1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164.4 × 75.5 × 8.4 mm | Tecno is noticeably larger and thicker, making the S21 more pocketable and easier to handle for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 0g | The listed weight for Tecno is incorrect. The S21 is likely lighter but this data is not accurate for both phones. |
| Build Quality - Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 offers significantly better protection against scratches and drops on the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | Tecno offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming; S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | S21 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 421 | 267 | S21 has higher pixel density for finer details and sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast; Also better for battery when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 has a slightly smoother user experience with less motion blur. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 offers much better outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight. Tecno's brightness is not available. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | S21's chipset offers significantly better processing power and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 331,000 | S21 provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21's GPU is significantly more powerful for demanding graphics tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Tecno has a higher resolution main sensor, but overall image quality depends on other factors like sensor size and processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | Tecno has a slightly wider aperture, which could result in better low-light performance, but the overall quality needs to be considered with other factors such as the sensor and software processing |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not present | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | S21 has slightly higher selfie camera resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.8 | Tecno has a slightly wider selfie aperture, potentially better for low light. |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Tecno allows for close-up photography; absent on S21. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not present | S21 offers a wider field of view for group photos or landscape. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 has significantly more advanced video recording capabilities, with higher resolution and frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | S21 has much better camera performance according to DxOMark; no scores are available for the Tecno. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Basic features | S21 has a more versatile camera system with more options for various scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Tecno has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 offers additional convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 15) | Android 13 | Tecno comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, but S21 is upgradeable. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, 802.11ax | 802.11ac | S21 supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard for better network performance and efficiency |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Tecno has a slightly more updated Bluetooth version, both support key codecs. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both phones have a 256 GB version. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer the same amount of RAM, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21 offers a superior audio experience, with richer and more immersive sound. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor (basic) | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Tecno offers a more convenient and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | S21 has a larger sensor suite, allowing more functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1300 nits brightness provide a significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer dramatically better processing and graphics capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, Wide Angle lens, and significantly better video recording options with 8K support, along with better overall quality based on DxOMark results.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6.
- More Sensors: Broader range of sensors including a Barometer and Compass for more advanced features.
Tecno Spark 10 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly bigger screen, which is beneficial for media consumption and games.
- Bigger Battery: Larger battery capacity for potential longer battery life, but actual battery life is not solely reliant on battery size.
- Macro Lens: Added flexibility for close-up photography.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, but the S21 is upgradeable.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be preferred over the S21's fingerprint sensor by some users.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Smaller battery, does not have a macro lens.
- Tecno Spark 10 5G: Significantly inferior display, much slower performance, weaker camera capabilities, and lacks advanced features like wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced video features.
- Media Consumers: People who appreciate high-quality displays for watching videos and consuming content.
- Users who prioritize user experience: Those who want a premium experience with a focus on display, performance, and build quality.
Specific Use Cases for S21:
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for professional or personal use.
- Watching videos and movies with great color, contrast, and clarity.
- Multitasking between several heavy apps with no lag.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
Tecno Spark 10 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who need a device that lasts longer between charges.
- Users Who Prefer a Large Screen: People who prioritize a large display for media consumption.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and basic tasks.
Specific Use Cases for Tecno:
- Long hours of web browsing and social media use.
- Casual gaming of simple games.
- Taking basic photos and videos.
- Users who want the latest version of Android.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 was a flagship phone which currently offers much better value for money because it offers much better performance and features than the Tecno phone.
- The Tecno offers a basic experience at a lower price, making it suitable for users with very tight budgets and limited requirements.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? Are you willing to spend extra for a premium experience with high performance and an advanced camera?
- What is my primary use case? Is it performance, content creation, media consumption, or basic communication?
- How important is display and camera quality? Do you need high resolution, color accuracy, and advanced camera features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are a student who needs a phone for general use and you want the phone to be fast, choose the Galaxy S21.
- If you need a large phone to only scroll through social media and don't care too much about performance and screen quality, the Tecno Spark 10 5G will work for you
- If you value a good camera to take photos of your family, then choose the Galaxy S21
- If your budget is extremely limited and you only want a smartphone for calling and messaging, then the Tecno Spark 10 5G will be fine for you.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
While the Tecno Spark 10 5G has a bigger battery and larger screen, the overall experience offered by the S21 is superior in every aspect that I value. The S21's AMOLED display is miles ahead in terms of clarity, color accuracy and brightness. The significantly more powerful Exynos 2100 chipset ensures smooth and responsive performance for any task I throw at it. The advanced camera system with its telephoto and wide angle lens allows me to capture high quality pictures and videos, and the additional features like wireless charging are very convenient.
I am willing to sacrifice battery life for the benefits that the Galaxy S21 provides, because I value overall performance and quality over everything else. I believe that the extra cost of the S21 is well worth it for the features it offers in the long run.
