1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 75.6 × 8.2 mm | The Realme GT Neo 3 is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 188g | The Galaxy S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding phones. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Galaxy S21 5G has superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Realme GT Neo 3 offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a sharp display with minimal difference in pixel count. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | The Galaxy S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | The Galaxy S21 5G is significantly brighter, ensuring better visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | The Dimensity 8100 generally offers slightly higher performance in benchmarks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 855,842 | The Realme GT Neo 3 has a noticeably better score, indicating faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | While both handle gaming, the Realme GT Neo 3's GPU is generally more powerful |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80 µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | Realme GT Neo 3 has a higher resolution sensor, while the S21 5G has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | The Galaxy S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | The Realme GT Neo 3 has a higher resolution selfie camera, but S21 5G has wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | The Realme GT Neo 3 has a dedicated wide angle lens, the S21 does not. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Realme GT Neo 3 has a dedicated macro lens, the S21 does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | The Galaxy S21 5G has a dedicated combined lens for wide and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Galaxy S21 5G supports higher video resolutions (8K), while both offer stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90; Selfie: Mobile: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | No Score Available | S21 5G has an official camera rating, the Realme does not. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme GT Neo 3 has a larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Realme GT Neo 3 has significantly faster charging capabilities. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | In-box 80W charger, Dual-cell battery | The S21 has wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly. GT Neo 3 has a charger included and a dual cell design. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits vs 1000 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation (169g vs 188g).
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for charging without cables and topping up other devices.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: Better zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus providing better scratch and shatter resistance.
- Official Camera Rating: Has a DXOMark score for camera performance
- More Sensors: Barometer and Compass
Realme GT Neo 3 Advantages:
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for gaming and media consumption (6.7" vs 6.2").
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds (80W vs 25W), reducing downtime.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger capacity battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh) provides more battery backup.
- Potentially Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores, indicating better overall performance.
- Dedicated Wide and Macro Lenses: More versatile camera system.
- Included Charger: Comes with a fast charger in the box.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy S21 5G trades battery capacity and charging speed for a more compact size, wireless charging and brighter display.
- The Realme GT Neo 3 compromises slightly on portability and display brightness for superior battery life, faster charging and better performance.
- The Galaxy S21 5G does not have dedicated wide and macro lenses while the Realme GT Neo 3 doesn't have dedicated telephoto lens.
- The Galaxy S21 5G lacks a charger in the box but does have wireless and reverse charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use. The lighter weight and smaller size make it more comfortable to handle.
- Users who often use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight. The brighter display ensures better visibility.
- Users who need wireless charging for convenience.
- Users who want a dedicated telephoto camera.
- Users who value better screen protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Commuters who need a compact phone for easy handling on the go.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need a bright display for viewing in sunlight.
- Professionals who use a variety of camera lenses (including telephoto) for work.
- Users who want a complete sensor suite.
Realme GT Neo 3 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize gaming and multimedia consumption. The larger screen offers an immersive experience, and the superior performance ensures smooth gameplay.
- Users who need long battery life for extended usage without frequent charging.
- Users who want fast charging and an included charger.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with wide and macro capabilities.
- Users who want higher quality audio features
Specific Use Cases:
- Gamers who need smooth performance and long-lasting battery.
- Frequent travelers who need long battery life.
- Content creators who want a larger screen for viewing media.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important to me: portability and bright screen or long battery life and faster charging?
- Do I frequently use my phone outdoors in bright sunlight?
- Do I prioritize wireless charging and a telephoto camera, or a wide and macro camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Outdoor User: If you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option due to its significantly brighter display.
Scenario 2: Power User: If you frequently play games, watch videos, or need your phone to last through a full day of heavy use, the Realme GT Neo 3 with its larger battery, faster charging, and better performance is ideal.
Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you use your phone for general photography, the Realme GT Neo 3 may be better due to its versatility, including wide and macro. If telephoto zoom is desired, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is better.
Scenario 4: Casual User: If you need a well-rounded phone for everyday tasks, the Realme GT Neo 3 offers more modern features and better battery life, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides a lighter design and wireless charging.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Realme GT Neo 3.
Here's why:
For my personal use case, I prioritize battery life and performance. I also appreciate the faster charging and larger screen for multimedia consumption. While the S21's brighter display and wireless charging are nice features, the GT Neo 3's advantages in other areas are more significant for me. The inclusion of the wide and macro lens is also important for versatility and the better audio features are a plus. Finally, the inclusion of a charger in the box is also a benefit.
While both are excellent phones, the Realme GT Neo 3 caters better to my daily needs, despite the slightly larger size and lesser screen protection. However, if you value portability, a telephoto lens, wireless charging, and a super bright screen, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
