1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable; Nothing Phone (1) is larger, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 193.5g | S21 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | S21 has better screen scratch and drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming; S21 is more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; Both screens are detailed. |
| PPI | 421 | 402 | Similar pixel density; Both displays will appear sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality displays with deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | S21 generally has better performance for demanding tasks and heavy gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 624,253 | S21 has significantly higher benchmark scores; generally faster overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | Different GPUs; S21's GPU is more powerful for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | Nothing Phone (1) captures more detail; S21 may perform slightly better in low-light due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Nothing Phone (1) has higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (1) captures more detail with wide-angle but S21 has larger pixels. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 supports significantly higher video resolution; both have EIS for stable recording. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | S21 has been independently rated, offering a benchmark for camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Identical wireless charging speeds. |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W | 5W | Similar reverse wireless charging speeds. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly newer OS out of the box. Both have the same upgrade potential. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO | Both support similar standards; Nothing Phone (1) has MIMO for improved speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) uses newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS, NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has more satellite systems for improved accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers a higher RAM option for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | S21 provides enhanced spatial audio; Nothing Phone (1) might have slightly clearer voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | S21 includes barometer for environmental data, Nothing Phone (1) includes RGB for light sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly higher benchmark scores, translating to smoother performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, and supports higher resolution video recording up to 8K. Includes higher DxOMark scores, meaning the cameras are of higher quality.
- Brighter Display: Offers slightly better outdoor visibility due to higher peak brightness.
- Premium Build and Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos for better spatial audio experience and a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger battery capacity provides extended usage time.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery refills.
- More RAM Options: Offers a 12 GB RAM option for demanding users.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better energy efficiency and potentially faster transfer speeds.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems: Better location accuracy due to additional GPS systems.
- Slightly Newer OS Out of Box: Comes with a newer version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Slightly smaller screen and shorter battery life compared to the Nothing Phone (1).
- S21: Older software out of the box but both have the same maximum upgrade potential.
- Nothing Phone (1): Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and 8K video recording, doesn't have an official DxOmark score which is a good indicator of overall camera quality. The performance is not on par with the Galaxy S21.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal for:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need the best possible performance for intensive tasks and high-end gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera performance, particularly telephoto zoom capabilities and higher-resolution video recording.
- Users who prefer smaller form factors: Prefer a more pocketable and compact phone.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Users who need high brightness for outdoor visibility and premium screen protection.
- Users who want better audio: Those who prioritize spatial audio for an immersive experience and better noise cancellation for calls.
Nothing Phone (1) is Ideal for:
- Casual Users and Media Consumers: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and streaming.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Those who need their phone to last a full day of usage.
- Users who prefer Larger Screens: Those who prefer a larger screen for content consumption and gaming.
- Users who value fast charging: Those who need to be able to quickly recharge their phones.
- Users seeking unique design: Those who prioritize a distinctive aesthetic with the Glyph interface.
- Users who want better location accuracy: Those who need very accurate GPS data.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G typically has a higher price point due to its premium features and better performance.
- The Nothing Phone (1) is positioned as a more affordable option, offering a good balance of features and performance for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize top-tier performance for demanding games and apps, or is mid-range performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need optical zoom and 8K video recording, or is good standard camera performance adequate?
- Battery and Display Preference: Do you prioritize battery life and a larger display, or a more compact phone with a brighter display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Power User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its superior performance and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Casual Media Consumer/Everyday User:
- Recommendation: Nothing Phone (1) is a strong contender due to its larger display, longer battery life, and faster charging, at a potentially lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is recommended for its telephoto lens, 8K video, and overall higher quality camera capabilities, although the Nothing phone (1) has higher resolution sensors.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. My primary considerations are performance and camera capabilities. While the Nothing Phone (1) offers a larger screen and battery, which are tempting, the S21's significantly better performance, superior camera system (including telephoto zoom and higher-resolution video), and enhanced audio features align more closely with my needs. I also appreciate the brighter screen for better outdoor visibility, and the slightly smaller form factor is easier for me to handle one-handed. I am also not too concerned with the slightly older Android version out of box and prefer the added features that Samsung provides over stock Android.
Although the Nothing Phone (1) is a compelling option for those focused on value, battery, or a unique design, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides a more premium experience in the areas I value most.
