Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. OnePlus 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-01-09 | OnePlus 11 is significantly newer, implying newer tech and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm | S21 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand; OnePlus 11 might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 205g | S21 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use; OnePlus 11 is heavier, might feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | OnePlus 11 offers a larger screen, ideal for media consumption and multitasking; S21 better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 11 displays sharper images and text due to higher pixel density, leading to greater visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 525 PPI | OnePlus 11 has noticeably sharper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, benefiting everyday use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally viewable outdoors, even in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11's newer, more efficient chip offers significantly faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 delivers significantly smoother and faster performance, especially in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11's GPU excels in graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 11's larger battery generally lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus 11 charges much faster, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Battery Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | No Wireless/Reverse Charging | S21 offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless charging, while OnePlus focuses on speed. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | OnePlus 11 has a higher resolution sensor and slightly larger sensor, capturing more detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | No | S21 offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for enhanced zoom and depth effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | OnePlus 11 captures more detailed selfies, though S21 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | OnePlus 11 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2" | OnePlus 11 captures higher-resolution wide-angle and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities, suitable for various video creation tasks. |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 111 | 127 | OnePlus 11 has higher mobile camera score overall and especially for videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 14) | OnePlus 11 has a newer Android OS out of the box, and S21 is guaranteed updates to a newer version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 11 has newer and faster Wi-Fi for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | OnePlus 11 has a newer Bluetooth standard with enhanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | OnePlus 11 provides better location accuracy via more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | OnePlus 11 provides more flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | OnePlus 11 offers more storage options, including a larger 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12/16GB | OnePlus 11 provides more RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | OnePlus 11 offers better sound quality via hi-res audio and a secondary mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security for both. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices offer similar robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, etc. | Gravity, Fingerprint, etc. | Samsung includes additional environmental sensors while OnePlus includes gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle with one hand and more comfortable for extended use.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: More versatile charging options.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: Provides optical zoom capabilities.
- Wider Bluetooth Codec Support: Supports more Bluetooth codecs
- Barometer: Included for altitude tracking.
- Multiple Environmental Sensors: Hall and geomagnetic sensors.
- More Feature-Rich Audio: Comes with noise cancellation microphone.
- Lower Price: Often available at a lower price than the newer OnePlus 11.
OnePlus 11 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides much better performance, ideal for demanding games, heavy multitasking, and long-term use.
- Larger, Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide superior visual clarity.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging speed for significantly improved day-to-day usage.
- Superior Main and Wide-Angle Camera: Better main camera sensor and wide-angle capabilities for higher-quality images.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides enhanced optical zoom capabilities.
- Newer Android OS: Provides a more modern user experience and likely longer update support.
- More RAM/Storage Options: Provides more flexibility for user storage/multitasking needs.
- Newer WiFi standard: Offers faster connectivity and access to the 6GHz band.
- Higher DXOMARK score: Significantly better performance in photo and video tests.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Provides better audio quality with compatible devices.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier usage.
- More Location Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: While compact and offering wireless charging, it's slower, has a smaller battery, and its camera performance is inferior to the OnePlus 11.
- OnePlus 11: Larger and heavier, lacking wireless charging, and may come at a higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal Users: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone, value wireless charging, and do not have demanding performance needs.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who like one-handed use.
- Users seeking wireless charging.
- Users who would appreciate barometer data.
- Value: Suitable for price-conscious users who don't need the latest and greatest performance. It offers decent performance at a good price.
OnePlus 11:
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, and those who value top-tier performance, larger screens, better cameras, and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a capable camera.
- Users who need long battery life for all-day use.
- Users who prefer a larger screen for content consumption and multitasking.
- Those needing newer tech and extended software support.
- Users who value the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Value: Worth the price for users who need the best performance, features, and want a phone that will stay relevant for longer.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute best performance, or will good performance suffice?
- Size and Ergonomics: Do you prefer a compact phone or a larger one? How important is one-handed use?
- Battery Life and Charging: Do you prioritize long battery life and fast charging or convenience of wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious and Basic Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It's a decent all-around phone, especially if budget is a primary concern.
- Scenario 2: Demanding User/Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 11. It offers much better performance, a larger screen, and longer battery life, essential for gaming and resource-intensive tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 11. It provides better main and wide-angle camera capabilities and a higher DXOMARK score.
- Scenario 4: User Prioritizing Compactness/Convenience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its smaller size, lighter weight, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Scenario 5: Future Proofing and Performance: Choose the OnePlus 11, as it has newer components and will likely have extended software support.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 11. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a solid phone, the OnePlus 11's significant advantages in performance, display quality, battery life and camera quality make it the more compelling choice for my needs. I prioritize fast, responsive performance, high-quality visual experience, and longevity. The much faster chipset, larger and higher-resolution screen, significantly larger battery with much faster charging speed, and better main camera of the OnePlus 11 outweigh the S21's advantages of being more compact, having wireless charging, and having a dedicated telephoto lens.
Additionally, the newer operating system of the OnePlus 11, its faster WiFi capabilities, and the greater range of RAM/Storage options, and higher DXOMARK score add to its appeal as a phone that would stay relevant longer. Although the S21 has some minor advantages, they are not enough for me to choose it over the overall superior experience that OnePlus 11 delivers. While I value a compact form factor, I am willing to accept the larger size for the performance and feature gains. Ultimately, the OnePlus 11 provides the better overall experience for my needs.
