Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE 5G is more compact and easier to handle, while X3 Pro is bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 177g | S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to carry around. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | X3 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. S21 FE 5G is more compact and easier for one-handed use, however. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness, with negligible difference in detail. |
| PPI | 395 | 403 | Similar pixel density; both displays offer clear images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S21 FE 5G's AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, higher contrast, better viewing angles, and improved battery efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, which is great for gaming and general responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE 5G is much brighter, offering significantly improved outdoor visibility in bright conditions. The X3 Pro is hard to see in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | S21 FE 5G offers superior performance for demanding tasks, faster app loading, and more fluid multitasking, and more optimized for 5G speeds.. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 923,836 | S21 FE 5G will provide a smoother experience in general use and higher frame rates in gaming, and it is also more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE 5G has a significantly more powerful GPU, providing higher performance in graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | S21 FE 5G's larger sensor and pixel size captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. X3 Pro's high resolution allows for slightly better zooming. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21 FE 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better portraits and zoomed shots; something lacking in the X3 Pro. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | S21 FE 5G has higher resolution for more detailed selfies and larger sensor size, which makes it more suitable for lower-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | None | X3 Pro offers ultra-wide perspective for landscape or group shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode shots. However, software processing can be as effective, depending on implementation. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | X3 Pro allows capturing close up subjects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21 FE 5G offers a combined wide-angle and macro lens offering versatility. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | HDR, EIS | S21 FE 5G offers more advanced video stabilization for smoother footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Not Available | Main score: 117, Photo score: 119, Video score: 107 | S21 FE 5G has been rated by DxOMark and can be a reliable benchmark. |
| DXOMark Selfie | Not Available | Main score: 127, Photo score: 126, Video score: 130 | S21 FE 5G has been rated by DxOMark and can be a reliable benchmark. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | X3 Pro's larger battery likely provides longer battery life for typical use, while the S21 FE 5G might require more frequent charging with heavy use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | X3 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime; S21 FE 5G is slightly slower but also has fast charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No charger in-box | S21 FE 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, which provides convenience for other devices, but no charger in-box, while the X3 Pro has no such capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life, beneficial for users who frequently use their phone throughout the day without access to a charger.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster, which helps to get back up and running quickly, beneficial for people on the go.
- Wider variety of Camera Lenses: Has a dedicated macro and depth sensor, offering additional variety for photographers.
- Lower Price: Usually more affordable, making it more accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility compared to IPS LCD.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset is significantly faster and more powerful than the Snapdragon 860, better for demanding tasks and gaming.
- More Advanced Camera: Better low-light performance, optical zoom capabilities, more sophisticated video recording features, and overall better quality images.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features.
- Water Resistance: Likely has better water and dust resistance (IP68) although no spec is listed, which makes it more robust against the elements.
- Better software support: Samsung provides longer software support.
- Better Build Quality: S21 FE 5G has Gorilla Glass Victus compared to Gorilla Glass 6 on the X3 Pro, this means it is more resistant to scratches and cracking.
- Slightly More Compact and Lighter: More comfortable for daily use and carrying around.
Trade-offs
- Poco X3 Pro: Offers a bigger battery and faster charging but at the expense of display quality, overall performance, and camera features. Its build is also less premium compared to the S21 FE.
- S21 FE 5G: Offers a better display, performance, and camera at the cost of a slightly smaller battery, slower charging speeds, and a higher price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value battery life, a large screen, and decent performance for casual use. Gamers on a budget might also appreciate it.
- Use Cases:
- Long gaming sessions (despite slightly lower GPU performance).
- Media consumption on a large screen.
- Users needing a reliable phone with good battery backup, but are less concerned about premium features or camera quality.
- Those who want to take a variety of different photos, even if quality is lower.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, excellent performance, and a versatile camera system. Those who appreciate wireless charging and good software support.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile photography and videography with high dynamic range and zoom capabilities.
- Demanding gaming and multitasking.
- Users who consume a lot of visual content and want a vibrant display.
- Users who value the convenience of wireless charging and a more premium feel.
- Users who want a phone that will have a long software life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is your budget? If you are very price-conscious, the Poco X3 Pro offers better battery life and is cheaper. If budget is not a concern, the S21 FE 5G offers premium features.
- How important is the display to you? If display quality is critical for your usage, the S21 FE 5G is significantly superior because of its AMOLED panel.
- What kind of tasks will you perform most often? Casual use? gaming? If it is casual use, the X3 Pro is sufficient, but for heavy use, the S21 FE 5G is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Tight Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its large battery and decent performance at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its superior processor and GPU, ensuring better gaming experience and longer software support.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G because of its overall camera capabilities, with its optical zoom and OIS.
- Scenario 4: User Prioritizing Display Quality: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its vibrant AMOLED screen with superior outdoor visibility.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
My reasoning is as follows: While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has the benefit of a larger battery and faster charging, the overall experience of using the S21 FE 5G would be significantly better. The AMOLED screen is a game-changer, providing a much more immersive and enjoyable experience. The performance boost from the Snapdragon 888 chipset is also very noticeable, ensuring smooth and responsive operation even during heavy multitasking and gaming. The camera system on the S21 FE 5G is also superior, offering better image quality, optical zoom capabilities, and more advanced video recording features. While the S21 FE 5G is more expensive, the benefits it offers in display, performance, and camera features are worth the extra cost, providing a more premium experience that I would appreciate on a day-to-day basis, especially when using the phone outside. Finally, the longer software support also means that the S21 FE 5G will be relevant for longer than the X3 Pro.
