra supports convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images with more light intake due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers significantly superior zoom capabilities, with dedicated hardware. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed selfies, better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers high optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while S21 Ultra uses software. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers a versatile wide-angle lens with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra records higher quality video, excellent stabilization, and professional-grade options. |
| DxOMark Camera Scores | Main: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a proven superior camera system based on independent testing. |
| Additional Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Dual Camera | S21 Ultra offers a more versatile and professional photography experience with more manual controls and advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Max version: Unknown | Poco M4 5G starts with newer OS. S21 Ultra has confirmed updates for longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra supports faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | S21 Ultra supports more advanced Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra has more accurate GPS positioning and higher availability in various regions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB | S21 Ultra offers greater storage options for users with many files and media. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 4GB/6GB | S21 Ultra has superior RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and faster performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21 Ultra offers a significantly better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide biometric security, the Poco has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra screen has significantly more scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | S21 Ultra has a comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness provides a premium viewing experience, excellent for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Exceptional Performance: Powerful Exynos 2100 chipset and ample RAM handle demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
- Versatile Camera System: Advanced camera hardware, including telephoto lenses, wide-angle, and superior video recording capabilities, delivers much better image quality and zoom capabilities with professional-grade tools and options.
- Enhanced Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and includes noise cancellation and stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers greater durability and scratch resistance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and more accurate GPS for faster network speeds and more reliable location.
- More features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is designed for users who prioritize top-tier performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and premium features. It is suitable for intensive usage, such as gaming, media creation, and professional photography.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use, particularly for those who prefer lighter devices.
- Lower Cost: It is significantly more affordable, making it a great budget-friendly option for value-conscious users.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a newer version of Android out of the box.
Practical Implications: The Poco M4 5G offers a good balance of performance and features for everyday use. It is best suited for users who prioritize budget, basic functionality, and a lighter device.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G sacrifices affordability for premium features and capabilities.
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 5G compromises display quality, camera performance, and processing power to achieve a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
Ideal Users:
- Tech enthusiasts who want the best performance and features.
- Mobile photographers and videographers who need advanced camera capabilities.
- Gamers who require smooth and immersive gaming experiences.
- Users who consume a lot of media and appreciate high display quality.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional-grade photography and videography
- Media creation and consumption
- Heavy multitasking and app usage
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable and functional smartphone.
- Users who primarily use their phones for communication, browsing, and social media.
- Users who prefer a lighter device with good battery life.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, social media, and browsing.
- Casual mobile gaming
- Basic photography and video recording
- Longer battery life for moderate usage
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 Ultra has a higher price but offers flagship-level performance and features. The Poco M4 5G provides great value for those who don't need cutting-edge technology and are more price-sensitive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than Poco M4 5G.)
- What are your primary use cases? (Are you a heavy user, gamer, or photographer? Or are you a more casual user focusing on basic needs?)
- How important are display quality, camera performance, and overall performance to you? (S21 Ultra offers much higher quality on all of these features.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium Experience, Budget is not a factor: If you need top-tier performance, a superior display, advanced camera features, and excellent audio, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you are looking for a reliable smartphone with good battery life for basic everyday tasks and are on a tight budget, the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is a suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you require a smartphone that can handle both daily use and slightly more intensive tasks, you should consider the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The Poco M4 5G would require some compromise if you intend to use it for gaming or photography.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive, its strengths are much more in line with what I look for in a phone. The superior display technology (AMOLED with higher resolution and refresh rate), the powerful Exynos chipset with a much higher AnTuTu score, the exceptional camera system (with multiple dedicated lenses, high resolution and video capabilities, and higher DxOmark scores), the premium audio features, superior build quality and sensor suite and advanced connectivity make it a worthwhile investment for me. I value high-quality display for content consumption and media creation, fast performance for gaming and multitasking, and advanced camera features for capturing high quality photos and videos. The Poco M4 5G is a great budget option, but it falls short in these key areas that are vital to my user needs. While the Poco M4 is great for its price point, it would require significant compromises that I would not be willing to make.
