1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 183g | S21 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Minimal difference in sharpness, both are sharp for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 394 PPI | S21 has slightly sharper text and images, though the difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | S21 is significantly better in direct sunlight, offering superior outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | S21’s chipset provides a better performance in intensive tasks like gaming and video editing, also app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 540,800 | S21 is noticeably faster for demanding applications and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 offers better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro is likely to have better battery life, lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21 offers more versatile charging options but has no charger in-box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 (1/1.76") | 100MP f/1.75 (1/1.8") | Realme 11 Pro has higher resolution main sensor, S21 has a slightly larger sensor. Realme is better for capturing fine detail, while the S21 excels in dynamic range and low-light due to its bigger pixels. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0 (1/1.72") | None | S21 offers dedicated telephoto for better zoomed images. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme 11 Pro has a dedicated macro for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2 (1/2.55") | None | S21 has a dedicated ultrawide lens, offering greater flexibility in shooting. |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2 (1/3.2") | 16MP f/2.45 (1/3.1") | Realme 11 Pro offers more detailed selfies, while the S21 has a wider aperture for low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 offers significantly higher video resolution for more detailed recordings. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8K Video, RAW | OIS, Ultra Stable video | S21 is more versatile due to optical zoom and 8k Video capabilities. Realme has better stabilization. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 111 overall | Not Available | S21 has a known good camera performance. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 132 overall | Not Available | S21 has a known good selfie performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Realme 11 Pro offers newer Android version out of the box, potentially having better efficiency and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro offers newer version, with better efficiency and stability. |
| GPS | More Systems | More Systems | Realme 11 Pro has slightly more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 11 Pro offers a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 11 Pro offers more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 has noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 offers more sensor types. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides better performance, app loading and smoother multitasking compared to the Dimensity 7050.
- Better Display Brightness: Higher brightness of 1300 nits makes the S21 screen much more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lens, along with 8K video, providing greater flexibility for photography and videography.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging options.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and noise cancellation mic.
- Better Audio: Features noise cancellation microphone.
- More sensors: Features compass and barometer for advanced functionality.
Realme 11 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: A 6.7" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery ensures longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest features and potentially better efficiency.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 100MP sensor can capture more detailed images, particularly in good lighting conditions.
- More RAM Option: Offers up to 12GB of RAM for more demanding tasks.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 512GB of storage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides better efficiency and stability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G sacrifices battery life and fast charging speed for a superior camera system and performance, while the Realme 11 Pro sacrifices performance and screen visibility for superior battery and charging speed.
- The Realme 11 Pro doesn't have a telephoto or ultrawide lens, limiting photography versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance, multitasking, and demanding applications, such as gaming or video editing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera options, including telephoto and ultrawide lenses and 8k video.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display that remains visible in direct sunlight.
Users Who Value Brand: People who prefer well known brand with reputation.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high graphics settings
- Capturing detailed photos in various scenarios and zoom levels
- Shooting high-resolution videos for professional or semi-professional use.
- Using the phone outdoors frequently
Realme 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Casual Users: People who prioritize a large screen, long battery life, and fast charging.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who primarily use their phone for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Travelers: Users who need a phone that can last through a full day without needing to be recharged frequently.
Users With Budget Constraints: People who need a good quality smartphone at lower price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows on a large screen
- Browsing the web and social media for long periods
- Capturing casual snapshots without needing professional-grade features
- Traveling or being away from charging options for extended durations.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The price of each device may greatly influence the perceived value for each user. If the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is available for a lower price than the Realme 11 Pro, it could be a better value for power users, whereas the opposite is true for casual users. Please take this into account when making the final decision.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: How important is raw performance for tasks like gaming and heavy app usage?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Which is more important – long-lasting battery or fast charging?
- Camera Priorities: What kind of photography and videography features are essential for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You frequently use your phone for mobile gaming and require high performance and screen visibility.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Scenario 2: You need a phone that lasts all day on a single charge and charges quickly while mainly watching media.
- Recommendation: Realme 11 Pro
Scenario 3: You are a photography enthusiast who values versatile cameras and detailed images.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Scenario 4: You need a large screen for media consumption and browsing, and don't have heavy performance requirements.
- Recommendation: Realme 11 Pro
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance is Key for Me: I often use my smartphone for demanding tasks like light video editing, multitasking, and some gaming. The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Dimensity 7050.
- I Need a Good Camera: As someone who frequently takes photos for social media and sometimes more complex shots, the S21's more versatile camera system—including the telephoto and ultrawide lens—is a big advantage. The 8K video capability is also something I might use occasionally.
- Screen Visibility Matters: I am often outdoors, so the significantly higher screen brightness on the S21 is important for my day-to-day use.
- I Value Wireless Charging: The convenience of wireless charging makes my life a bit easier, despite the absence of a charger in the box.
While the Realme 11 Pro's larger battery and faster charging are tempting, the S21's performance and camera capabilities are more aligned with my priorities. The build quality is a slight positive as well. I'm willing to carry a battery pack if needed to compensate for the smaller battery, but I prefer better display visibility and a more robust camera system overall. The newer operating system of the Realme 11 Pro is tempting, but the update capabilities of the S21 mean that I'll be receiving the newest version of android eventually.
