Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. S21+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | S21+ is noticeably larger, making it less pocketable, while the S21 is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 169g | 200g | S21 is significantly lighter, leading to better comfort during extended use, whereas the S21+ may feel heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | S21+ has a larger screen, which is more immersive for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking; S21 is more portable with a smaller display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, meaning visual fidelity is similar. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 394 | S21 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, but the difference is minor and hardly noticeable in real-world usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, improving the overall user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally viewable under bright sunlight with identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both offer identical processing power and handle demanding tasks and gaming with ease. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 749,100 | Identical scores indicate consistent performance across both devices. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both deliver comparable graphics performance for gaming and video rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.8 | Both cameras perform identically with similar image quality in standard lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | 64MP, f/2.0 | Both phones feature similar telephoto cameras, producing consistent zoomed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie camera setup produces comparable image and video quality for both devices. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Both offer identical wide-angle perspectives for landscape or group photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording capabilities. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | Identical photo scores; S21 has slightly better video performance according to DxoMark, but not a massive difference. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4800mAh | S21+ has a significantly larger battery, which should provide longer battery life for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both devices offer similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse wireless | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse wireless | Both have identical wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Both run same software version and can be upgraded to the same Android OS, providing same functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both devices offer the same storage options for storing data. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones offer same RAM capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports external storage, users are limited to their selected internal storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Both support dual sim, but only the S21+ can use an eSIM, making switching easier between carriers. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has Hi-Res audio, providing better audio quality than the S21 in specific scenarios, but both have the same core audio capabilities. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer same basic fingerprint sensor technology for securing the phone. |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both are using the same screen protection for ensuring durability. |
| Sensors | Full Suite of Sensors | Full Suite of Sensors | Both offer same sensors for a complete experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: The S21 is easier to handle with one hand and more portable, making it ideal for users who prefer a smaller device.
- Slightly Sharper Display: While the difference is minimal, the S21 has a higher pixel density, leading to a marginally sharper visual experience.
- Slightly better video score from dxomark: S21 has slightly higher video score than the S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The S21+'s larger screen is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: The S21+'s larger battery capacity results in significantly better battery life, particularly for power users.
- eSIM Support: S21+ has eSim support for easy switching between carriers.
- Hi-Res Audio: The S21+ offers a slightly better audio experience with Hi-Res audio support.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 sacrifices a larger screen and better battery life for a more compact and lightweight design.
- The S21+ trades portability for a larger screen and longer battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Those who prefer a lighter phone.
- Users who don't require maximum battery life.
- Users who are on a budget
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks (calling, texting, browsing)
- Users who need a phone for daily commute
- Occasional gaming and media consumption
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger screen for immersive viewing.
- Those who need a phone that can last a full day with heavy use.
- Users who multitask often or consume a lot of media.
Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming and video streaming
- Frequent travelers and power users
- Multitasking and productivity-focused tasks
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is portability to you? If you value a compact device that's easy to use one-handed, the S21 is better. If you prefer a larger, more immersive experience, opt for the S21+.
- Do you prioritize battery life? The S21+ has a significantly larger battery, making it the better choice if you need all-day battery.
- What is your budget? The S21 is likely the more affordable of the two.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Commuter: If you use your phone mostly for casual browsing and communication during your commute, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the better choice due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Content Consumer: If you spend a lot of time gaming and watching videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is preferable due to its larger display and better battery life.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you need a phone to last a full day with heavy usage, then the larger battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is the better choice.
Final Decision
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While I appreciate the compactness of the S21, the S21+'s larger screen and notably better battery life align more with my typical usage patterns. I frequently engage in activities like watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web, and the larger screen provides a more immersive experience. The enhanced battery ensures I don't have to worry about running out of power throughout the day, even with heavy use. Furthermore, I would value the better audio output from the S21+.
