1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm | S21 5G is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand; C31 is larger and may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 197g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. C31 may feel heavier after prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | C31 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption; S21 5G is more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | S21 5G has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. C31's display may appear less detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 270 | S21 5G's display is noticeably clearer and sharper, making it better for reading text and viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G's AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and superior viewing in bright conditions. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing overall user experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The C31 might be very hard to see in daylight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is much more powerful, delivering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 224,223 | S21 5G offers dramatically better performance, making it much more responsive and capable for demanding tasks and future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 5G's GPU is far superior, providing a better gaming experience with smoother frame rates and higher graphics settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | 13MP, f/2.2, Unspecified | S21 5G has a wider aperture, larger sensor, and known sensor model, suggesting superior low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2 | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, providing better quality zoomed photos. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | None | S21 5G has a dedicated ultrawide lens, letting you capture wide landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unspecified | C31 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, though low resolution may limit detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | 5MP, f/2.2, Unspecified | S21 5G offers higher resolution for sharper, more detailed selfies, better in low light due to sensor size. |
| Video | Up to 8K with HDR, EIS | 1080p at 30fps | S21 5G records much higher quality video and advanced stabilization. C31 lacks 4K and more advanced features. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | The S21 5G has a tested superior camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | C31 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but this can be offset by the S21 5G's more efficient display. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges much faster, reducing downtime. C31 will take longer to fully charge. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 5G has wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | S21 5G is guaranteed software updates for several years, the C31's update availability is unknown and therefore it might miss out on new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11n | S21 5G has faster and more stable Wi-Fi speeds and performance. C31's wifi is considerably slower. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with advanced features | 5.0 with EDR | S21 5G offers more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | S21 5G offers more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 32/64 GB | S21 5G offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4 GB | S21 5G provides better multitasking performance, and app switching will be smoother. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21 5G offers a better audio experience with spatial sound and louder volume. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | C31’s side-mounted sensor is usually more convenient. S21 5G’s sensor might be slower. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G’s screen is protected by a high quality gorilla glass, providing protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Barometer, Hall | None | S21 5G provides a full sensor array for more accurate readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much greater brightness, resulting in a better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and faster app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile triple-lens setup with telephoto and ultrawide lenses and significantly better image quality, 8K recording, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Features: Faster 25W charging and wireless charging features add convenience.
- Better Software Support: Guaranteed upgrades to a newer version of Android.
- Superior Connectivity: Advanced WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities for faster and more reliable connections.
- Premium Features: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, comprehensive sensor suite, screen protection, and greater storage and RAM.
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life, though this is dependent on use.
- Macro Lens: Includes a macro lens for close-up photography, though lower resolution.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be a significantly cheaper device.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers usually a more convenient unlocking experience
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Higher price point, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
- C31: Vastly inferior performance, lower resolution and display quality, much slower charging, a basic camera system and basic connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding tasks, including heavy multitasking, mobile gaming, and content creation.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, streaming content, and enjoying detailed graphics.
- Photography/Videography Lovers: Individuals who want a versatile camera system with great image quality, advanced features, and the ability to capture high-resolution videos.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate cutting-edge technologies, fast connectivity, and the most comprehensive set of sensors.
- Users who want their phone to last for many years: Given its faster processor and guaranteed software updates, it will remain usable for many years.
Realme C31 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who prioritize affordability and need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, browsing social media, and light media consumption.
- Users Who Prefer a Large Screen: Those who desire a slightly larger display and a large battery for long usage.
- Users Who Need a Long Battery Life: Those who don't want to charge their phone too often.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 5G: Ideal for gaming, video editing, high-quality media consumption, professional photography, and AR/VR applications.
- C31: Suitable for basic communication, web browsing, social media, casual photography, and long battery use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 5G: Offers high value for its price, given its premium features and performance.
- C31: Offers basic functionality at a lower price. Its low cost might make it attractive for very budget conscious people.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 5G is significantly more expensive than the C31.
- What is more important to me: Performance or Battery Life? S21 5G provides a vastly superior performance while the C31 might have a longer battery life.
- What are my primary use cases? The S21 5G is suitable for demanding tasks and media while the C31 is for basic use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I need a powerful phone for gaming and content creation."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Its superior performance, display, and camera make it the obvious choice.
Scenario 2: "I only need a basic phone for calling and texting, and I want to spend as little money as possible."
- Recommendation: Realme C31. It meets the basic needs of a smartphone at a budget price.
Scenario 3: "I want a high-quality camera and display for media consumption and photography, but I want to save a little money."
- Recommendation: Consider the S21 5G if the price is within your budget as the gap in overall experience between the phones is huge. It is significantly better across all categories.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it's likely to be more expensive, the advantages it offers are too significant to ignore. The vastly superior display with its high refresh rate and brightness, the much faster performance for better multitasking and gaming, and the drastically better camera system with multiple lenses and high-quality video recording, would have a massive impact on my overall day to day experience and it is worth spending extra money for those things. The faster charging and premium features such as the stereo speakers and screen protection add convenience and value. The S21 5G is also expected to receive software updates for several more years which would not be the case for the Realme C31 which doesn't even have a promised version update. Although the C31 has a bigger battery, the S21 5G's more efficient processor and display could offset this difference, so it would not be a major drawback for me. I value a premium experience and a phone which can last me several years, and I believe the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G would be a worthy investment compared to the compromises made by choosing the Realme C31.
