Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Blackview A96
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-01 | Blackview A96 is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm | Blackview A96 is larger and thicker, making the S21 5G more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 169g | 193.9g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | Blackview A96 offers a slightly larger display, potentially better for media consumption, but less convenient for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones have the same resolution, leading to similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 405 | Both phones offer similar pixel density, providing comparable clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G's AMOLED provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, offering a richer viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation with the 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G's display is significantly brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility and readability in sunlight. The Blackview A96 brightness information is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21 5G's Exynos 2100 offers significantly higher processing power, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 423,393 | S21 5G's much higher benchmark score indicates superior performance, especially for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 5G's more powerful GPU provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and graphically intense applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm (Sony IMX555) | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2", 0.8µm (Samsung S5KGM2) | Blackview has higher resolution but smaller sensor and pixel size; The Samsung has larger pixel size which improves light capture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm (Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | None | S21 5G offers optical zoom and better portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm (Sony IMX374) | 16MP, 1/3", 1.0µm (Hynix HI-1634) | Blackview A96 offers a higher resolution front camera and slightly larger sensor, but smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | Blackview A96 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Blackview A96 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (Sony IMX563) | None | S21 5G combines ultrawide and macro in one lens for flexible shooting. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | S21 5G offers significantly higher quality video recording with 8K support, better stabilization and slow-motion capabilities, making it suitable for advanced video creation. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | Overall: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 | N/A | S21 5G's scores show better image quality than the Blackview, which lacks a score. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | Overall: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | N/A | S21 5G scores show its front facing camera has better results compared to the Blackview A96. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Digital/Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Front Flash | S21 5G offers significantly more features for advanced photography and videography. Blackview has a front flash for better selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4380mAh | Blackview A96 has a slightly larger battery, which could lead to slightly longer battery life, though real-world results will vary with usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No Charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 5G offers more convenient charging options, but lacks an included charger, whereas the Blackview is simpler, and likely to come with an in-box charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto, ultrawide, and wide angle cameras, 8K video recording, OIS, and optical zoom for versatile and high-quality photography and videography.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports faster wired charging and convenient wireless charging.
- Better Audio Experience: Includes Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone.
- More Comprehensive Connectivity and Location Capabilities: Including Wi-Fi 6 and additional GPS services.
Blackview A96 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android OS (Android 13).
- Larger Screen: Slightly larger display provides a better experience for media consumption, although at the expense of compactness.
- Larger battery Small bump in capacity, but real world battery life is dependent on user patterns.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro lenses: Offers more versatility for different shooting needs.
- Higher resolution front camera: Allows for more detail in selfies
- Front Flash: Enables better quality selfies in low light.
- Potentially lower price Blackview devices are typically sold at a lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Lacks an included charger, is slightly older, and is more expensive.
- Blackview A96: Significantly lower performance, weaker display quality, basic camera features, slower charging, and less advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy high-quality video content and want a vibrant and sharp display.
- Users valuing convenience: People who appreciate features like wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming with high refresh rate and powerful GPU
- Content Creation with high resolution video recording
- Mobile Photography with optical zoom and versatility
- Everyday use with good visibility in bright light
Blackview A96 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those needing a device that can last long without charging
- Users wanting a newer OS
- Users who like larger phones: Those who prefer a larger screen for media consumption.
Use Cases:
- Basic Smartphone tasks
- Multimedia Consumption
- Users that require longer battery life for travel or extended use
- Users needing a dedicated wide and macro lens.
- Users who want a selfie front flash.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, basic tasks, etc.)
- What is your budget?
- What specific features are essential for you? (Display quality, camera, performance, battery life, etc.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Camera are Critical - If you prioritize performance, advanced camera features, and a vibrant display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious and Basic Tasks - If you're on a tight budget and mainly need a phone for basic tasks, media consumption, and prefer a slightly larger display the Blackview A96 might be a more suitable choice
- Scenario 3: Battery Life Focused- The Blackview A96 with its larger battery is slightly better for this use case.
My Choice
Based on the specifications and my own preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Blackview A96 is newer, and potentially cheaper, the S21 5G offers a vastly superior user experience in terms of:
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a significant performance boost for smoother day to day operations, gaming, and multitasking.
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display offers a significantly better viewing experience with superior contrast and outdoor visibility.
- Camera Versatility: The S21 5G offers a more versatile camera system including telephoto, ultrawide, and macro lenses, alongside high resolution video with enhanced features like OIS and optical zoom.
- Wireless Charging: I value the convenience of wireless charging.
- Better Audio Quality: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone offer a better audio experience.
While I would miss out on the slightly larger battery, higher res front camera and the dedicated wide and macro cameras of the A96, I believe the overall benefits of a smoother, more feature rich experience of the S21 5G are worth the trade offs for my personal needs.
