1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | Poco X3 NFC is slightly wider and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 215g | 227g | S21 Ultra is slightly heavier, potentially noticeable during long periods of use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper and more detailed display, resulting in a noticeably better viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 515 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display, with finer details visible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 Ultra offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency (especially with dark mode). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | S21 Ultra offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 749,000 | S21 Ultra is much faster in real-world tasks, including app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | S21 Ultra provides superior graphics performance, essential for demanding games and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with better low-light performance due to the larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" + 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clear images at a distance. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | The Poco X3 NFC offers this, but the S21 Ultra offers a wide angle + macro camera. This is useful for getting more in a shot, or getting very close to a subject. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed and higher-quality selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra allows for recording higher-resolution videos, offering more detail and flexibility in post-production. |
| Camera Features | Digital Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) + Digital Image Stabilization | S21 Ultra provides better stabilization, especially in low-light conditions, resulting in smoother videos and sharper photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 NFC charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 9W | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches. |
| Software | |||
| OS (at launch) | Android 10 | Android 11 | S21 Ultra launched with a newer Android version. |
| Max OS Version | Android 12 | Android 15 | S21 Ultra is expected to receive updates for a longer period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | S21 Ultra has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with potential improvements in range and efficiency. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options, suitable for users with large media libraries or numerous apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | S21 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding applications more smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and supports high-resolution audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | In-display Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer convenient biometric authentication. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S21 Ultra has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, offering good value for money.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 33W charging vs 25W on the S21 Ultra.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: While the S21 Ultra has a proximity sensor, it is not specified if it is ultrasonic. This type of sensor can provide greater range.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and significantly higher brightness.
- Flagship Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers telephoto lenses, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and 8K video recording.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and advanced connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2).
- Software Support: Longer software update commitment.
- Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos: Provides a better audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 NFC: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for affordability.
- S21 Ultra: Higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize value for money.
- Users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
- Users who don't require the best possible performance or camera quality.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for students or individuals on a tight budget.
- Secondary phone for travel or outdoor activities.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Ideal User:
- Users who demand the best possible performance and features.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a premium display experience.
- Professionals who need a reliable and feature-rich phone for work.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming.
- Demanding productivity tasks.
- Media consumption (movies, TV shows, games).
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference is substantial.
- What are your primary uses for the phone? Gaming, photography, or basic communication?
- How important is display quality and performance to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget: If your budget is a major constraint, the Poco X3 NFC offers a decent experience for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Priority: If you need a high-performance phone with a top-tier camera system, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you want a good balance of features and performance without breaking the bank, explore other phones in the mid-range category as these two phones are very different.
My Choice
If budget wasn't a concern, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The superior display quality, significantly better performance, and more versatile camera system make it a much more enjoyable and capable device for my daily use. The S21 Ultra's feature set such as hi-res audio and Dolby Atmos adds value to daily usage scenarios. The longer software support also ensures that the phone remains up-to-date and secure for a longer period. While the Poco X3 NFC is a decent phone for the price, the overall experience offered by the S21 Ultra is significantly better and worth the investment if possible.
