1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 74.3 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger; Poco X4 GT might feel more compact in hand, while both share the same thickness. |
| Weight | 227g | 200g | Poco X4 GT is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during long usage sessions. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2460 | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper visuals, with finer details noticeable when viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 407 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better battery life with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Poco X4 GT provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. The difference is marginal and not very noticeable in normal usage. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight. The Poco X4 GT's brightness is not specified in the provided specs. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Different processors; benchmark scores suggest Poco X4 GT has slightly higher performance, but real world difference may vary depending on usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 820,061 | Poco X4 GT is slightly faster in benchmarks, translating to smoother performance in heavy tasks and some games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPU configurations; Real world gaming and graphics performance can vary. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5080mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life during daily usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Poco X4 GT charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers more battery utility features including wireless and reverse charging. Poco X4 GT only supports wired fast charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72" sensor | S21 Ultra's primary camera captures more detailed images due to higher resolution and larger sensor. S21 Ultra has a slightly better performance under low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities for portrait and distant objects, which the Poco X4 GT lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor | S21 Ultra captures more detailed and higher quality selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers long-range optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco X4 GT allows for ultra-wide angle shots, while the S21 Ultra does not have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Poco X4 GT can take macro photos. The quality will be basic due to the low resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra can take ultrawide and macro photos, combining the functionalities into one. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, multiple 4K options | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers professional-level video recording capabilities (8K), while Poco X4 GT is limited to 4K. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera performance is rated, the Poco X4 GT is not rated. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra's front-facing camera is highly rated while Poco X4 GT isn't. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology provide a much better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a comprehensive camera setup, including telephoto lenses for optical zoom and higher-resolution front-facing camera. Records up to 8k video.
- More Battery Features: Provides Wireless and reverse wireless charging options, adding convenience and flexibility.
- Environmental Sensors: Adds an advanced barometer to the standard set of sensors
- Hi-Res Audio Playback: Better audio separation and immersion due to high-quality audio playback and noise canceling microphone.
- Higher RAM Options: Supports 12GB or 16GB of RAM.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging greatly reduces charging time.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Slightly smoother scrolling with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Better Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores suggest better performance in demanding tasks and games.
- Newer Bluetooth version
- Wide-Angle and Macro Camera: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro cameras
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Significantly pricier; heavier; lacks a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens
- Poco X4 GT: Lacks the advanced display, versatile camera system, wireless charging, and better audio quality of the S21 Ultra; has lower screen brightness
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a top-tier camera system with multiple lenses, high resolution, and versatile zoom capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who want the best possible display quality for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Power Users: Those who benefit from wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Professional Content Creators: Those who need high-quality audio recording and 8K video recording capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking professional-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Enjoying high-resolution HDR videos and media content.
- Presenting multimedia in an professional environment.
- Multitasking and running demanding applications smoothly.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT is ideal for:
- Gamers: Those who prioritize performance, a high refresh rate display, and fast charging capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking great performance without the price tag of premium devices.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who don't want long charging times.
- Users who value wide-angle and macro capabilities: Those who value having additional photo taking modes.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Quickly charging during brief breaks.
- Taking basic photos in various conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra offers a higher overall quality experience, but at a much higher price.
- The Poco X4 GT offers excellent performance at a more affordable price, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is the display quality? If you prioritize image quality, brightness, and vibrancy, the S21 Ultra's AMOLED display is the clear winner.
- What are my photography needs? For comprehensive camera capabilities, including telephoto lenses and 8K video recording, the S21 Ultra is better.
- How important is it to have the latest tech? The Poco X4 GT has a newer bluetooth version (5.3) and processor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer or content creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its camera versatility and video recording quality.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or someone on a budget: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT for its slightly better performance and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Everyday user who prioritizes visual experience and battery features: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for the best display, Wireless and reverse charging capabilities.
- Scenario 4: User who likes to take many photos but only needs basic quality: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT for the additional photo modes.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here’s why:
- Display Quality: For me the better display is critical because of the high amount of media consumption I do, and the AMOLED screen and brightness are crucial for that.
- Camera System: The versatility of the camera system, especially the telephoto lenses and the higher quality front-facing camera, is important to my creative process.
- Battery Features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities are a convenience I wouldn't want to give up.
- Build Quality: The better screen protection is important to me.
- Audio Playback: The Hi-Res audio playback and the additional noise canceling microphone are important to my everyday user experience.
While the Poco X4 GT offers faster charging, a slightly smoother display, and a more affordable price, the overall package and the features that the S21 Ultra has better fit my personal priorities and needs. Despite the older processor, the other advantages provide a better overall user experience for me, outweighing the marginal performance difference of the Poco X4 GT.
