Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: When it comes to performance, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is better. However, when it comes to camera and durability, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a lot to offer. So which is better? This comparison post will guide you to make a better purchasing decision.
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro
| Specifications | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Display | 6.7-inch, 120Hz | 6.8-inch, 120Hz |
| RAM | 8 / 12GB | 12 / 16GB |
| Storage | 128 / 256GB | 128 – 512GB |
| Back Camera | 50 + 50 + 50MP | 108 + 10 + 10 + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 40MP |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 888 5G |
| Software | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Battery | 4,600mAh (120W) | 5,000mAh (25W) |
See Also: Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Which is better
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a slightly bigger screen. A 6.8-inch QHD+ OLED with 120Hz refresh rate enabled. The screen is protected by corning Gorilla glass victus and features IP68 certification (water and dust resistance). Outdoor, the screen can peak up to 1500 nits of brightness, with an under-display fingerprint scanner.
While Xiaomi 12 Pro has 6.7-inch LTPO QHD+ super AMOLED touchscreen with 120 Hz refresh rate support. The screen can refresh between 1-120Hz depending on the task at hand. There’s also an in-display fingerprint scanner with corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The brightness peaks 1500 nits with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ contents.
In overall, the displays on both devices are sharp, bright and good for media consumption. However, when it comes to durability, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is better because it has water and dust resistance rating.
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has quad rear camera system, there’s 108 MP OIS main snapper which is supported by 12 MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) and 10 MP telephoto lens (10x optical zoom).
While upfront there’s a 40 MP selfie camera. The main back camera can record video in 8k resolution, while the front facing camera can record video in 4k max resolution.
In comparison, Xiaomi 12 Pro has a triple rear setup. A 50MP OIS main cam, alongside a 50MP for an ultrawide and 50 MP telephoto lens (2x optical zoom). Upfront it has 32MP for selfie. The rear camera can record video in 8k resolution, while the front camera can only do 1080p video recording max.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra gives you better zooming experience. And the selfie camera is better as well. But aside from that, both devices are good for photography and videography.
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See Also: Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Which is better
Performance | Storage | RAM | 5G
Sitting at the helm of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It is a 5G SoC that is fabricated on a 4nm node with a performance that is 25% better than its predecessor – Snapdragon 888. In terms of configuration, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is available in 8/12 GB of RAM and 128/256 GB storage (no space for micro SD card).
While Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by Snapdragon 888 5G chipset (5nm), paired with 12/16 GB RAM and available in 128 GB – 512 GB storage options.
Comparing both performances, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is better. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 gen 1 that has 25% faster CPU and powerful GPU than the Snapdragon 888. On Geekbench and AnTuTu the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 1 beats the Snapdragon 888 chip hands down.
See Also: Xiaomi 12 Pro Price in UK and Availability
See Also: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE price in UK revealed ahead of Launch
Software
The Xiaomi 12 Pro runs MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box. While Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boots One UI 3.1 skin software based on Android 11 out of the box. Although the Galaxy S21 Ultra is now getting Android 12 update.
Battery
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra packs 5,000 mAh battery capacity with 25W fast charge support. The charging speed technology is very slow compared to modern day charging speed.
On the other hand, Xiaomi 12 Pro has 4,600 mAh battery capacity that is splitted into two cells that charge at 120W via cable and up to 50W wirelessly. According to Xiaomi, the Xiaomi 12 Pro can be charged from 0-100% in 18 mins.
See Also: Xiaomi 12 Pro now available for purchase for $899
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Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Price
At the moment, both smartphones have the same starting price which is $899. In some cases the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is even cheaper selling for $820 on Amazon.
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Verdict
Xiaomi 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra are very good smartphones with plenty value for money. But the Xiaomi 12 Pro has a better performance and faster charging speed. However, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a better camera and it’s more durable.
So if I’m to score both smartphones by percentage. I’ll score the Xiaomi 12 Pro (50%) while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (50%).
Buy Galaxy S21 Ultra and Xiaomi 12 Pro
| Galaxy S21 Ultra | Price | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Price |
| Amazon US | $949 | Buy on Giztop | $899 |
| Amazon UK | £999 |
