Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-02-07 | The Poco X5 Pro is a newer model, potentially benefitting from more recent tech and software optimization. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm | The S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, feeling more substantial in hand. The Poco X5 Pro is more compact and may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 181g | The Poco X5 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | The S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra has a much sharper and more detailed display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 395 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density provides a visibly sharper and more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, creating a fluid and responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra's high brightness makes it much easier to see outdoors, particularly in bright sunlight. Poco X5 Pro's brightness info is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset generally offers slightly better raw performance for demanding tasks like gaming, but the difference isn't night and day for most users. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 609,106 | The S21 Ultra has a noticeable performance edge, leading to quicker app loads and smoother operation, especially with heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | The S21 Ultra's GPU offers better graphical performance, benefitting users who play graphics-intensive mobile games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | The S21 Ultra has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially allowing more light and detail capture, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | The S21 Ultra offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities for portrait and long-range shots, while the Poco X5 Pro lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | The S21 Ultra's front camera has significantly higher resolution, resulting in more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | The S21 Ultra offers another dedicated telephoto lens, enhancing zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | The Poco X5 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Poco X5 Pro has a macro lens for capturing close-up detail, which is missing on the S21 Ultra. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | The S21 Ultra has a wide-angle camera with macro capabilities, providing versatility for different shooting situations. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra supports higher video resolution, beneficial for those needing professional-level video quality. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | The S21 Ultra's DxOMark scores provide a benchmark for its camera's performance, the Poco X5 Pro has no data. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | The Poco X5 Pro's 67W fast charging can charge the phone much faster, useful for those needing a quick battery top-up. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse | Non-removable | The S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering more versatility for charging options and sharing. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, Max. 15 | Android 12, Max. 13 | The S21 Ultra has more potential software upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering fast and reliable network connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 with more codecs | Bluetooth 5.2 with fewer codecs | The S21 Ultra supports a wider range of Bluetooth codecs for higher-quality audio and more extensive connectivity with other devices. |
| GPS | Comprehensive GPS support | Various GPS support | Both support multiple satellite systems for accurate location tracking, with the S21 Ultra supporting slightly more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The S21 Ultra offers a 512GB storage option, ideal for those needing maximum space for photos, videos, and files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | The S21 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, enhancing multitasking performance and smooth app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | The S21 Ultra has a slightly better audio experience with Hi-Res audio, and noise cancellation mic for clearer audio calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted sensor on the Poco X5 Pro is more modern and efficient. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Additional Environmental Sensors | Basic Sensors | The S21 Ultra includes a Barometer that provides information about atmospheric pressure for outdoor activities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for sharper, more detailed images. Significantly higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Better Performance: Slightly faster chipset and more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding apps.
- Enhanced Camera System: More versatile camera setup with multiple telephoto lenses, a wide-angle + macro lens, larger sensors, wider apertures, and overall better video capabilities, including 8K recording and a high DxOMark score.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: More flexible charging options.
- Additional Software support: More OS updates
- Superior build and additional sensors Higher glass protection and barometer sensor.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime.
- Dedicated Macro & Wide Angle Camera: Offers macro & wide-angle lens for additional shooting options not present in the S21 Ultra.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: More modern sensor.
- More Recent Model More up to date hardware and software
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra sacrifices weight and size for its superior screen and camera.
- The Poco X5 Pro gives up performance and screen quality for faster charging, lighter design, and newer model
- The Poco X5 Pro's brightness is missing information
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want the most versatile and high-quality camera system, including advanced zoom capabilities and 8K video.
- Power Users: Individuals who need peak performance for demanding tasks, gaming, or heavy multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large, high-resolution, and bright display for an immersive viewing experience.
- Professionals: Those who need professional-grade camera and video capabilities.
- Users who require more software updates The S21 Ultra has a better track record for software updates.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Watching high-resolution movies and shows.
- Demanding productivity tasks with multiple apps open.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who seek a good balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who want a reliable phone for daily tasks and casual photography.
- Users Who Prioritize Portability and Ergonomics: Those who want a lighter, more compact, comfortable phone to use.
- Users that value fast charging Those who want the fastest charging time
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and videography.
- Light to medium gaming.
- Users who want a fast charging experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: top-tier image quality and display, or a budget-friendly phone that is light and can charge quickly? If you value camera versatility, display quality, and overall performance, the S21 Ultra is better. If portability and speed are your key drivers, the X5 Pro is more compelling.
- Do you need wireless charging and additional camera lenses? The S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and more versatility with its cameras, while the X5 Pro provides just the basic camera needs.
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a flagship phone while the X5 Pro is a budget phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior camera system and advanced video features.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: Choose the Poco X5 Pro for its lighter build, quicker charging, and affordability.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The S21 Ultra may be better for high end graphics with its more powerful performance.
- Scenario 4: Software Updates The S21 Ultra will receive more updates.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro offers a more modern design and faster charging, my priorities lean towards a high-quality display, camera versatility, and robust performance, which the S21 Ultra excels in. Although it is an older model, the S21 Ultra's screen, powerful performance, camera system and software support are more important to me, and is worth the trade-off in a slightly heavier design and slower charging speed. The missing brightness value on the Poco X5 Pro and DxOMark score also make it less enticing. The S21 Ultra's additional features like wireless charging and reverse charging are also more useful to me. Ultimately, the premium features and more comprehensive sensor suite make the S21 Ultra the more desirable device, for my specific needs.
