Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The M35 is noticeably larger, which means more screen but can feel bulkier and less pocketable. The S21 is smaller and more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 222g | The S21 is significantly lighter. The M35 will feel heavier in hand, and during extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | The M35 has a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming, while S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness; the slight difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 390 | The S21 has a slightly sharper display, which will be subtly noticeable on close inspection, but likely negligible in most situations. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 is significantly brighter making it much better for outdoor use in sunlight. The lack of brightness information for the M35 is a major drawback. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The S21's chipset offers faster performance overall and will be better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 578,500 | The S21 scores significantly higher, indicating smoother and more responsive performance for daily tasks and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The S21 has a more powerful GPU and will offer better gaming performance and graphics rendering than M35. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.0µm | The M35 has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail in ideal conditions but the S21 has a larger sensor and larger pixel size which can improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | The S21 offers optical zoom capabilities and dedicated portrait shots which the M35 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The M35 has a slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | The M35 has an ultrawide lens for capturing more of a scene in one shot which is missing on S21 |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The M35 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which is missing on S21 |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | The S21 has an ultrawide lens that also works as a macro lens which is not available on M35 |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 offers much higher video recording quality. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not available | The S21's camera has been evaluated and scored by DxOMark, indicating established performance benchmarks, unlike M35 |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW | 4K Video, OIS, Pro Video Mode, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bit, DOL HDR | The S21 offers optical zoom, while M35 includes features like NPU AI Engine. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 has a significantly larger battery, which translates to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support similar charging speeds. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, No charger in-box | Non-removable | The S21 offers wireless charging and reverse charging features not found in the M35. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU offer faster processing and better gaming. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a superior experience with demanding apps and games.
- Better Display Brightness: 1300 nits of brightness mean better outdoor visibility, which is a key factor in usability, especially in sunny conditions.
- Superior Camera System: Offers 8K video recording, a telephoto lens with optical zoom, and generally better-performing sensors according to DxOMark scores. This provides flexibility for different scenarios and superior image and video quality.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Provides the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, both useful and not present in M35
- More Premium Features: Includes additional sensor such as Barometer
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: A 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. Great for power users.
- Larger Screen: The 6.6" display offers a better experience for media consumption and gaming. Good for those who prefer bigger screens.
- More modern bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.3 over Bluetooth 5.0, offering better efficiency
- Dedicated Wide and Macro lenses: Offers an ultrawide and macro lens
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer version of Android and most likely offers more years of support.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 sacrifices battery life and screen size for superior performance, a better main camera with optical zoom, and a brighter display.
- The M35 prioritizes battery life, a bigger screen, and the additional ultrawide and macro lens at the expense of overall performance, display brightness, telephoto zoom capabilities, and overall camera quality.
- The M35 has a larger form factor, making it less pocketable and significantly heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Power users: Users who demand fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value image quality, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Users in bright environments: The significantly brighter screen provides better usability in sunny conditions.
Users who appreciate premium features: Wireless charging and reverse charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions, utilizing optical zoom.
Samsung Galaxy M35 is ideal for:
- Heavy battery users: Users who need a phone that can last a full day or more without needing to recharge.
- Media consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and playing games, and prefer a larger screen for better immersion.
- Budget conscious users: Users looking for a larger screen and large battery
Users who like ultrawide and macro photography: The dedicated lenses are useful for specific use cases.
Specific Use Cases:
- Streaming movies and shows on the go.
- Playing casual games.
- Long days with minimal charging opportunities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21, although older, often comes at a lower price than it originally was, and potentially offers better value for its performance and camera quality.
- The M35 may offer better value for users prioritizing battery life and screen size at a lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- Performance vs. Battery Life: Do you prioritize a smoother, faster experience with better camera capabilities, or do you need a phone that will comfortably last a full day on a single charge?
- Screen Size and Portability: Do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption and gaming, even if it means a bulkier and heavier phone, or a more compact, pocketable device?
- Camera Needs: Do you value versatile camera features like optical zoom and high video resolution, or do you prefer the convenience of an ultrawide and macro lenses and long battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent travelers who want the best camera
- Recommendation: The S21 with optical zoom, high video quality, and a brighter screen, making it better for photography and videography on the go.
- Scenario 2: Students on a tight budget looking for a long-lasting phone
- Recommendation: The M35 with its larger battery and bigger screen for less money.
- Scenario 3: Casual users who value overall usability and performance
- Recommendation: The S21 provides better performance and a brighter screen, therefore a more convenient all-around user experience despite not having an ultrawide or macro lens
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the M35 has a larger battery, the S21 offers significantly better overall performance, a superior camera with optical zoom, and a brighter screen which is critical for outdoor visibility. As a user, I prioritize a smooth, fast experience, and a good camera is essential for my lifestyle. The convenience of wireless and reverse charging is also a big advantage. While battery life is essential, I am willing to carry a portable battery bank in exchange for the superior features of the S21. The M35's bigger screen is nice, but the increase in size and weight is a trade-off I'm not willing to make. The lack of reliable information on its screen brightness and no DxOmark score for the camera are also significant points against the M35. The S21 provides a more premium and capable experience.
