Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Realme 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-31 | Realme 11 is significantly newer, meaning potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | S21 is noticeably smaller and more compact, better for one-handed use. Realme 11 is larger and may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. Realme 11 may feel heavier in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.72" | Realme 11 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, meaning similar sharpness |
| PPI | 421 | 392 | S21 has slightly higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks and better contrast; Realme 11's LCD may have washed-out colours in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling, animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21 is significantly brighter, with better screen visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21's chipset is much more powerful for demanding tasks and gaming. Realme 11 is adequate for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 389,600 | S21 performs significantly faster in benchmarks, translates to better app loading, gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 offers superior graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11's larger battery provides potentially longer battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 11 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless charging | None | S21 supports wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 64MP | Realme 11 captures higher-resolution images in ideal lighting conditions. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | S21's larger sensor captures more light, better in low light situations. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | Yes | No | S21 offers telephoto zoom, Realme 11 has no telephoto or portrait lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes | No | S21 captures wide-angle and macro photos, Realme 11 does not have this function. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | S21 takes slightly higher resolution selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme 11's wider aperture takes better selfies in low light situations. |
| Portrait (depth) camera | No | Yes | Realme 11 captures depth information for portrait mode, while S21 does not have a separate depth sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 captures significantly higher quality videos, including 4k and 8k recordings, while Realme 11 is limited to 1080p. |
| OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) | Yes | No | S21 offers optical stabilization for clearer images and stable videos, especially in shaky conditions. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not Tested | S21's camera has been officially rated, with a decent performance for photos and videos. Realme 11 does not have this rating. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Tested | S21's selfie camera has a better DxOMark rating. Realme 11 does not have this rating. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Realme 11 comes with a more up-to-date software. S21, can be upgraded to a newer version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 supports faster Wi-Fi, ideal for high-speed downloads. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 11 has a slightly more recent bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar location features, with extra accuracy in the Samsung |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same maximum storage configuration. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 11 offers a 12GB RAM variant, ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 offers superior audio, including spatial sound and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 11 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has more durable screen protection, less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass | Heart Rate | S21 features barometer and compass, useful for specific applications, while Realme 11 has heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness, offering better contrast, colour accuracy and outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, wider angle lens, OIS, and higher quality video recording (up to 8K) making it more versatile for photos and videos.
- Better Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a noise cancellation microphone, offering enhanced audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering convenient charging options.
- Better build quality: With more durable Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More comprehensive sensors: Includes Barometer and Compass for more advanced applications.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, potentially longer software support.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, slightly quicker than the S21's 25W.
- Larger Display: 6.72" screen, which can be preferable for media consumption.
- More RAM option: Offers 12GB RAM configuration for heavy multitasking.
- Up-to-date Android version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a more convenient unlock.
- Heart rate sensor: Includes a heart rate sensor, beneficial for health tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Smaller display, lower battery capacity, and higher price point.
- Realme 11: Inferior display quality, lower performance, basic audio, and limited camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize high performance, gaming, and smooth multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with excellent image and video quality.
- Media Consumers: Users who value display quality and audio experience.
- Professionals: Who would appreciate the wireless charging options and advanced features
Realme 11 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a good-value phone with essential features.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic apps.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who prioritize longer battery life over other advanced features.
- Those who want a new device with an updated Android version.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Gaming, professional photography/videography, media consumption, productivity tasks, content creation.
- Realme 11: Social media browsing, casual gaming, daily tasks, media viewing, general communications.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, or is casual use sufficient?
- Display Priorities: Do you value a superior AMOLED display with high brightness, or is a larger IPS LCD screen adequate?
- Camera Requirements: Do you require a versatile camera system with multiple lenses and advanced features, or is a basic camera sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User with a focus on Performance, camera and display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It offers superior performance, a better display and more advanced camera features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious user who wants better battery life and a bigger screen: Choose the Realme 11. It provides good value with a larger battery, decent display, and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Casual user looking for a balanced experience: The choice depends. If you value a better camera, audio and display, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. If your priority is a larger screen and a newer device, choose the Realme 11.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it's an older device, its performance advantages, far superior display quality, and advanced camera capabilities outweigh the benefits of the newer, budget-focused Realme 11. The ability to shoot 4K/8K video and its bright AMOLED screen make it much more appealing for a wide range of use cases, from media consumption to photography. The S21's better audio and build quality are also important factors. Although the Realme 11 has a larger battery, the S21's performance efficiency is good enough for a full day of usage. The superior processor and GPU on the S21 are critical for my use cases, which involve some gaming, multitasking and occasional photo/video editing. The overall user experience of the S21 is simply a class above.
