Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Realme 9 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Realme 9 Pro+ is larger and might feel bulkier; S21 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 169g | 182g | S21 is lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use; 13g difference noticeable for some users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | Realme 9 Pro+ has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of sharpness; text and images will be equally clear on both displays. |
| PPI | 421 | 411 | Virtually identical sharpness, differences are unlikely to be noticeable by the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 has smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and overall fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | S21 is significantly brighter and better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | S21's chip is more powerful, offering faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 496,970 | S21 is significantly faster, better for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (International) | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 has a more powerful GPU, offering superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 9 Pro+ has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No Charger | None | S21 offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766 | Realme 9 Pro+ captures more detailed photos due to higher resolution and larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", S5KGW2 | None | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX563 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX355 | S21 has better image quality for wide-angle shots, but the Realme 9 Pro+ has an additional wide angle lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", IMX374 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a higher resolution front camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | S21 records videos in higher resolution and with more features. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | No Data | S21 has scored very well in camera tests on DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro+ ships with a newer Android version, though the S21 has a higher version upgrade cap. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Both support the latest WiFi standards; Realme 9 Pro+ supports MIMO for potentially improved signal stability and speed |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better efficiency and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, Galileo, L1+L5 | GPS, QZSS | S21 supports more GPS bands, potentially offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer the same storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking, although the S21 offers the better base configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a better audio experience with Hi-Res audio and dual microphones for better clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 has more sensors, specifically a barometer, which provides altitude information, while the Realme 9 Pro+ has a heart rate monitor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU, leading to better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen, much better visibility in outdoor sunlight conditions.
- Advanced Camera Features: Dedicated telephoto lens for zoom, better video recording capabilities (8K), and overall higher DXOMark scores for better image quality and videography.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging, making it more convenient to charge the phone.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Wider range of sensors: Includes a Barometer and compass.
- Software Support: S21 has a higher max version upgrade cap.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phones to last all day.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and dual microphones for clearer audio capture and playback.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP main sensor for more detailed pictures.
- Macro and Wide-angle Camera: Additional cameras offer more versatility.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Better efficiency and performance.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Loses out on battery and charging speed but gains overall performance and camera superiority.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Loses out on overall performance and display brightness but gains better battery life, charging speed, and better audio capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best camera performance and features, especially for zoom and video recording.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a bright display for outdoor visibility.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging: Those who want the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users that want longer software support: Those that intend to keep their phone for many years and want future upgrades.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Shooting high-quality videos in diverse lighting conditions.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Using the phone outdoors under bright sunlight.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a phone with great battery life and fast charging without breaking the bank.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize good audio and a decent screen for enjoying music and videos.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who need a decent camera for social sharing and value a high-resolution front camera.
- Users that want a versatile camera setup: Those that need a macro and wide-angle lens.
- Users that want best in class charging speeds: Those that need a phone that can be charged quickly.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies or listening to music for extended periods.
- Taking selfies and posting on social media.
- Everyday use where battery life is a major concern.
- Casual mobile gaming.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority: Performance or Battery Life? If gaming and high-performance tasks are your focus, the S21 is the way to go. If battery life and fast charging are more important, consider the Realme 9 Pro+.
- How often do you take photos and videos? If you are a keen photographer the S21 is the better choice. If you just want a decent camera, the Realme is sufficient.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you often use your phone in bright sunlight, the significantly brighter display of the S21 will be worth considering.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior performance and smoother display.
- For the Social Media Creator: Consider the Realme 9 Pro+ with its higher resolution front camera and faster charging.
- For the Everyday User who wants a Reliable Phone: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its longer battery life and fast charging.
- For the Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior processor and advanced camera features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
Performance is a priority for me: I frequently use my phone for demanding applications, including photo and video editing. The significantly more powerful processor and GPU of the S21 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, making it worth the compromise in battery life.
Superior Camera: I like to experiment with my phone camera and take lots of pictures and videos. The quality of photos and videos as well as the additional features such as the telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and the high DXOMARK scores on the S21 would be more valuable to me. The extra macro and ultrawide lens on the Realme is nice to have but not crucial for my main uses.
Brightness: I often use my phone outdoors, and therefore a brighter screen that is readable in sunlight is essential. The significantly brighter display of the S21 is a clear win for me.
Software Updates: The fact that the S21 is planned to receive a higher number of OS upgrades in the future is also a positive for me.
While the Realme 9 Pro+ has advantages such as faster charging and longer battery life, my main focus is performance, and the camera, and therefore the S21 fits my needs and priorities better.
