1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip6 offers a unique compact design when folded, S21 5G is a typical slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Z Flip6 is taller and thinner, S21 5G is more compact and thicker when unfolded. Foldable design offers unique usability (hands-free use). |
| Weight | 169g | 187g | S21 5G is lighter, better for extended use and carrying comfortably. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Z Flip6 provides a larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip6 has slightly sharper display; difference is hardly noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 426 PPI | Both offer very similar image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 5G has more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, superior for dark mode and HDR content. Z Flip6 display technology is unknown, but should be AMOLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Z Flip6 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Z Flip6 has a much more powerful, modern chipset, offering faster speeds, better efficiency, and overall superior performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,250,000 | Z Flip6 has substantially better performance in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Z Flip6's GPU is far superior for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4000mAh | Both offer similar battery life based on capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, however Z Flip6 is confirmed to achieve 50% in 30 minutes. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, No Charger in-box | Bypass, Reverse, Fast 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Z Flip6 has Bypass charging, Fast charging, and is confirmed to achieve 50% in 30 min. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.80 µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8 | Z Flip6 offers significantly higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more details. Sensor and pixel size is unknown. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.80 µm pixel | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22 µm pixel | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22 µm pixel | Both offer comparable selfie cameras, though sensor models and sizes may vary slightly. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip6 has a wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixel | None | S21 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | S21 5G captures higher resolution 8K video for professional use; Both offer 4K and 1080p video capture, EIS, stereo sound. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 132 | Z Flip6 has significantly better overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 132 | Z Flip6 captures better photos. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 90 | 128 | Z Flip6 has better video capture quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Z Flip6 comes with a more recent OS out of the box and likely will receive updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) , Wi-Fi MiMO | Z Flip6 has Wi-Fi MiMO for faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Z Flip6 has the latest version for better range, speed, and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Z Flip6 offers more precise location tracking with added GPS bands |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM + eSIM) | Z Flip6 uses eSIM for easy carrier switching; S21 5G uses dual physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Z Flip6 offers more storage, useful for storing media and heavy files. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Z Flip6 has more RAM, which will perform better in heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 5G has an enhanced audio experience for immersive sound and noise cancellation for better calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip6 uses a more practical side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Flip6 uses a newer version of Gorilla Glass for slightly improved scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | Z Flip6 additionally has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and true blacks, especially noticeable in dark mode and HDR content.
- Higher Brightness: 1300 nits makes it much more readable in direct sunlight and outdoor use.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Offers greater photographic versatility for zoom and close-up shots.
- 8K Video Recording: Enables high-resolution video capture.
- Dolby Atmos & Noise Cancellation Microphone: Delivers an enhanced audio experience for media consumption and calls.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- More established reputation: Been on the market for much longer, with greater market-wide data.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a compact form factor when closed, ideal for portability and unique hands-free usage scenarios.
- Significantly Faster Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is far more powerful than the Exynos 2100 for better performance in all aspects of phone usage.
- Larger Screen: Provides more screen real estate for media and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP sensor captures more detail and offers better image quality compared to the 12MP of S21 5G.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Offers greater photographic versatility, particularly for landscapes and group photos.
- Significantly Higher Benchmark Scores: Z Flip6 has an AnTuTu score that is triple what the S21 5G achieved.
- More Storage and RAM: 256/512GB Storage and 12GB RAM are better for heavy users.
- Newer Technology: As a newer phone, it features newer connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3), better GPS, and a more modern OS.
- eSIM Support: Offers digital carrier switching capabilities, useful for travelers.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for charging when directly in use, prolonging battery life and reducing excess heat.
- Superior Camera Overall: While the S21 has an additional zoom sensor, the Z Flip6 wins in every major testing category from DxOMark.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G is a mature device, whereas the Z Flip6 is a completely unique phone with potentially more complex technical issues.
- The S21 5G lacks a wide-angle lens, while the Z Flip6 lacks a dedicated telephoto and macro lens.
- The S21 5G has a higher brightness display, making it more suitable for outdoor use than the Z Flip6.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is likely to be substantially cheaper.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a traditional smartphone form factor, excellent display quality, better brightness for outdoor use, and high-quality audio, along with having specific camera use cases (zoom or macro) might be more satisfied with the Galaxy S21 5G.
- Use Cases:
- Daily phone use for media consumption, web browsing, and communication.
- Users who frequently take photos in bright, outdoor environments.
- Individuals who enjoy listening to music and videos with rich audio.
- Users needing a dedicated telephoto and macro cameras for detailed shots.
- Users on a more strict budget.
- Price-to-Value: S21 5G offers a solid value for its price (especially since it's an older phone, and prices may have dropped considerably), with the highest display brightness.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6:
- Ideal User: Users who want a unique, compact, and cutting-edge smartphone experience with top-tier performance, a high-resolution camera, more RAM and storage, and are interested in the foldable form factor.
- Use Cases:
- Users who desire portability with a larger screen when needed.
- Tech enthusiasts who value innovative smartphone designs and features.
- Users who take many photos and videos with their phone.
- Gamers who require a very powerful processor and GPU.
- Multitaskers who need a large screen and lots of RAM.
- Price-to-Value: Z Flip6 is a premium phone with a premium price, but offers top-tier performance, unique design, and advanced camera quality, and could be worth the cost to certain users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a standard smartphone or the uniqueness of a foldable design?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute latest, top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, or is good performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need specific camera capabilities like telephoto or macro, or are versatility and better overall picture quality more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone with a great display for everyday use, and are on a strict budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented User: If you require top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and want a unique design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you need the most versatile camera setup for all scenarios, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is the better choice due to better overall performance and a wider angle lens, but if you require specific telephoto and macro camera capabilities, the S21 5G may be a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a superior outdoor experience because of its high-brightness display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. While the S21 5G has a better display with higher brightness and more specific cameras, I value the more modern and unique design, substantially superior performance, larger storage and RAM, better camera, and additional features like eSIM support and Bypass charging, that the Z Flip6 provides. I would be willing to pay the premium price for the Z Flip6's significant performance advantage and innovative form factor. While I do value a high brightness display, the difference in performance alone is worth it for my specific use case as someone who frequently plays video games and multitasks, and I think the benefits of having a fold-able phone make it a superior option for my lifestyle.
