Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M15
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 160.1 x 76.8 x 9.3 mm | S21 5G is more compact, easier to handle in one hand. M15 is bulkier and may be less comfortable for smaller hands or tight pockets. |
| Weight | 169g | 217g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, feels more comfortable during extended use. M15's heavier build could be fatiguing. |
| Build | Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Screen: Unknown | S21 5G's screen is more durable, likely to resist scratches and cracks. M15's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | M15 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while S21 5G offers a more compact form factor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are very similar in clarity; slight difference is barely noticeable to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 396 PPI | S21 5G's display is slightly sharper, with a marginal increase in clarity that is unlikely to be very noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones use the same vibrant display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G has smoother animations, better for gaming, scrolling, and overall fluidity. M15 is adequate but not as smooth. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21 5G has much better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. M15 will be harder to see under bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful chip, which is much faster and more responsive. M15 is adequate for daily tasks but struggles with demanding apps. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 442,500 | S21 5G is far more powerful, providing a faster, smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. M15 is less powerful with lower performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful graphics processor, enabling better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. M15 is suitable for basic graphics tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, | M15 has higher resolution, capturing more detail in ideal conditions. S21 5G's larger sensor size and pixel size is better in low-light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung S5KGW2 | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens that provides better optical zoom capabilities. M15 only has digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G's ultrawide has a higher resolution sensor, likely producing higher-quality images with better dynamic range. M15 has a lower resolution for ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M15 has a dedicated macro lens which is good for extreme close-up photos. S21 5G relies on its ultrawide for macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 13MP, f/2.0 | M15 has slightly better low-light performance, while S21 5G may have better dynamic range. The difference is minor, as S21 5G's selfie score is higher in DXOMark. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo sound | Up to 1080p@30fps, EIS | S21 5G can record videos in higher resolutions and offers better image stabilization. M15 is limited to FHD, and without stereo sound. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | S21 5G has a superior camera experience, better photo and video quality. M15 is untested, so cannot be compared. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6000mAh | M15 has a significantly larger battery which translates to much longer battery life on a single charge, although real world battery endurance varies based on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones support fast charging. S21 5G also supports wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Non-removable | S21 5G can charge other devices wirelessly, M15 can not. Both batteries are non removable. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: Smoother 120Hz refresh rate, higher peak brightness, making it easier to see outdoors.
- More Versatile Cameras: Better zoom capabilities with a dedicated telephoto lens and better image quality overall, including superior video quality.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more sophisticated audio setup.
- Premium Build: Better screen protection and a more compact, lightweight design.
- Better Bluetooth: Better codec support for higher quality audio
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, display, and premium features. It is a more well-rounded flagship device.
Samsung Galaxy M15 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, better for users who need all-day power.
- More Cameras: With ultrawide and macro lenses, it offers more flexibility in shooting different types of photos
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent Android version out of the box.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports newer bluetooth standards.
Practical Implications: The M15 is for users who prioritize battery life and want a phone that can last for a very long time. It is a more basic device suitable for general use.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Higher price, shorter battery life compared to M15.
- M15: Weaker performance, inferior display, and less advanced camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced video recording capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who value a smooth, vibrant display for watching videos or browsing.
- Flagship Seekers: Users who are willing to spend more for a premium experience.
Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional photography and videography, content creation, and resource intensive tasks.
Samsung Galaxy M15 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for an affordable phone with good battery life.
- Everyday Users: Users who need a phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls, and want a device to last all day long.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Those who prioritize battery life above all else and are not focused on high-performance gaming or other demanding tasks.
Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, extended use without frequent charging, and general daily tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G offers excellent performance, display, and camera, with the cost of shorter battery life and higher price. Its value is excellent for its original price, but it may be more difficult to obtain due to being an older flagship model
- The M15 offers great battery life, with the compromise of weaker performance and an older camera. It's better value for price due to being a much newer phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life to you? (All day battery vs. having to charge more often)
- How much do you value gaming and performance? (High-end gaming and seamless multitasking vs. Basic daily usage)
- What is your budget for the phone? (Premium flagship features vs. cost-effective option)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focused): If you prioritize smooth performance, high quality display, and a premium camera experience for demanding tasks and gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice, even at a potentially higher price due to being an older flagship model.
- Scenario 2 (Battery Life Focused): If your primary concern is long battery life and basic usage, the Samsung Galaxy M15 is a better option. It will cost less.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you need a blend of decent performance and a reasonable battery life, consider your budget carefully. If you are willing to pay extra for flagship features, go for the S21, if not, M15 would suit your needs.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, despite being an older phone. My primary use cases revolve around mobile gaming, capturing high quality photos and videos, consuming content, and using productivity tools, all of which benefit substantially from S21's higher performance and high quality display. The S21 5G also has a premium design and the wireless charging is also something I value for the convenience. While the battery is not as large as the M15, the difference in performance and camera quality would justify the slightly less battery capacity for me. I value performance and the user experience more than a longer battery life, and S21 offers me the better user experience for my needs.
