1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 is larger and bulkier, making the S21 5G more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 192g | S21 5G feels significantly lighter and is better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | OnePlus 9 offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming due to larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 421 | 402 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in similarly sharp image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21 5G is easier to see under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | OnePlus 9 has better performance for gaming and demanding tasks according to benchmark. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 880,900 | OnePlus 9 performs better for intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | OnePlus 9's Adreno 660 is generally considered superior for gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", 1.12µm | OnePlus 9 captures more detail and has slightly better low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G offers dedicated zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9's wide-angle lens allows for higher quality shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | OnePlus 9 captures more detail in selfies; S21 5G better aperture for low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 8K@30fps, EIS | Both support high-quality video, but S21 5G offers more frame-rate options at different resolutions. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Main: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | Not Available | S21 5G's camera quality is objectively rated higher. |
| DXOMark Selfie | Main: 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not Available | S21 5G's selfie camera is objectively rated higher. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | OnePlus 9 offers better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 65W Fast | OnePlus 9 charges much faster. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless | S21 5G has reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | S21 5G will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual-Band | WiFi 6, Dual-Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support modern WiFi, OnePlus 9 with Wi-Fi MiMO for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.2, LE | OnePlus 9 has newer Bluetooth for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou(B1, B2) Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9 has more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | OnePlus 9 with 12GB RAM is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers, 3 Mics | OnePlus 9 has a slightly enhanced audio recording with an additional microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G has better scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G provides additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More compact and lighter design: Easier to handle and pocket, making it ideal for users who prefer a smaller phone.
- Brighter Display: 200 nits brighter screen improves visibility under direct sunlight.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch resistance.
- Telephoto lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities, important for users who like to take zoomed in photos.
- Reverse wireless charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates up to Android 15 providing longer usability.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a barometer, useful for environmental tracking.
- Objectively superior camera performance (DXOMark): higher scored camera in both main and selfie.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Processor: Snapdragon 888 offers better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life between charges.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is much faster than 25W.
- More RAM (12GB option): Better for heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Wider Main Lens Sensor: Offers better low light shots.
- Additional Wide Angle Lens: Provides more flexibility in photography.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers newer technology.
- Improved Audio recording with 3 microphones: better sound capturing quality.
- Enhanced GPS: Supports additional satellite systems for better accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices some performance, battery life, and fast charging for a more compact design and better camera zoom capabilities.
- OnePlus 9: Sacrifices compact form, wireless reverse charging and software support for better performance, battery life and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight design: Those who prefer a smaller phone that fits comfortably in their hand and pocket.
- Users who want a great screen and camera quality with zoom lens: Those who value a bright display and optical zoom capabilities.
- Users who like to charge other devices wirelessly: Convenient reverse wireless charging feature.
- Users who want long term software support: Up to Android 15 OS, meaning a longer useful life.
- Users who need environmental sensors: useful for those who need a barometer sensor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use: Ideal for general daily tasks, browsing, calls, and social media in a light, easily manageable package.
- Photography with zoom: Good for capturing distant subjects with its telephoto lens.
- Travel: Compact size and reverse charging feature are handy for travelers.
- Long Term Usage: Longer software support ensures consistent experience over time
OnePlus 9 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize performance and battery life: Gamers, power users, or anyone who needs a long-lasting phone.
- Users who consume a lot of media: Larger display is great for watching videos and playing games.
- Users who want very fast charging: The 65W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Users who need advanced camera features: Wide angle lens for more creative freedom.
- Users who prefer fast updates: Regular software updates keep the experience smooth and stable
Use Cases:
- Gaming: High performance and large display enhance the gaming experience.
- Media Consumption: Larger display, and advanced audio enhances video streaming experience
- Power Users: Demanding apps and multitasking benefit from its performance.
- Fast-Paced Lifestyle: Quick charging and good battery life help those always on the go.
- Photography: Wide angle lens and larger sensor for creative pictures
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 5G is likely to be slightly more expensive due to the Samsung brand and better overall camera rating. However, given its longer software support, it may provide better long-term value for those looking to hold onto their phones.
- The OnePlus 9 offers a strong value proposition with its high performance, fast charging and advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a compact phone or a large display? (S21 5G is smaller, OnePlus 9 is larger).
- Do you value battery life and fast charging or superior zoom capabilities and wireless reverse charging? (OnePlus 9 has better battery life and charging speed, S21 5G has zoom and reverse charging)
- Do you need a long term software support or just top performance with fast updates? (S21 5G gets updates until Android 15, OnePlus 9 only gets until Android 13 but has top performance.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler needs a compact phone: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is recommended for its compact size, reverse wireless charging and good camera.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer needs high performance and long battery life: The OnePlus 9 is the better choice due to its more powerful processor, large display, faster charging and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast who wants good zoom: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is recommended due to its telephoto lens.
- Scenario 4: User who wants a phone for a long time: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is recommended because it has a longer software update policy.
- Scenario 5: User who needs superior battery and super fast charging: The OnePlus 9 is recommended due to its better battery and fast charging.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would personally go with the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung S21 5G has a better camera, software support, and compactness, I value the overall performance and long battery life that the OnePlus 9 offers. I appreciate the speed and responsiveness of the Snapdragon 888 chipset, along with the significantly faster charging, which allows me to get back to full battery much quicker and the larger screen to enjoy media consumption. Also the wide angle lens and 3 microphones are a plus. Although the S21 5G is a great phone, I need a powerful performance and better battery, even at the cost of a slightly bulkier design.
