Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller; negligible size difference in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | Poco M4 Pro is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | No information to make a comparison. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper, clearer display. |
| PPI | 515 | 399 | S21 Ultra's display is noticeably more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has much better visibility in bright sunlight. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G brightness not defined. |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 Ultra has better scratch and impact resistance. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 438,700 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra provides significantly better graphics performance. |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | S21 Ultra offers superior multitasking capabilities and smoother performance in demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images, better low-light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated zoom and portrait lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | S21 Ultra has superior selfie capture, better low-light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Poco M4 Pro offers wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra captures ultrawide and macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra offers superior video recording capabilities, higher resolutions, and more features. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a professional grade mobile camera. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a professional grade selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra provides a versatile suite of options. Poco M4 Pro provides digital image stabilization |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life in most cases. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco M4 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | None | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and higher brightness make the display significantly better for viewing content, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage, making the phone faster for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra has a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses, higher resolution sensors, better video capabilities and a higher DXOMark score.
- More Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more advanced Bluetooth, and extra sensors.
- Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Software: Includes the latest Android Operating System which can be updated to the latest version
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The phone is more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is slightly faster than the S21 Ultra's 25W.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Provides a wide angle photo option.
- Price: Generally priced lower, offering a better price to performance ratio.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra's superior performance and features come with a higher cost.
- The Poco M4 Pro compromises on display quality and camera capabilities for a more budget-friendly price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible image quality and a versatile camera system with advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Professionals: Those needing advanced features such as wireless charging and better security.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-End Gaming: Smooth frame rates, fast loading, better visuals.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Detailed photos, versatile zoom options, high-resolution video.
- Outdoor Use: High-brightness display for visibility in sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those seeking a capable smartphone at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Users who want long battery life Users who want a long lasting battery in an affordable phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social Media: Basic photo, video sharing, browsing
- Daily Communication: Calls, text messaging, web browsing
- Casual Gaming: Mobile games that are not very demanding.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these key questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you mostly use the phone for? (e.g., gaming, photography, everyday tasks)
- Priorities: Which features are most important to you? (e.g., display quality, camera, performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium User - Prioritizes top performance, premium camera, and display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Value-Oriented User - Seeks a good balance of features and affordability: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus - Requires a versatile, high-quality camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious with focus on battery life and light usage - Seeks a good performing phone on a budget Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
While the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is a good budget option, my priorities lean towards a phone with an exceptional display, top-tier performance, and a versatile camera system. I frequently use my smartphone for various tasks, including gaming, high-quality video playback and occasional photography/videography. The S21 Ultra's AMOLED display, superior processing power, and advanced camera features would significantly enhance my daily usage and allow me to perform tasks more efficiently, which justifies the higher price. Additionally, the inclusion of wireless charging and other features adds convenience to daily usage. While the Poco M4 Pro is lighter and has a slightly faster charging speed, the overall premium experience provided by the S21 Ultra aligns better with my needs, making it the preferable choice despite the difference in price.
