1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 196g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods. The Realme may feel substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. S21 is more manageable for one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are very similar and provide sharp displays for everyday use. The small difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | S21 has slightly sharper text and images due to the higher pixel density. The difference is not hugely noticeable in practice for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing excellent viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. Users will experience similar fluidity with both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is significantly better for outdoor visibility, making it easier to see the display in direct sunlight. The Realme's outdoor visibility is unknown based on provided specs. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | S21's Exynos 2100 offers better overall performance in benchmarks. Realme 12 Pro+ Snapdragon 7s is a mid-range chip, adequate for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 603,400 | S21 is noticeably faster for gaming and resource-intensive apps. The Realme will handle everyday tasks smoothly but may struggle more with heavier loads. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | S21's GPU generally offers better gaming performance. The Realme's GPU is capable but not as powerful for very graphically intensive games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ will likely have noticeably better battery life for extended use between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster allowing less time connected to the charger. S21 charging is relatively slower in comparison. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 offers the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging, enabling charging other devices. Realme does not support wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, potentially leading to better detail and low-light performance compared to the S21's standard sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for zooming and depth effects. Realme 12 Pro+ does not include this lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ provides higher resolution for sharper selfies. S21 has a wider aperture which might be better for low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens. S21 does not include a specific telephoto lens, opting for a portrait lens instead. |
| Wide/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21’s Wide camera has better resolution and a larger sensor for wider shots with more detail, the Realme is not as capable in this area. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 can record higher resolution video for professional content creation. Realme 12 Pro+ is limited to 4K, but suitable for most users. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo:118, Video: 90) | None | S21 has a tested and scored camera system, whereas the Realme does not have such data. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo:125, Video: 145) | None | S21 has a tested and scored camera system, whereas the Realme does not have such data. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ ships with a newer version of Android, potentially offering access to the latest features. The S21 is upgradeable. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 + MIMO | Both support the latest WiFi standards, but the Realme 12 Pro+ includes MIMO technology for potentially improved connection stability and speed. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, which may offer slightly better range and power efficiency. S21 has greater codec support in terms of quantity. |
| GPS | Multiple GNSS | Multiple GNSS | Both are equipped with modern GPS, but the Realme has QZSS and BeiDou(B1), potentially resulting in faster and more accurate location locking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more storage options, allowing users to store more media and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has a 12 GB RAM option for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Realme 12 Pro+ offers additional Hi-Res Audio support, potentially resulting in higher-quality audio playback through compatible headphones and speakers. |
| Microphones | Stereo Microphone | Stereo Microphone (x2) | Realme 12 Pro+ has 2 microphones, which can aid noise cancelling and voice capture |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen protection, offering better resistance against scratches and drops. The Realme screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 has a broader range of sensors. The Barometer can be very useful for altitudinal data and mapping. S21 also has the Hall Sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: Offers much higher peak brightness (1300 nits), making it significantly better for outdoor use in sunlight.
- Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores and a more powerful GPU for smoother gaming and app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: Dedicated telephoto/portrait lens with 64MP, better video recording capabilities (up to 8K), and higher DXOMark scores.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.
- Broader Sensor Suite: Additional sensors like a barometer, and the Hall sensor.
- Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A significantly larger 5000mAh battery for longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging results in much faster charging times.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 50MP main sensor might lead to better detail in good lighting situations.
- Dedicated Telephoto lens: Inclusion of dedicated telephoto lens.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14, potentially offering access to the latest software features, and better long-term updates.
- Higher RAM option: Offers a 12GB RAM option, which is useful for heavy multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Provides a larger 512GB storage option.
- Bluetooth 5.2 & Improved Audio: Includes a more modern Bluetooth standard and Hi-Res Audio support for better wireless audio.
- More Precise GPS: Includes more GPS systems, potentially offering greater location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Sacrifices battery life and charging speed for better performance, camera features and screen brightness. Its lack of the dedicated telephoto lens may be a trade-off for some users.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Sacrifices display brightness and performance, for better battery life and charging capabilities. It lacks wireless charging and other convenient battery features, as well as some of the S21's advanced camera features. It does have a telephoto lens though which is good for zoomed shots.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize raw speed and responsiveness for gaming and demanding applications.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want advanced camera features like high-resolution video and optical zoom capabilities, and want the versatility of a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens.
- Outdoor Use: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Wireless Charging Users: People who rely on wireless charging for convenience.
- Compact Phone Users: Those seeking a more pocketable, lightweight phone.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Gaming on high settings
- Shooting high-quality videos in diverse lighting
- Daily usage in varying environments, including bright sunlight
- Travelers needing reliable navigation tools
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal Users:
- Battery Conscious Users: People who want to prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value a large display for watching videos and browsing.
- Android Enthusiasts: Users who always want the latest Android version.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a phone with a solid mid-range experience at a potentially lower price point.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Users who want a telephoto lens.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 12 Pro+:
- Long days away from a charger
- Binge-watching videos and movies
- Everyday photography in good lighting conditions
- Users wanting latest OS features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display brightness for my typical use case? (Do you use your phone a lot in direct sunlight?)
- Is performance or battery life/charging speed more critical for my daily needs? (Do you do demanding tasks, or do you need long battery endurance?)
- How crucial are the advanced camera features for your photography needs? (Do you need an 8k video or a more professional camera setup?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast If you are frequently outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice because of its superior outdoor visibility due to its high brightness display.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you prioritize performance and gaming, then Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better pick, as it is much faster.
- Scenario 3: Battery Prioritizer: If long battery life and faster charging are essential, the Realme 12 Pro+ is preferable due to its larger battery and significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious Photographer: If you need a phone with a telephoto lens and want good camera features, but are on a budget, the Realme 12 Pro+ is preferable because of its telephoto lens.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a larger battery, faster charging, and a newer Android version, my priority is overall performance, display quality, and camera versatility. I often use my phone in various lighting conditions, and the significantly higher brightness of the S21 makes a crucial difference. I am also a keen amateur photographer, and although the Realme offers a dedicated telephoto lens, I would prefer the greater flexibility in video offered by the 8k recording capability, combined with the overall higher quality of the camera suite. The S21 also features wireless charging and has a more compact form factor which I prefer. Whilst the battery life is less on the S21, I am willing to make that tradeoff in order to gain a better overall experience.
