1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | S21 is more compact and lighter, potentially more comfortable for single-hand use; X30 is larger, might be better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 169g | 185g | S21 is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged holding and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.43" | X30 offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 409 | Practically identical sharpness on both screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; both have good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 has smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 has far superior outdoor visibility under bright conditions; Nokia X30 information is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 has a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 410,072 | S21 has dramatically higher performance and will handle demanding tasks much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21's GPU has far better performance, improving graphical performance in games and other graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4200mAh | X30 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | X30 charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 offers more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | X30 has a higher resolution sensor, which may capture more detail in good lighting conditions; S21 has slightly bigger pixels. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | X30 has higher resolution; S21 has slightly wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia X30 allows capturing ultra-wide images |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 includes a dedicated wide-angle macro lens for detailed macro shots |
| Video | Up to 8K @24fps | 1080p@60fps | S21 can record much higher resolution video; the S21 provides better video quality than the Nokia X30 |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21 has been rated for camera quality with a score of 111 by DXOMark; there is no rating for Nokia X30 so it's performance cannot be objectively measured |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | S21 has been rated for front camera quality with a score of 132 by DXOMark; there is no rating for Nokia X30 so its performance cannot be objectively measured |
| Camera Features | More Features | Fewer Features | S21 offers advanced camera features such as Optical Zoom, 8K recording, RAW, etc; The Nokia X30 features a dual camera and CDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | S21 has newer OS with a longer OS upgrade commitment. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | X30 has slightly more modern Bluetooth, but both support essential audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | QZSS | Both provide reliable navigation but S21 has more precise GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 generally offers similar or better multitasking capabilities depending on the Nokia X30 configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21 has a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have good scratch resistance for daily use. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | None | S21 has more environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience.
- Better Display: Brighter screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and better visibility in bright sunlight, resulting in a more pleasing visual experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens with optical zoom, a dedicated macro lens, and the ability to shoot 8K video, offering more creative options and overall better quality.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation for enhanced audio quality.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers more versatile charging options, including the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- More comprehensive sensors: The addition of a compass and barometer allows more in depth sensor information.
- Longer OS Upgrade Commitment: Receives more major OS updates providing a longer period of supported use
- Superior scores for camera performance: The S21 has been tested by DXOMark to have a better overall camera performance both front and back than the Nokia X30.
Practical Implications:
- The S21 is better suited for users who need high performance for gaming or demanding applications, appreciate excellent screen quality, and value camera versatility.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Offers slightly better battery capacity and charges faster.
- Wide Angle Lens: Allows for a wider field of view when taking photos which is not an option with the S21.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Has slightly more modern Bluetooth for better wireless connectivity.
- Newer Android out of the box: It comes with Android 12 as opposed to Android 11 out of the box.
Practical Implications:
- The X30 is better suited for users who prioritize battery life, want a wide-angle camera, and prefer the latest out of box version of android software.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Nokia X30 significantly underperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in benchmarks, potentially resulting in a less smooth user experience.
- Camera System: The X30 lacks the versatility and advanced features of the S21's camera, particularly the optical zoom capability, higher resolution video, and dedicated macro lens.
- Display: The lack of brightness information and slower refresh rate on the X30 are concerning as they may indicate reduced quality as compared to the S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and the ability to record high-quality video.
- Media Consumers: People who want a vibrant screen, smooth animations, and good audio quality for watching videos and movies.
- Power Users: Users who appreciate wireless and reverse charging capabilities for maximum convenience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in diverse situations.
- Streaming high-definition movies and TV shows.
- Using productivity apps that require fast performance.
Nokia X30 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who need a reliable smartphone without demanding high-end performance or camera specifications.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who value a longer battery life for prolonged use.
- Wide Angle Lens Focus: Users who want to take ultra wide pictures
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use, browsing, and communication.
- Taking casual photos in good lighting.
- Users who prefer the newest out of the box OS software.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 has higher upfront cost but provides far more performance and features, making it more expensive but may be better for the money for many users. The Nokia X30 will likely be cheaper but compromises on performance and camera capabilities, leading to a lower total cost with a lower level of performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is high performance for gaming and demanding apps?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need telephoto zoom, high-resolution video, or advanced camera features?
- Display Importance: How critical is a bright display with a high refresh rate for everyday use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance & Camera): If you prioritize high performance, a better display, and a versatile camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the superior choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Battery Focused): If you prioritize battery life, a lower cost, and don't need top-tier performance or camera capabilities, the Nokia X30 is a more appropriate option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Approach): If you desire a balanced phone with a wide-angle camera, a newer out-of-box OS, and a cheaper price, the Nokia X30 would be a better option as it still offers good performance and is a good mid-range phone.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Although it is an older device, the performance difference between the two is so significant that the S21 will provide a far smoother and more pleasing user experience for most tasks. The vastly superior camera system, the brighter, smoother display, wireless charging, and better overall audio quality are all features that I personally value, making it a more attractive option despite being older. The Nokia X30 is a decent mid range phone, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a much better performing flagship.
