Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Nothing Phone (2a)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | S21 5G is more compact, easier to handle with one hand; 2a is larger, more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 5G is lighter and more comfortable for extended use. The 2a is heavier and could be less comfortable for some. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | S21 5G offers superior scratch and shatter resistance for the display. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | 2a offers a more immersive experience due to larger screen; S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are very similar; sharpness is virtually identical in real-world use. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | S21 5G has slightly crisper text and images on screen due to higher pixel density. Not hugely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are excellent for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | S21 5G's chipset provides marginally higher performance in benchmarks; 2a's chip is newer, more power efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 688,952 | S21 5G will offer smoother, faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming. 2a will feel slightly less powerful |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G610 MC4 (ARM Mali-G610 MC4) | S21 5G has a more powerful GPU, offering slightly better gaming performance; both are capable for everyday use. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555, 1.80µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.56" Samsung GN9, 1.00µm | 2a captures more detail; S21 5G may perform slightly better in low-light due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom quality; 2a lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615, 0.80µm | 2a has higher resolution for more detailed selfies; S21 5G might perform better in low-light with larger pixels. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | 2a captures higher resolution wide photos; S21 5G sensor is larger, and may result in better performance in low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | S21 5G offers higher video resolution (8K) for professional use; both have stabilization for smoother footage. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Overall 111, Photo 118, Video 90 | Not Tested | S21 5G has scored well in camera tests. 2a has no available scores, making direct comparison difficult. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Overall 132, Photo 125, Video 145 | Not Tested | S21 5G scores higher in selfie quality than its main camera; 2a has no available scores. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus | Time-Lapse, Dual camera | S21 5G provides more camera features and flexibility, the 2a provides more basic features with Time-Lapse. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | 2a will likely have significantly longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | 2a will charge faster, minimizing downtime and inconvenience. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No Charger In-Box | No Charger in box | S21 5G offers wireless charging options. 2a does not and requires a cable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Premium Build and Display Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch resistance.
- Better Performance (marginally): Higher benchmark scores for smoother app usage and gaming experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers optical zoom, a dedicated telephoto lens, and 8K video recording. It also scores better in available camera benchmarks.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging with reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Includes a barometer for more precise environmental data.
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is a more premium device with a higher focus on performance, camera capabilities and premium features like wireless charging.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: 5000mAh battery and newer chip will result in superior endurance.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Newer Android Version: Android 14 with two additional versions of software upgrades.
- Potentially Lower Price: Likely to be more affordable given its focus on value for money.
Practical Implications: The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a modern user experience with great battery life and a faster charging speed at a more competitive price.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G trades battery capacity for a more premium build and camera features.
- Nothing Phone (2a) trades premium features for better battery life and a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users seeking a premium and feature-rich device: Those who prioritize camera performance and build quality above all else.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need versatile cameras with optical zoom and 8K video.
- Gamers and Heavy Users: Users who value top-end performance and a smooth experience.
- Users that prioritize wireless charging and reverse charging for convenience.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who use wireless charging as part of their daily routine.
Nothing Phone (2a) Ideal User:
- Value-Conscious Consumers: Users who want a good overall phone without breaking the bank.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need their phone to last all day.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and browsing content on a larger display.
- Users looking for the latest Android software at a reasonable price.
Specific Use Cases for Nothing Phone (2a):
- Long days away from a charger.
- Casual gaming and social media.
- Users who want the latest software features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Nothing Phone (2a) is likely to be more affordable than the S21 5G.
- How important is battery life? The Nothing Phone (2a) has a significantly larger battery and should last longer.
- What do you prioritize in your camera system? The S21 5G offers more versatile cameras with better zoom options, while the (2a) has higher resolution sensors.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you need maximum performance and the best camera features, and you do not mind the battery life trade off, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Value Seeker): If you want great battery life, a large screen, latest software, and are on a budget, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want the latest software experience with a phone that can comfortably last a day, the Nothing Phone (2a) is recommended.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) for a few reasons. While the Samsung S21 5G is a fantastic device with an excellent camera and more premium features, the newer chip, better battery life, and the more recent version of Android on the 2a makes for a more compelling proposition for me personally. The 2a, while not as powerful in raw processing power, seems better equipped for the type of daily usage I'd expect out of a smartphone, and the trade-offs feel very fair for the price. I would much prefer to have a device that can last all day and charge quickly over one with slightly better camera features and benchmark scores.
