Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 205g | Poco X4 Pro is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has superior scratch and drop resistance, offering greater durability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra offers significantly better clarity and detail, making it suitable for pixel-peeping and content creators. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; Similar viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful chipset, offering superior performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 395,978 | S21 Ultra is much faster for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking. Poco X4 Pro is suitable for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra provides a better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. Poco X4 is suitable for basic tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm | S21 Ultra likely captures better low-light images due to a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra provides dedicated zoom and portrait capabilities, while the Poco X4 Pro does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution selfies with better low light performance. The Poco X4 has larger pixel size so it may capture more light under some conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated second telephoto zoom for enhanced long range zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Poco X4 Pro includes an ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes, which S21 Ultra lacks as a dedicated camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Poco X4 Pro includes a macro lens for close-up shots, which S21 Ultra lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 Ultra captures ultrawide shots and close up shots with this single lense, while the Poco X4 Pro uses two separate lenses to achieve a similar effect |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher video quality, suitable for professional content creation. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | No score available | S21 Ultra has been tested and performs well on both photo and video compared to others on this scale (DXOMARK). |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | No score available | S21 Ultra has been tested and performs well on both photo and video compared to others on this scale (DXOMARK). |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K video, Optical zoom, OIS, Laser AF, PDAF | Digital Zoom, Ultra stable video, Autofocus | S21 Ultra provides superior video and zoom capabilities with advanced focusing systems and stabilization. Poco X4 Pro focuses on stability in video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery life, though real-world usage may vary based on individual habits. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco X4 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and making it ideal for busy users. |
| Features | Wireless/Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge and reverse charge other devices, adding versatility, but lacks an included charger. Poco X4 only has non-removable |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | S21 Ultra will likely have a longer software support, with the newest features of later Android releases. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra offers better speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Both have low energy Bluetooth 5.2 |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | BeiDou (B1) | S21 Ultra has more satellite systems to improve location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have Dual SIM Support |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options, suitable for users with large media libraries. Poco X4 Pro has an option with 64 GB for a lower cost. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra excels in heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports memory card expansion. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancelling mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have similar audio features, S21 ultra is a little more advanced, with a noise cancelling mic. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Poco X4 Pro's side-mounted sensor is more convenient and faster for many users. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | S21 Ultra offers a wider range of sensors for enhanced functionality, such as a Barometer for air pressure readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness result in a significantly sharper and more visible screen, especially in bright conditions.
- Flagship Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much higher performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system with telephoto lenses, better low-light performance, higher resolution videos, and advanced video features like 8K recording.
- Better Software Support: Likely to receive more software updates and security patches.
- Better Security and Sensors: Greater variety of sensors can help with daily tasks.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages
- Significantly Lower Price: The Poco X4 Pro is much more affordable than the S21 Ultra, making it a strong value option.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation.
- Ultrawide and Macro Lenses: Provides a dedicated ultrawide and macro camera, offering different creative options.
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: Premium features come with a higher price tag, bulkier design, and potentially less convenient charging speed.
- Poco X4 Pro: Lacks the raw power and advanced camera features of the S21 Ultra and has a lower resolution display, but provides a great user experience for the price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with multiple zoom options and excellent image quality.
- Content Creators: Professionals who need high-resolution video recording (up to 8K) and advanced editing capabilities.
- Users Prioritizing Display Quality: Individuals who value the sharpest, most vibrant display for a premium viewing experience.
Specific Use Cases: Professional photography, graphic design, resource-intensive gaming, outdoor use under bright sunlight.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users seeking a reliable smartphone with good features at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize basic daily tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: Those who need quick battery top-ups to minimize downtime.
- Users wanting lighter build: Those that may find the S21 Ultra to bulky and heavy.
Specific Use Cases: Everyday use, social media browsing, video streaming, casual gaming, and travel (due to the light weight).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Case: What will you primarily use the phone for? (e.g., gaming, photography, social media, daily tasks)
- Priorities: Which features are most important to you? (e.g., display quality, camera performance, battery life, processing power)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Best Performance & Camera
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. If budget is not a primary concern, the S21 Ultra offers unmatched performance and a superior camera system with advanced features.
- Scenario 2: Best Value & Fast Charging
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. This phone provides a balance of features with fast charging capabilities at a much lower cost.
- Scenario 3: Daily Use with Outdoor Visibility
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The screen brightness of the S21 Ultra is greatly superior to the Poco X4 Pro, making it better for outdoors.
- Scenario 4: Lightweight and Convenient
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. The lighter weight and slimmer form factor, along with a side mounted fingerprint scanner is preferred for users who value these factors.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
While the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is an excellent value phone, the S21 Ultra is the superior choice for my specific needs and preferences. I often use my phone for photography, video recording, and graphic design, all of which greatly benefit from the S21 Ultra's higher processing power, advanced camera system with optical zoom, and much sharper display with greater brightness. While the higher price and bulkier design are drawbacks, the performance and overall user experience it offers is unmatched. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is also something I value, while also liking the longer software support that this device will receive.
