1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.9 × 75.8 × 9 mm | Realme GT Neo2 is larger and less pocketable; Samsung is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 199.8g | Samsung S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has better scratch and drop protection for the display. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.62" | Realme GT Neo2 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same level of detail; no significant difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 398 | Samsung S21 has a slightly sharper display, but difference is hardly noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are easily viewable under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 870 has a slight performance advantage in benchmarks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 794,643 | Realme GT Neo2 provides slightly smoother gaming, and quicker app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 is slightly more efficient in gaming, resulting in better frame rates. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.72" | Realme GT Neo2 captures more detailed images in good lighting, while Samsung captures better low light shots. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung S21 provides optical zoom capabilities, beneficial for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.13" | Realme GT Neo2 captures more detailed selfies; Samsung has slightly better low-light performance due to wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.3, 1/4" | Realme GT Neo2 offers a dedicated ultrawide lens while Samsung combines it with a macro |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme GT Neo2 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung S21 can record in higher resolution, useful for professionals; both have EIS but Samsung has OIS for steadier video. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 111 | Not available | Samsung S21 has a rated camera quality of 111 based on Dxomark scores. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | Not available | Samsung S21 has a rated selfie camera quality of 132 based on Dxomark scores. |
| Additional Camera Features | OIS, 8K video, Optical zoom | UIS, UIS Max, Ultra stable video | Samsung offers better image stabilization overall with the inclusion of OIS; Realme has some software enhancements for video |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Realme GT Neo2 offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Realme GT Neo2 charges much faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | Samsung provides wireless charging, but the Realme GT Neo2 charges faster with cable. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 11, Max 12 | S21 offers a longer software update life cycle. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have similar high-speed Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme GT Neo2 has a newer Bluetooth version for better efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | Multiple systems, incl. L1+L5 | Multiple systems, incl. L1+L5, NavIC | Realme GT Neo2 offers more accurate location tracking. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options; no option for expansion. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Realme GT Neo2 provides more RAM options, offering better performance for heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack microSD slots, so storage is fixed. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Realme GT Neo2 has slightly better audio experience, especially with Hi-Res audio. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Realme GT Neo2 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security through fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 has additional sensors like a barometer, which can be beneficial for certain apps and user cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Significantly easier to handle and pocket.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop resistance.
- Telephoto Lens and OIS: Provides optical zoom and superior video stabilization.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging other devices.
- Longer Software Support: The S21 has a longer software update life cycle with support for up to Android 15.
- Environmental Sensors: Additional sensors like barometer that can be useful for niche uses.
Realme GT Neo2 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, lasting a full day or more.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging allows quicker top-ups.
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and a more efficient GPU in games.
- Higher Resolution Standard Camera: More detailed photos in well lit conditions.
- More RAM options: Options of 8 and 12 GB of RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Enhanced audio features: Includes Hi-Res Audio and 2 Microphones
- Better GPS: The GT Neo2 has better GPS accuracy with support for more systems.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: Trades battery life and charging speed for a more premium build and features like wireless charging, OIS and a telephoto lens.
- Realme GT Neo2: Trades some premium build qualities for a larger display, more battery, and faster charging; lacks telephoto lens and OIS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a compact and lightweight phone.
- Users who prioritize camera quality, especially telephoto zoom and video recording.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who want the latest and more stable software updates.
Users who need advanced environmental sensors
- Use Cases: Professional photography, capturing high-quality videos, one-handed use, fitting in pockets easily.
Realme GT Neo2 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who enjoy media consumption and gaming on a larger screen.
- Users who need more RAM for multitasking.
Users who want slightly better performance at a lower price point.
- Use Cases: Heavy mobile gaming, streaming videos, using multiple apps at the same time, travel, and power users.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme GT Neo2 typically offers a better price-to-performance ratio, providing a powerful chipset, excellent battery life, and fast charging for less.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G may be more expensive, particularly if you consider new prices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life and Charging Speed: How important is it for you to have all-day battery life and fast charging?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need a telephoto lens and OIS for advanced photography and video, or are a high-resolution main camera and software stabilization enough?
- Size and Portability: Do you prefer a compact, lightweight phone, or are you okay with a larger device for a bigger screen and battery?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer & Power User: If your priority is gaming, performance and all day battery, the Realme GT Neo2 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If camera zoom, high video quality, and excellent stabilization are critical, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is preferable.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: For general use with good camera capabilities and all-day battery, consider the Realme GT Neo2 but if a compact phone with wireless charging is needed, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a good choice.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Realme GT Neo2.
Here's why:
- Battery Life: As a heavy user, I prioritize battery life and the GT Neo2's significantly larger battery is a key selling point.
- Charging Speed: The 65W fast charging is incredibly convenient and would save me a lot of time.
- Performance: While both are powerful, the slightly better performance in games and multitasking of the GT Neo2's Snapdragon 870 is compelling.
- Price: The GT Neo2 generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio, which is a factor I consider.
- Practicality: While I appreciate the compact design and wireless charging of the S21, the long battery life and fast charging of the Realme GT Neo2 fit my daily usage needs better.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more premium feel, telephoto lens, wireless charging, and a more compact form factor, these are features I would trade-off for the superior battery performance, charging speeds and gaming capabilities of the Realme GT Neo2.
