1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | The S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and smaller pockets. The M5s is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 178.8g | The M5s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry around. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | The S21 Ultra has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The M5s is more pocketable and may be preferred by users with smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra offers a sharper, more detailed display, noticeably better for text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 409 | The S21 Ultra provides a crisper and more detailed image, particularly noticeable with text and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the S21 Ultra may have slightly better color calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and overall responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | The S21 Ultra is much brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | The S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 418,627 | The S21 Ultra provides much faster overall performance in all tasks. The M5s will perform adequate for basic and moderate tasks but may struggle with very demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G76 MC4 | The S21 Ultra has superior graphics performance, leading to better gaming and more advanced graphic processing capabilities. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | The S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images, especially in good lighting and has better low-light performance due to the larger sensor size and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | The S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities, allowing for better zoom shots and bokeh effects. The M5s lacks this capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | The S21 Ultra takes higher-resolution selfies with better dynamic range and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | The S21 Ultra provides additional zoom capabilities not found in the M5s. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | The M5s offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in a single shot. The S21 Ultra lacks this dedicated lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The M5s provides a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate bokeh effects. The S21 Ultra lacks this dedicated lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The M5s provides a macro lens for close-up photography of small objects, a feature absent on the S21 Ultra. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The S21 Ultra has a wide angle lens that also doubles as a macro lens, useful for both landscape and close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra offers higher video resolution, enabling more professional-grade video capture and more flexible editing options. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has a very high rating indicating significantly better overall camera quality than the M5s. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has a very high rating indicating significantly better selfie camera quality than the M5s. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, etc. | Basic features only | The S21 Ultra provides more advanced photography features, including optical image stabilization (OIS) and support for RAW image capture for better image quality and control. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide a similar full-day battery life for most users with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The M5s charges faster, resulting in less time spent waiting to use the phone. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No charger in box | Reverse | The S21 Ultra supports wireless charging (including reverse) and does not come with a charger in the box while the M5s does not support wireless charging and comes with a charger. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 12 | The M5s has a newer operating system version out of the box, but the S21 Ultra has a longer update support from the manufacturer. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | The S21 Ultra has a newer Wi-Fi standard, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | The S21 Ultra has a more advanced Bluetooth standard, resulting in faster pairing, more secure connections, and more extensive codec support for improved audio quality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Standard GPS | The S21 Ultra has more accurate GPS, essential for navigation and location-based services. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | The S21 Ultra has greater storage options and allows for more apps, photos, videos, and files. The M5s will be more limited for power users who store a lot of data. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The S21 Ultra offers better performance when multitasking and running intensive applications due to having more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The S21 Ultra has better overall audio output with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Xiaomi Poco M5s feature a faster fingerprint unlock method. Both provide basic biometrics. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The S21 Ultra has a more durable screen against scratches and impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The S21 Ultra is equipped with additional sensors, enhancing accuracy and providing an expanded suite of features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate provide a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers substantially faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and smoother gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Features more versatile and higher quality camera setup, with multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, 8K video recording, and features like OIS, Laser AF, and RAW support.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers more RAM for smooth multitasking and significantly higher storage options for those with large libraries of content.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone offer better sound quality and more enhanced audio features.
- Enhanced Durability: Features a stronger screen and build with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Wireless Charging: Supports convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is the superior choice for users who demand the best possible display, performance, camera quality, and additional advanced features.
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- More Affordable: It is likely to be priced significantly lower, offering better value for budget-conscious users.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended one-handed use and easier to carry around in pockets.
- Faster Charging: Supports 33W fast charging, allowing it to quickly recharge.
- Dedicated wide angle, macro, and depth cameras: More versatility in terms of capturing a wider scene, close-up photography, and portrait mode.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers faster unlocking capabilities.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger out of the box.
Practical Implications: The Poco M5s is a budget-friendly option that provides reliable performance for everyday tasks, with a lighter form factor and faster charging capabilities.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The significantly higher price may not be feasible for all users and it is bulky.
- Poco M5s: Sacrifices performance, display quality, advanced camera capabilities, and some features for a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Professional Photography/Videography: Utilize the advanced camera system and 8K video recording.
- High-End Gaming: Experience smoother graphics, better performance, and a responsive display.
- Media Consumption: Enjoy vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth motion while watching videos.
- Productivity: Take advantage of the large display and powerful performance for multitasking and intensive applications.
Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers who prioritize affordability, general usability and light to medium use cases.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: Reliable performance for basic tasks like calls, messages, and social media.
- Casual Photography: Capture everyday moments with its wide-angle, macro and depth lens options.
- Media Consumption: Enjoy streaming videos and playing casual games, with good enough screen clarity.
- Light Multitasking: Handle a few apps simultaneously without significant performance issues.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a premium, high-end device that comes at a premium price, however, it offers top-tier performance, camera quality, and a superior display experience, making it a great value for power users seeking the very best in those areas.
- The Xiaomi Poco M5s provides a more budget-friendly option, sacrificing some of the advanced features of the S21 Ultra for a more affordable price point. This makes it a good choice for users who are looking for a capable phone without breaking the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the M5s.
- What do you primarily use your phone for? If gaming, photography, or demanding tasks are important, the S21 Ultra is preferable. For basic tasks, the M5s is adequate.
- How important are screen quality and performance? The S21 Ultra is superior, but the M5s offers a good-enough experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is everything, and budget is secondary. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. It is a better device all around with significant advantages in performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget is a primary concern and you only need a decent phone for basic use. Choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s. It offers solid value for its price point, providing enough performance for typical daily tasks, plus a more compact and light design.
- Scenario 3: You need a good balance between performance and affordability. Here the decision becomes more difficult. The Xiaomi Poco M5s is the more affordable option, however, if you are able to spend a little more for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, then the S21 Ultra will be the device that allows you to more demanding tasks, better pictures and videos, better screen quality, better audio, and a generally more capable phone.
My Choice
If budget wasn't a major concern, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. As a power user, the superior display, significantly better performance, and vastly superior camera system, as well as premium features like wireless charging, are highly compelling. The larger screen and additional features for photography and videography are also highly preferable. The added durability provided by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is also a plus. Although it is the bulkier of the two, the significant gains in performance, camera, and screen quality more than justify the trade-off.
