1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is noticeably larger, may be less comfortable for single-handed use. S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended use and carrying. A35 feels more substantial. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | A35 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, negligible difference in daily use. |
| PPI | 421 | 390 | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, though noticeable only upon close inspection |
| 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 | 0 nits | S21 5G has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. A35 brightness info is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | S21 5G's chip offers better overall performance, faster app loading and smoother multitasking. A35 offers decent but slightly lower performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 578,500 | S21 5G performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating snappier performance overall and better gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G68 MP5 (ARM Mali-G68 MP5) | S21 5G's GPU is more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks, providing better gaming experience. A35 has adequate GPU performance for regular gaming, but not as powerful. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8, 0.8µm | A35 captures higher-resolution photos, but S21 5G has a larger sensor and bigger pixels for better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.8µm | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots and portrait photos with background blur. A35 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, and relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A35 has slightly higher resolution front camera for detailed selfies, S21 5G has bigger pixels for better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2, | A35 has an ultra-wide lens for group shots and wide landscapes. S21 5G has no wide angle camera, but has a combined wide angle + macro lens, resulting in a difference of versatility with the A35 |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. S21 5G does not have a macro lens |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | S21 5G offers significantly higher video resolutions and frame rates for more professional-looking footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 | 104, Photo: 107, Video: 110 | S21 5G scores higher overall in photos and has a higher mobile score while A35 scores higher in video |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | N/A | S21 5G has been tested for Selfie camera and has a very high overall score |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical Zoom, RAW | Pro Video Mode, Ultra Stable Video, AutoFraming, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | S21 5G has optical zoom and RAW, for detailed photos and video, A35 has AI engine and pro mode with ultra stable video |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a significantly larger battery, providing potentially longer battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support the same fast charging rate, however the A35 with bigger battery will take longer to charge. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless charging | Non-removable | S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a key advantage for convenience but does not come with a charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better processing power, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits display brightness is crucial for outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in bright sunlight.
- Advanced Camera Features: The telephoto lens, higher video resolution (8K), and optical zoom offer more versatile and higher-quality imaging capabilities, especially for photography enthusiasts.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Added convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Compact Size and Weight: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for single-handed use and portability.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, making it ideal for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Larger Screen: The 6.6" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking, giving a more immersive experience.
- Newer OS: The A35 comes with a newer version of Android, meaning it will likely have more future updates.
- Macro and Wide Angle Lens: Offers more camera versatility with a macro and wide angle lens for various shooting scenarios.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: The 5.3 Bluetooth version provides better connection.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: While it offers better performance and advanced camera features, it comes with a smaller battery, a more compact screen and is an older phone.
- A35: While it offers a larger battery and screen, it does not perform as well as the S21 5G, and does not have wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and gaming performance.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want advanced camera features like telephoto zoom, 8K video, and optical image stabilization.
- Users in bright environments: Users who often use their phones in bright sunlight and need the extra screen brightness.
- Users looking for a compact phone: Users who prefer a smaller and lighter phone for easy handling and portability.
- Users who desire wireless and reverse wireless charging: Users who prefer wireless charging
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: Smooth gameplay on graphically intensive games due to the powerful chipset and GPU.
- Outdoor Photography: Capturing detailed photos and videos in bright conditions due to the high brightness display and excellent camera.
- Mobile Video Editing: Editing and processing high-resolution videos due to the powerful processing capabilities.
- Travel: Lightweight and compact for easy portability.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal Users:
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who need their phone to last all day on a single charge.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, stream content, or enjoy larger displays for browsing and multitasking.
- General Purpose Users: Users looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Users who require a versatile camera system: Users who desire macro, ultrawide and standard cameras.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a newer phone with a larger battery and screen.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily Productivity: Managing emails, browsing, and using productivity apps throughout the day without worrying about battery life.
- Media Consumption: Watching videos, browsing social media and reading content on the larger display.
- Casual Photography: Capturing everyday moments and memories with a versatile camera system.
- Longer commutes: Watching content or listening to audio during long commutes with the larger battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 5G: May be available at a lower price now as it is an older model, making it a good option if price is a concern.
- A35: Offers a modern design, a larger screen, and excellent battery life, but at a higher launch price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is performance or battery life a bigger priority?
- If performance, the S21 5G is preferable.
- If battery life, the A35 is a better choice.
- Is a compact, pocketable phone or a larger screen more important?
- If compact size, the S21 5G is better.
- If a larger display, the A35 is the better option.
- Is having a versatile camera, wireless charging, and a brighter display crucial?
- If yes, the S21 5G is a good option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the power user: If you need the best performance and don't mind the smaller battery, the S21 5G is the more logical choice.
- For the budget-conscious user: If you want an all-day battery life and a modern design with a large screen, the A35 is a more suitable option.
- For the camera enthusiast: If you prioritize versatile camera features and higher-quality photos and videos, S21 5G is the better option, due to the optical zoom and 8K recording.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the A35 boasts a larger battery and screen, my priority lies in performance and camera capabilities. The S21 5G's superior chipset, brighter display and advanced camera features, along with its more compact form factor, make it a better fit for my needs. I value the faster app loading and smoother multitasking, and find the camera versatility of the telephoto lens and 8K recording more useful than having just a macro and wide-angle lens. The addition of wireless charging is a convenience I wouldn't want to give up, even if the battery life is shorter. The price being lower makes it an even better deal despite it being an older phone.
