Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Apple iPhone 13 mini
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.7 mm | S21 5G is significantly larger, making the iPhone 13 mini more pocketable and easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 141g | iPhone 13 mini is notably lighter, enhancing portability and comfort. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 5.4" | S21 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. iPhone 13 mini is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp; minor difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 476 | iPhone 13 mini has a sharper display due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar high-quality display technology with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 5G is slightly brighter, which helps in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic in iPhone 13 mini offers significantly higher benchmark performance. Expect faster app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,250,240 | iPhone 13 mini has significantly superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (4-core) | A15 Bionic GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.7µm | iPhone 13 mini has a wider aperture (f/1.6), allowing for better low-light performance on paper. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom capabilities. |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Both offer ultra-wide capabilities, iPhone has a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.2, Pixel size unkown | iPhone 13 mini has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 5G can record in higher 8K resolution, better for professionals |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 125 | iPhone 13 mini has a better overall camera score and significantly better video score. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | 134 | iPhone 13 mini has a slightly higher overall selfie score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 2438mAh | S21 5G has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life. Actual endurance may vary based on use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | 20W Fast Charging, MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | S21 5G offers faster wired charging and reverse wireless charging. iPhone 13 mini offers MagSafe for easy wireless charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | iOS 15 (up to 18) | Android provides more customization, while iOS is known for its smooth operation and tight ecosystem. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi. S21 5G offers Wi-Fi Direct and Display, iPhone has Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have Bluetooth 5.0. S21 5G has more codec support, iPhone has AAC codec |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | S21 5G has broader satellite support, potentially better accuracy in some locations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | S21 5G supports two physical SIMs, iPhone has one physical and one digital eSIM. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | iPhone 13 mini has more storage option (512GB). |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB | S21 5G has more RAM, potentially better for multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 13 mini has enhanced audio features with Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/DTS X, and 3 microphones, offering slightly better sound quality for calls and media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 5G has a fingerprint sensor for biometric security, while iPhone uses FaceID |
| Build Quality & Sensors | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 5G has broader sensor suite for wider functionalities and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, though real-world performance varies.
- Faster Wired Charging: Refuels the battery faster than the iPhone.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated zoom lens for better optical zoom capabilities.
- 8K Video: Supports higher video resolution for professionals.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers an alternative biometric security option.
- More RAM: Better for multitasking
- Wider Sensor Suite: Broader sensor capabilities for advanced use cases and gaming
- Dual physical SIMs: Supports two SIM cards
Apple iPhone 13 mini Advantages:
- Smaller and Lighter: More comfortable for one-handed use and better pocketability.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for a crisper viewing experience.
- Superior Performance: A15 Bionic chip provides much better benchmark scores.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher video recording score and overall mobile camera performance.
- Better Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus and DTS / DTS X and 3 microphones
- MagSafe: Convenient magnetic wireless charging and accessories.
- More Storage Options: Option for 512GB of storage
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed to receive iOS updates for a longer period.
- eSIM support: Supports eSIM functionality, enabling multiple phone lines on one device.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 5G: Larger size may be cumbersome for some users; Performance lower than the iPhone 13 Mini.
- iPhone 13 mini: Smaller screen and lower battery may not be ideal for heavy media consumption; Higher price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, or play games and prefer a larger screen.
- Power Users: Individuals who need multitasking capabilities and appreciate the larger display.
- Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera with zoom capabilities and 8k video.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those who prefer the customizability of Android over iOS.
- Users wanting fingerprint unlock prefer this over FaceID
- Users needing dual physical SIMs
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Documenting events with zoom and higher video capabilities.
- Multitasking between various applications.
Apple iPhone 13 mini is ideal for:
- Users with smaller hands: The compact size is perfect for comfortable one-handed use.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who want top-tier performance in a compact device.
- Users wanting portability: Users that prefer light weight phones that fit into small pockets
- iOS Ecosystem Lovers: Users who prefer iOS's ease of use and tight ecosystem.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera image quality.
- Users wanting the MagSafe Ecosystem: For convenient accessories
- Users wanting extended software support
Specific Use Cases:
- Quickly texting or browsing the web on the go.
- Running processor-intensive apps and games
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in a variety of scenarios.
- Utilizing the Apple ecosystem for seamless integration with other Apple products.
Price-to-Value:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Provides great value, offering a large screen, solid performance, and versatile camera at a competitive price, if not cheaper than the iPhone.
- Apple iPhone 13 mini: Justifies the higher cost with exceptional performance, compact design, and seamless iOS experience for those who need a small, powerful phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your preferred size and weight? (Do you prioritize portability or a larger screen?)
- How much emphasis do you place on gaming and performance? (Are you looking for the best raw speed or is good enough good enough?)
- Which ecosystem is more important? (Do you prefer the customizability of Android or the seamlessness of iOS?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption & Multitasking): If you prioritize a larger display for media and prefer to multitask, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Portability): If you prioritize top-tier performance and prefer a smaller phone that's easy to carry, the Apple iPhone 13 mini is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera-Focused Use): If you need versatile zoom capabilities and higher video recording quality go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, if you want the best image quality and video performance go for the Apple iPhone 13 mini.
- Scenario 4 (Budget Conscious): If you are on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides great value.
What I Would Choose and Why!
Given my priorities, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
- Larger Display for Media Consumption: As someone who enjoys watching videos and browsing content, the larger 6.2-inch display with its smooth 120Hz refresh rate offers a more immersive experience.
- Versatile Camera: I value the flexibility of having a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and the 8K video recording.
- Android Customization: I prefer the open and customizable nature of the Android ecosystem over iOS.
- Dual physical SIMs: I like that I can use two physical SIMs at the same time.
- Value Proposition: It is likely more affordable than the iPhone 13 mini while still delivering great performance for everyday use.
While the iPhone 13 mini has significant advantages in performance and portability, my personal use case leans more towards the larger screen and camera flexibility of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The difference in raw performance is less important to me than having a more enjoyable media consumption experience, and I prefer the customization and options offered by Android.
