Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 8 mm | Samsung is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight | 227g | 179g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung's screen is more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Samsung offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | Samsung provides significantly sharper and more detailed images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 395 ppi | Samsung’s higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and more crisp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1800 nits | Xiaomi is much more viewable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra | Samsung offers significantly more processing power for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 450,000 | Samsung scores much higher, translating to faster app loading and better performance overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Samsung's GPU is superior, providing better graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | Samsung captures more detailed images and performs better in low light due to larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities and better portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 16MP, 1/3.06" sensor | Samsung captures higher resolution selfies with better detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | Samsung provides greater telephoto zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.45, 1/5" sensor | Xiaomi offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Samsung captures wider, more detailed wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Samsung records videos with much higher resolution and frame rates. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 240 fps | Samsung can record slow motion videos with higher frame rates. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Not tested | Samsung's camera is rated much better than the Xiaomi. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not tested | Samsung's selfie camera is also rated much better. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features including 8K, optical zoom, RAW, and Night Mode | Standard features including 4K, OIS. | Samsung has more camera features and capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, implying similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | Samsung offers more convenience with wireless and reverse charging options. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Xiaomi has a more recent out of the box OS |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Samsung supports a newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (with advanced codecs) | Bluetooth 5.2 (with LDAC and AAC codecs) | Both offer Bluetooth 5.2, but Samsung provides a wider array of codec options |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, BeiDou (B1) | Both provide precise positioning, with minor variations in satellite support |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer similar storage capacities. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Samsung offers more RAM for smoother multitasking, especially the 16GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support microSD card expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung has a slight edge in audio features, offering active noise cancellation |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | Extensive including barometer | Standard including ultrasonic proximity | Samsung offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density and better screen protection leads to much clearer and more detailed visuals.
- Powerful Performance: Much higher AnTuTu score thanks to a more powerful chipset and GPU which is significantly better for heavy tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera setup with better sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capabilities for better photos and videos.
- Wireless Charging: Features such as Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More RAM Options: Options for 12GB or 16GB RAM.
- More Audio Features: Added noise cancellation microphone
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro Advantages
- Lighter and More Ergonomic Design: Significantly lighter making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Brighter Display: Higher peak brightness, leading to better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging for less downtime
- More Recent OS Out-Of-The-Box: Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs
- Samsung: Heavier, bulkier and significantly more expensive.
- Xiaomi: Significantly lower performance, inferior camera system and less advanced features overall.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Power users, professional photographers, gamers, and individuals who value top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive apps.
- Users who value best-in-class screen clarity and color accuracy.
Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize comfort, fast charging, and outdoor visibility.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday usage and social media.
- Users who primarily watch videos and casual gaming.
- Individuals who need fast charging and long battery life.
- Users who require a lightweight phone for prolonged use.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Samsung: Offers top-of-the-line specs and features but is much more expensive.
- Xiaomi: Provides great value for the price, balancing essential features with affordability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, social media, everyday use).
- How important is performance versus comfort and ergonomics? (Do you need top-tier performance or a more comfortable, lighter phone?).
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay a premium for high-end features, or are you looking for the best value?).
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Top Performance): If you need the best performance and camera capabilities and don’t mind the heavier build and premium price, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Budget): If you are looking for a good, everyday phone that is affordable, comfortable, and has great outdoor visibility and fast charging, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is better.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focus): If photography and video are a priority, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G with its vastly superior camera system is the preferred choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My reasoning is as follows:
- I value performance and camera quality above all else. I enjoy mobile gaming and frequently use my phone for photography and video. The S21 Ultra's significantly more powerful chipset, higher-resolution display, more versatile camera system, and advanced audio features make it the better choice for my needs.
- I'm willing to pay a premium for the best in class experience and I'm not particularly sensitive to weight and size. While the Poco M6 Pro is lighter and charges faster, the S21 Ultra offers a far superior experience in the areas that matter most to me.
- The extra features on the S21 Ultra such as wireless charging, noise cancellation microphone, and the extensive camera features all contribute to an overall better user experience.
While the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is an excellent phone, it makes too many compromises in the areas where the S21 Ultra excels. For me, the investment into the S21 Ultra provides the best overall experience for my needs and preferences.
