1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Poco M6 is slightly taller and thinner, might feel different in the hand. S21 Ultra is slightly thicker but has similar width. |
| Weight | 227g | 205g | S21 Ultra feels heavier, may be less comfortable for long use, Poco M6 is easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen), | Unknown Screen Protection | S21 Ultra has superior scratch and shatter resistance on the screen. The Poco M6 screen protection is unknown, which raises concerns about durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.79" | Very similar size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2460 | S21 Ultra has much sharper visuals, better for viewing detailed content, higher pixel density for crisper text. |
| PPI | 515 | 396 | S21 Ultra has a visibly sharper display, more detail in images and text, smoother-looking graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and power saving for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight, Poco M6 brightness is unknown and may struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 269,266 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster, better for gaming, video editing, and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 Ultra's GPU is much more capable for graphically intensive games and applications, better gaming experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", S5KHM3, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67", HM6, 0.64µm | S21 Ultra captures more light due to larger sensor, despite slightly smaller aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", S5K3J1, 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto and portrait lens for optical zoom and portrait photos, Poco M6 has no Telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", S5KGH1, 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.45 | S21 Ultra captures far more detail in selfies with better low light performance thanks to wider aperture and larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", S5K3J1, 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for additional zoom capabilities, Poco M6 lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco M6 can take close-up photos using a macro lens, S21 Ultra lacks dedicated macro sensor, however has a Wide Angle + Macro sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX563, 1.40µm | None | S21 Ultra can capture wider scenes with its wide angle lens and close up details using its macro functionality. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra is better for professional-grade video capture with 8K, and has HDR and EIS on all recording settings. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | No Data | S21 Ultra is a proven camera with great photo and video quality, no information on Poco M6 performance. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features including OIS, optical zoom, RAW, night mode | Basic set of features | S21 Ultra has significantly more advanced camera features offering greater creative control, optical zoom capabilities, and better low light performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5030mAh | Very similar battery life in theory, both should last at least a day, real-world usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Poco M6 charges faster and more rapidly than S21 Ultra. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding versatility. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Poco M6 has a newer OS, but S21 Ultra can be upgraded. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports a faster WiFi standard, better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Poco M6 has a newer Bluetooth version, but may not impact most use cases. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Basic GPS | S21 Ultra has better GPS accuracy with dual-band support. |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB, no expandable storage | 128/256 GB, no expandable storage | S21 Ultra has a 512 GB storage option, useful for storing lots of high quality photos, video, and files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM, making multitasking smoother and allowing better performance with demanding applications. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra delivers a superior audio experience with high quality and spatial audio, good for music listening. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Side mounted is considered faster and more reliable in some cases. |
| Sensors | Extensive: Gyroscope, barometer | Basic: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 Ultra is better for advanced gaming and has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology with 120Hz refresh rate offer a far more vibrant and crisp viewing experience. The higher brightness also offers better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers much faster performance, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers versatile quad-camera setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, superior video capabilities with 8K recording, and superior low-light photography performance.
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Faster WiFi and more accurate GPS for a better connected user experience.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G Advantages:
- Newer Android OS Out of the Box: Offers the latest Android experience with all the related features.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is faster than the S21 Ultra 25W fast charging.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use.
- Lower Cost: (Implied) Offers good basic phone functionality at a lower price point.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated Macro lens for taking close up detailed photos.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra trades a heavier build and higher price for premium features, performance, and camera quality.
- The Poco M6 trades a less premium display, performance and camera for a more affordable price point and a newer OS out of the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatile and high-quality camera capabilities, especially in low light.
- Users who prioritize a premium display experience with vibrant colors, high resolution, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Professionals or people that want to take the best possible photos and videos with a smartphone.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Handles demanding games smoothly with high refresh rate and excellent GPU performance.
- Photography and videography: Captures professional-grade photos and videos with its versatile lens system.
- Media consumption: Enjoying high-resolution content with a vibrant and crisp AMOLED display.
- Productivity: Seamless multitasking with ample RAM and processing power.
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable smartphone with basic functionality for daily use.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone for extended periods of usage.
- Users who don't need high-end camera features but want a capable camera for casual photos.
- Users who want a phone with the latest Android version out of the box.
- Use Cases:
- General day-to-day tasks: Browsing, social media, calls, messaging.
- Casual Photography: Capturing day to day snapshots.
- Basic gaming: Playing basic mobile games that don't require high-end graphical power.
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensor technology for unlocking their phone.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a high-end flagship, while the Poco M6 is positioned in the budget category. Your budget will significantly impact your choice.
- What do you value most in a smartphone? If you prioritize display quality, top-tier performance, and professional-grade camera capabilities, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. If your priority is affordability and basic daily use, then the Poco M6 is suitable.
- What are your primary use cases? If gaming, video editing, and content creation are key, the S21 Ultra excels. If your usage is mostly basic day-to-day tasks then the Poco M6 will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a mobile gamer and want the best possible performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its superior chipset, GPU, and high-refresh-rate display.
- Scenario 2: You're a photography enthusiast who wants a versatile camera setup: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its quad-camera setup and advanced features.
- Scenario 3: You're on a budget and primarily use your phone for basic communication and social media: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M6 4G due to its lower price point and adequate performance for everyday use.
- Scenario 4: You want a premium experience with an amazing display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its superior AMOLED panel, refresh rate, and resolution.
- Scenario 5: You want a phone with a new OS and fast charging: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M6 4G due to its latest Android version and faster charging capabilities.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older phone, its advantages in display quality, performance, and camera are significant and align with my own needs and preferences.
I prioritize having the best possible display for media consumption and want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The S21 Ultra's camera system is also incredibly versatile, and the extra features it provides (like the telephoto lenses and wireless charging) are important to me. While the Poco M6 is more affordable, the trade-offs in display, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant for my needs.
