1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-03-30 | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly newer. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | S21 is more compact, easier to handle in one hand. 9 Pro is larger, may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 197g | S21 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. 9 Pro may feel heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | 9 Pro offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing, better for media consumption and gaming. S21 is better for one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | 9 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display. Text and images will appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 525 PPI | 9 Pro's higher PPI results in a noticeably sharper screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not Specified | S21 has superior AMOLED display tech: better blacks, more vibrant colors and superior power efficiency for dark modes. The 9 Pro technology is not specified, so cannot be compared. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both screens are equally bright, suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Different chips impact performance, and software optimization. Snapdragon is generally favored for gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 877,600 | 9 Pro is noticeably faster in benchmarks, translating to smoother performance in demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 (9 Pro) is considered better for gaming; may lead to smoother gaming experience on the 9 Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | 9 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Rev. Wireless | 50W Wireless, Rev. Wireless | 9 Pro features significantly faster wireless charging; both include reverse charging functionality. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", 1.12µm | 9 Pro's main sensor is larger, allowing better low-light performance. Higher resolution allows for more detailed photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 includes a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 0.7µm | 9 Pro has higher resolution, while S21 has a wider aperture, allowing better low-light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | 9 Pro has a dedicated Telephoto lens for more optical zoom flexibility |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | 9 Pro has a wide angle lens for capturing more of the scene in a single photo. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 has a dedicated Wide angle + macro sensor for macro photography. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | 9 Pro has a dedicated Black & white sensor for capturing artistic shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both record high-quality video, with minor differences in frame rates. Both have video stabilization. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Mobile: 122 | 9 Pro excels in mobile camera performance, while S21 has a well performing selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera | Quadruple Camera, Ultra stable video, CDAF, LAF, RAW 12 bits | 9 Pro offers more advanced camera features for enthusiast photographers. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 11, up to 14 | S21 has one additional major software update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | 9 Pro offers additional Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 9 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth connection with advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1+L5, E1+E5a, GLONASS L1, B1 | 9 Pro has more precise GPS capabilities by using additional satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | 9 Pro offers more RAM on the higher end model, offering better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so users are limited to the internal storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3 mics | 9 Pro may provide slightly improved spatial audio, clearer calls and better audio recording quality due to the additional mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both provide basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has a more durable display glass, better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 has an additional Barometer for atmospheric pressure information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle, better for one-hand use and portability.
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen provides better contrast and color vibrancy.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Provides better optical zoom capabilities.
- Additional Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Allows for macro photography.
- One more Major OS Update: Can receive the next Android OS update.
- More Advanced Bluetooth Features: Supports additional profiles such as AVRCP, DIP and more.
- More durable screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers more protection against scratches and damage.
- Environmental Sensors: Includes Barometer for atmospheric pressure information.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display with Higher Resolution and PPI: Offers more immersive experience and sharper details.
- Faster Performance: Higher AnTuTu score translates to faster performance.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and significantly faster charging times.
- Superior Main Camera: Larger sensor allows for better low-light performance and more detail.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide Angle Lens: Greater flexibility with zoom and wide-angle photography.
- Black and White Sensor: Allows for artistic black and white pictures
- Better Mobile Camera Performance Higher DXoMark score for mobile camera performance.
- More RAM Option: 12GB RAM available, better for multitasking and demanding games.
- More Advanced Camera Features: Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, CDAF, LAF and RAW 12 bits.
- More Precise GPS capabilities: Ability to use more satellite systems for improved accuracy.
- Better Audio Recording: 3 microphones may result in better voice capture and noise cancellation.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Significantly faster wireless charging capabilities.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Additional wi-fi technology
Trade-offs:
- S21: Loses out on display size, resolution, battery life, and overall camera flexibility.
- 9 Pro: Larger and heavier, may be less convenient for some users; lacks a macro camera, portrait camera, and an additional OS update.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize compactness and lightweight: Prefers a phone that is easy to handle in one hand.
- Those who prefer a vibrant display: Will appreciate the AMOLED display with its superior contrast and colors.
- Users who want a versatile camera system: Will appreciate having a dedicated telephoto and macro lens.
- Users who value OS updates: The S21 can receive an additional major OS update.
- Users who do not need all the latest camera features: May not be taking pro grade photos and videos.
- Users on a budget: It is likely that the S21 may be available at a lower price compared to the 9 Pro.
Use Cases:
- Daily usage, browsing, social media, quick photos, and videos.
- Ideal for users who prefer one-handed operation.
- Good for those who want a reliable and consistent camera experience.
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal User:
- Power users who need a large display and top-tier performance: Appreciates the larger, higher resolution display.
- Mobile gamers and multitaskers: Will benefit from the faster performance and more RAM.
- Users who require long battery life and fast charging: Will appreciate the larger battery and faster charging speeds.
- Enthusiast photographers and videographers: Will use all the advanced camera features.
- Users who want the latest tech and performance: Will prioritize the better camera and faster performance, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Users who want an enhanced audio and call quality experience: The additional mic may be essential.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, content creation, and media consumption.
- Ideal for users who travel and need long-lasting battery.
- Good for users who want advanced camera features for pro grade results.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prefer a more compact, lightweight phone or a larger display?
- Is battery life and charging speed a major priority, or is camera flexibility more important?
- What is your budget, and are you looking for the best value, or the best performance regardless of cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user wanting a good daily driver: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It offers a good balance of features, a compact design, and a vibrant AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2: User who plays demanding games and needs a long-lasting battery: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. It offers the most power, a larger, higher-resolution display, and faster charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Enthusiast photographer wanting all the best camera features: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. It offers better mobile camera performance, more advanced camera features and greater flexibility with the zoom and wide-angle lenses.
- Scenario 4: User who values portability and ease of use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It’s more compact, lightweight and can be used easily with one hand.
What I would choose and why
After analyzing both phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Samsung S21 has a very nice display and a more compact design, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a more compelling overall package.
Here’s why:
Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and higher AnTuTu score indicate superior processing power, and the additional RAM option offers better performance for demanding tasks. For me, having a snappy and lag-free user experience is crucial.
Display: While I like the AMOLED display on the S21, the higher resolution and pixel density of the 9 Pro, alongside its larger size is too good to pass up. I watch a lot of videos and play a lot of games on my phone, so having a high-quality display is essential.
Battery and Charging: The larger battery and significantly faster charging (both wired and wireless) on the 9 Pro are more appealing to me. I frequently use my phone throughout the day, and having to charge less, and when I do, to be able to fully charge quickly, is a major advantage.
Camera: The main and wide-angle camera systems are better on the 9 Pro. I like to have the versatility of having multiple lenses (telephoto and wide angle). Even though the S21 has a dedicated portrait and macro lens, the advantages of the 9 Pro are more useful in my daily usage scenarios.
Future Proofing: The slightly newer Bluetooth version, combined with the other performance advantages will probably help make the 9 Pro stay relevant for a longer period of time.
While the S21 has its strengths, particularly its compact form factor, AMOLED display, and additional major OS update, the 9 Pro's superior performance, display quality, battery life, and camera flexibility make it a better choice for my needs. The 9 Pro feels like the more versatile and complete flagship device, which is what I value most in a smartphone.
