1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is larger and bulkier, making the S21 5G more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | Realme 9 Pro offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar sharpness; difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 400 | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images but the difference is barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G has superior blacks, contrast, color vibrancy and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight because of the higher brightness. Realme 9 Pro brightness is not provided, limiting outdoor visibility assessment. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 5G offers significantly faster processing and graphics, leading to better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 402,916 | S21 5G has much higher performance, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 5G offers better graphics processing for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 64MP | Realme 9 Pro's camera captures more detailed images; however, resolution isn't everything, and the quality will depend on many factors. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Realme 9 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, allowing more light in, which may improve low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | S21 5G has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 0.70 µm | S21 5G's larger pixels capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (S21 5G), none (Realme) | None | S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better quality close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | Realme 9 Pro has a higher resolution front camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme 9 Pro's wider aperture on the front camera helps with brighter selfies in lower light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/3.13" | Realme 9 Pro has a marginally larger sensor, though the practical difference might be small. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None (S21 5G), 8MP (Realme) | 8MP | Realme 9 Pro offers an ultra-wide lens for capturing wider scenes, which the S21 5G lacks. |
| Macro Lens | None (S21 5G), 2MP (Realme) | 2MP | Realme 9 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (S21 5G), none (Realme) | None | S21 5G has a wide-angle + macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K (S21 5G), Up to 1080p (Realme) | Up to 1080p | S21 5G has higher video recording capabilities, offering professional quality footage, while Realme 9 Pro is more limited. |
| DxoMark Camera Score | 111/132 (S21 5G), No Data (Realme) | No Data | S21 5G offers superior camera quality based on DxoMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9 Pro should have significantly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Realme 9 Pro offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (S21 5G), None (Realme) | None | S21 5G supports wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Realme 9 Pro ships with a newer OS but has a less recent max upgrade version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (S21 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (Realme) | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 5G has a faster, more stable Wi-Fi connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (S21 5G), 5.1 (Realme) | 5.1 | Realme 9 Pro offers a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | More Systems (S21 5G), Basic Systems (Realme) | Basic Systems | S21 5G offers potentially more accurate GPS location due to additional satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB | S21 5G offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | Both have capable RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos (S21 5G), Hi-Res (Realme) | Hi-Res Audio | S21 5G has more immersive audio with Dolby Atmos; Realme 9 Pro offers higher fidelity audio with Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic (S21 5G) , side-mounted (Realme) | side-mounted | Realme 9 Pro offers a more modern, easier-to-access fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus (S21 5G), Unknown (Realme) | Unknown | S21 5G has better screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher brightness, offering better visual quality, contrast, and outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: Significantly faster chipset, leading to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading, and better gaming performance.
- More Advanced Camera System: Optical zoom, better video recording capabilities (up to 8K), and a more comprehensive camera suite with higher DxOMark score.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more comprehensive GPS features for better speeds and location accuracy.
- Better Build Quality: Has Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity which should result in longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster 33W charging compared to 25W.
- Larger Display: Larger screen for media consumption.
- More Modern Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor for easier access.
- Wider Camera Options: Ultra-wide and macro lenses for additional photography versatility.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G sacrifices battery life and a larger screen for superior display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
- Realme 9 Pro sacrifices performance and display quality for longer battery life, more camera versatility, and a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality images, videos, and advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K recording.
- Media Consumption Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate high-quality visuals for watching movies, browsing photos, and playing games.
Users needing strong sunlight visibility: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the S21 is a better option.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming on high settings with smooth performance.
- Shooting professional-quality videos and high-resolution photos.
- Enjoying streaming content in high-definition with vibrant colors.
- Heavy multitasking throughout the day.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals seeking a phone with a large battery and decent features at a more affordable price.
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize battery life and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or gaming.
- Social Media Users: Users who want good selfie capabilities with a wide-angle lens.
Users that value battery life above all else: If you need your phone to last all day without charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Extended use for web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Taking a variety of photos, including wide-angle and close-up shots.
- Long days away from a charger without worrying about battery life.
- Those who prefer a larger display for viewing content.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/performance, photography, battery life, media consumption?)
- How much do you value display quality? (Is AMOLED with superior brightness important?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to spend more for top-tier performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize performance, a top-tier camera, and a superior display, and don't mind sacrificing some battery life, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- If battery life and a lower price are more important to you, and you're willing to compromise on performance and display quality, choose the Realme 9 Pro.
- If you need versatility in your camera with both wide angle and macro lenses, and you prioritize battery life, choose the Realme 9 Pro.
- If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better because of its much higher screen brightness.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Realme 9 Pro has some strong advantages, such as better battery life and a larger screen, my priorities lean more towards overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
Specifically:
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset is significantly faster, which makes a noticeable difference in everyday use, and especially when gaming or using demanding applications.
- Display: The AMOLED display of the S21 5G is far superior to the IPS LCD of the Realme 9 Pro. I value having vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a screen that's easily visible in sunlight.
- Camera: I appreciate having a more versatile camera system, including the telephoto lens and better video recording capabilities. While the Realme 9 Pro's wide-angle and macro lenses are useful, I believe the S21 5G's overall image quality, supported by the DxOMark score, is more important for my use.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the S21 5G is a better option to safeguard from daily usage.
- Software Support: Although the Realme has a newer starting Android version, the fact that Samsung devices tend to receive better long-term software support and updates is something I find appealing.
While I acknowledge the Realme 9 Pro is a great device at its price point, the premium experience offered by the S21 5G would better suit my needs and preferences. The better display, performance and camera quality are what I prioritize most.
