Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. OnePlus 12
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-12-11 | OnePlus 12 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164.3 × 75.8 × 9.2 mm | OnePlus 12 is larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 220g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. OnePlus 12 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.82" | OnePlus 12 offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and gaming. S21 is better for smaller hands and pockets. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3168 | OnePlus 12 has a sharper, more detailed display for enhanced visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 510 ppi | OnePlus 12 displays crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 4500 nits | OnePlus 12 is much more visible in bright sunlight, offering superior outdoor readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus 12 has a significantly faster and more power-efficient processor for smoother app loading, better multitasking and more demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,110,808 | OnePlus 12 exhibits vastly superior performance in benchmarks, translating to much smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | OnePlus 12 has a much more powerful GPU for improved gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | OnePlus 12 captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | OnePlus 12 has a wider aperture allowing it to capture more light and produce better low-light photos. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.43" | OnePlus 12 has a larger sensor for better light sensitivity and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.6 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's Telephoto has a wider aperture, letting it capture more light. |
| Telephoto Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | 1/2" | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's Telephoto has a larger sensor for better light sensitivity and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | OnePlus 12 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.74" | OnePlus 12 has a larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 48MP | OnePlus 12 captures more detailed wide-angle and macro photos. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2" | OnePlus 12 has a larger sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video capabilities. |
| Camera DxOMark | Samsung: 111 (Main) and 132 (Selfie) | Not Available | Samsung has been tested on DXOmark. |
| Camera Features | Many Features | Many Features + Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Ultra stable video | OnePlus 12 offers additional features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5400mAh | OnePlus 12 has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 100W | OnePlus 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | OnePlus 12 has much faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | OnePlus 12 ships with a much newer version of Android and will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 12 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | OnePlus 12 has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version for faster data transfer and better battery life with audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus 12 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | OnePlus 12 offers more flexibility with an eSIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | OnePlus 12 offers significantly more storage options, especially suitable for media collectors. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB/16GB/24GB | OnePlus 12 provides considerably more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, requiring users to choose the correct internal storage at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Both offer similar audio features, providing immersive sound experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both screens are well protected, with the OnePlus 12 having a slight upgrade. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, RGB | Samsung has more sensors, which might be relevant for niche use cases, OnePlus offers extra sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Its smaller size and weight make it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Wider Aperture Telephoto Lens: Better low-light performance on zoom lens.
- Barometer Sensor: Suitable for users interested in tracking elevation changes for fitness or other environmental data purposes.
OnePlus 12 Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Launched almost 3 years later, it boasts a much more powerful processor, advanced camera tech, faster charging, and a more modern OS.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers drastically better performance in all tasks, making it ideal for heavy users and gamers.
- Significantly Better Display: Larger, higher resolution, brighter screen provides a superior visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Significantly longer battery life and faster charging speeds for greater usability.
- Better Camera System Overall: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture, and a larger sensor on the main and wide-angle camera for superior photo and video quality.
- More Storage Options: Offers much more storage options for users with large media collections.
- eSIM support: More flexibility in carriers.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: More modern standards that offer faster and more efficient connections.
- More RAM: Much more RAM for better multitasking and future proofing.
- More Satelite Systems: More accurate positioning and tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: The OnePlus 12 is bulkier, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Price: The OnePlus 12 is likely to be more expensive due to its newer technology and higher specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who prefer a compact and lightweight phone that is easy to handle.
- Those who don't need the very latest performance, and are on a budget
- Users looking for a phone with a good camera and advanced features like barometer for tracking fitness.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Fitness enthusiasts who benefit from the barometer sensor.
Ideal User for OnePlus 12:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and the latest technology.
- Gamers and power users who demand the most from their phones.
- Users who consume a lot of media and need a large, high-quality display.
- Users who value camera quality, and want the best pictures possible.
- Users who need extended battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases for OnePlus 12:
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive multitasking and demanding applications.
- Longer usage periods between charges.
- Outdoor usage in bright sunlight.
- Future proofing and updates.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers good value for users on a budget who prioritize a compact form factor and solid performance.
- The OnePlus 12 provides outstanding value for performance and features but comes at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 is much older, and will likely be a lot cheaper.
- Do I prefer a compact phone or a larger screen for media and gaming? The S21 is much smaller.
- How important is raw performance, battery life, and the latest technology? The OnePlus 12 is significantly ahead in all of those categories.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for a reliable smartphone experience at a lower cost, and the best small phone experience.
- Performance Seeker: Choose the OnePlus 12 for its top-tier performance, latest features and vastly superior battery life and camera quality.
- Media Enthusiast: Choose the OnePlus 12 for its large, high-resolution display and strong audio capabilities.
- Mobile Photographer: Choose the OnePlus 12 for its superior camera system, larger sensors, and better low-light performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitively pick the OnePlus 12. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a capable phone, the OnePlus 12's advancements in almost every single category make it the clear winner for me. The significantly better performance, vastly superior display, much longer battery life and faster charging, combined with the improved camera, and newer software make it a far better overall device. The slightly larger size is a worthwhile trade-off for the enhanced capabilities I would be receiving. I would use it for gaming, general media consumption, and taking high quality pictures, and for that purpose, the OnePlus 12 is a perfect match.
