Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Flip4 offers a unique folding design, making it more compact when closed, while the S21 5G is a traditional candybar phone. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | The Flip4 is taller and slightly thinner, with similar width when unfolded. S21 5G is shorter and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 169g | 187g | The S21 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Flip4 has a larger screen for more immersive viewing, which can be beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | The Flip4 has a slightly sharper display, but the difference is marginal and likely not noticeable in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 426 PPI | Both phones have very sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown (Likely AMOLED) | S21 5G uses an AMOLED screen which will provide richer colors and better blacks. We assume the Z Flip4 also has an AMOLED screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, providing a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | The S21 5G is slightly brighter, making it more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Flip4's Snapdragon chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the S21 5G's Exynos chipset, leading to better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,050,371 | The Flip4's higher AnTuTu score translates to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | The Flip4’s Adreno 730 GPU generally provides better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3700mAh | The S21 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 25W Fast | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Bypass Charging, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, 50% in 30 min | The Flip4 offers faster charging and bypass charging, which can help extend battery health while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" | The S21 5G has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | The S21 5G has slightly better low light capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, 1/3.06" | The Z Flip 4 has a dedicated ultrawide lens while the S21 5G has a "Wide Angle + Macro" |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21 5G can record 8K video, which provides higher quality but requires more storage. The Flip4 is capped at 4K. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 112 | Marginal difference. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 125 | The Z Flip 4 is a slightly better photography phone. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 90 | 113 | The Z Flip 4 is a significantly better video recording phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 15) | Android 12 (max 14) | The Flip4 launches with a newer version of Android out of the box, but will receive one less major update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have modern WiFi standards. The Z Flip 4 also has Wi-Fi MiMO for more stable and fast WiFi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The Z Flip 4 has a newer Bluetooth standard. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | The Z Flip 4 supports eSIM, allowing for digital SIM card management. The S21 5G has two physical slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Flip4 offers a 512GB option for users needing more storage space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both phones have adequate RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Stereo Speakers | The S21 5G has additional audio features, providing a slightly better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Flip4 is generally more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have very good screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | The Z Flip 4 has an additional Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry due to its lighter weight and shorter design.
- Potentially Better Standard Camera: Larger sensor for main camera results in better low light performance.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offers superior zoom and portrait capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher resolution video recording for professional use cases.
- Superior audio: Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone provide a better sound experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Unique Foldable Design: Offers a unique, compact form factor when folded.
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers significantly better performance and energy efficiency.
- Larger Main Display: More immersive screen for media and gaming.
- Superior Video: Significantly better video recording quality according to DxOMark scores.
- eSIM Support: Allows for more flexibility in managing SIM cards, potentially useful for travel.
- Wider angle lens: Allows for capturing more of the scene in photos.
- Faster Charging: Charges to 50% in only 30 minutes.
- Better Bluetooth: Newer standard which results in more secure and efficient connections
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Older chipset, bulkier design, slightly inferior overall camera, and worse video recording.
- Z Flip4: Smaller battery, slightly heavier, and no telephoto lens (zoom capabilities are significantly lower).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a flagship experience from the past at a lower price.
- Photography Enthusiasts (moderate zoom): Users who value zoom capabilities and detailed standard images, as well as good audio experience.
- Users who Prefer Lighter Phones: Those who prioritize a lighter phone that’s comfortable for one-handed use.
- Video Content Creators Those who need to shoot 8k video
Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Everyday Photography: Capturing daily moments with good detail.
- Social Media Content Creation: Suitable for social media posts with good zoom and high quality images.
- General Multitasking: Handles everyday tasks with ease, including browsing, social media, and document editing.
- Longer video recording sessions: The higher bitrate of 8k video should mean clearer videos even when recording longer sessions.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and most innovative technology.
- Fashion-Conscious Users: Those who like the unique and eye-catching foldable design.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who prioritize faster overall speed and smoother multitasking.
- On the go gamers: Those who desire higher performance and power efficiency for longer sessions.
Use Cases for Z Flip4:
- Compact Carry: Fits more easily into pockets and small bags when folded.
- Mobile Gaming: Higher performance for demanding games.
- Media Consumption: The larger display provides a more immersive experience for video and browsing.
- Travel: eSIM and flexible design make it convenient for managing multiple carriers and a smaller form factor on the go.
- Professional video creation: The superior video scores provided by DxOMark make this device a better tool for video content creation.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The S21 5G will generally be cheaper, offering good value for its capabilities if purchased at a good discount. The Z Flip4 is more expensive due to its innovative design and top-tier chipset, however it provides superior video capabilities and a more powerful processor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize cutting-edge tech and a unique form factor? (If yes, the Flip4 is better)
- Is zoom photography a key priority, and do you need 8k video recording? (If yes, the S21 5G is better)
- How important is the best battery life? (If very important, the S21 5G has a slight advantage)
- How important is professional quality video for you? (If very important, the Z Flip 4 is significantly better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user needing a reliable phone for everyday use, with a good camera: Choose the S21 5G for its balanced features, reliable camera, and potentially lower price point.
- Scenario 2: User wanting a high-performance phone with a compact design and flexibility for travel: Choose the Z Flip4 for its powerful chipset, eSIM support, better overall video recording and unique form factor.
- Scenario 3: Video content creator: The Z Flip 4 is significantly better with a much better DxOMark video score, and better recording features.
- Scenario 4: User who needs to take photos that are great in zoom: The S21 5G is the better option for zoom photography.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While the S21 5G has a slightly better standard camera and zoom capabilities, the Z Flip4’s cutting-edge foldable design, significantly more powerful Snapdragon chipset, superior video recording capabilities, and more modern features make it the more compelling device overall. The form factor is a big advantage for portability and the overall performance upgrade would give it a much better lifespan. Additionally the better video recording capabilities are an important advantage, outweighing the need for better zoom capabilities. The slightly higher weight and smaller battery are acceptable trade-offs for these benefits, especially with fast charging and the option to bypass charge it when gaming.
