Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Tecno Spark 10 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 168.4 × 76.2 × 8.4 mm | Tecno is noticeably larger and less pocketable, S21 is more compact. |
| Weight | 169g | 208g | S21 is significantly lighter, easier for prolonged use and handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | Tecno offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp visuals. Slight advantage to Tecno for minor increase in vertical pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 396 ppi | S21 has sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 has far better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling, more fluid gaming, and better perceived responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much better in direct sunlight and outdoor usage. Tecno's brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | S21 has a far more powerful chipset. Offers significantly faster app loading, smoother gaming, better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,628 | S21 has drastically higher benchmark score; indicative of overall superior performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 has a considerably more powerful GPU, better for graphically intensive apps and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Tecno has a larger battery which can potentially last longer, but overall battery life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 charges faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 has versatile charging options, convenient for wireless charging and power sharing |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP | Tecno has higher megapixel count, but it doesn't necessarily translate to superior image quality |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 has a telephoto camera for zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes |
| Portrait/Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Tecno has dedicated depth sensor, may improve bokeh effect in portraits. |
| Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP | Tecno has a higher resolution front camera, potentially better for selfies |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1440p@30fps | S21 captures significantly higher quality videos. |
| DXOMARK | 111 (main), 132 (selfie) | N/A | S21 has excellent camera quality based on DXOMARK scores. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode, | Front Flash | S21 offers advanced camera features. Tecno has front flash for low light selfies. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Tecno has a newer version of android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 has newer Wi-Fi standard for faster connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with extensive features | 5.0 with basic features | S21 has wider Bluetooth codec and profile support |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS | S21 has better accuracy and supports more GPS systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Sufficient for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic audio | S21 has superior audio quality for media consumption, clear calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Tecno offers more convenient access with side mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen scratch and impact resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21 has more sensors which make it better for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness provides a much more vibrant and fluid viewing experience, especially in sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer considerably faster processing power for apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto, wide-angle lenses, 8K video recording, OIS, and superior overall image quality.
- Versatile Charging: Faster 25W wired charging, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging features.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation for superior sound.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, and more advanced Bluetooth profiles, and GPS systems.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better screen protection.
- More Sensors: Gyroscope, Barometer which are ideal for augmented reality and environmental apps.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.8" screen provides more screen real estate for media consumption and content viewing.
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery offers potential for longer battery life, but depends heavily on usage.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 32MP front camera for potentially sharper selfies.
- Portrait (Depth) Sensor: May improve the bokeh effect in portrait shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often considered more convenient than in-screen solutions for usability.
- Front Flash: Useful for low light selfies.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller screen, smaller battery, no charger in the box, and higher initial price.
- Tecno: Significantly weaker processor, lower quality display, inferior camera system, slower charging, basic audio, and lacks advanced sensors
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: People who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value image quality and need versatile camera options, including zoom capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who appreciate a vibrant, smooth display with high resolution and good color accuracy.
- Users who Value Premium Build & Features: Those who are willing to pay extra for superior design, advanced charging, and high-quality audio.
- Users who want good video quality: Those who want to record 4K and even 8K videos.
- Gamers: Those that need the gyroscope for gaming on the go.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games smoothly
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios
- Enjoying media on a vibrant and color-accurate screen
- Multitasking between several apps without lag
- Using the phone outdoors in bright daylight with good visibility
Tecno Spark 10 Pro is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for an affordable phone with a large screen and basic functionality.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and simple tasks.
- Users who Value Large Display and Battery: Those who prioritize a big screen and battery life over performance and camera quality.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Those that need higher resolution selfies with a flash.
Specific Use Cases:
- Browsing social media and the web
- Watching videos and movies on a large screen
- Taking basic selfies and casual photos
- Long battery life for basic tasks
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a high price-to-value ratio for users seeking top-tier performance and advanced features, but may be costlier.
- The Tecno Spark 10 Pro offers a more affordable entry point, making it a good value choice for casual users on a tight budget, though performance is much lower.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for a smartphone? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, basic usage)
- How much do I value performance vs. budget? (Top performance vs. basic functionality at a lower price)
- What specific features are most important to me? (Display quality, camera system, battery life, charging features, audio)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gaming: If you prioritize performance, high-quality display, and advanced camera features, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Its processing power, AMOLED screen, and versatile camera will suit your needs best.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you're on a tight budget and primarily need a large screen for media consumption, choose the Tecno Spark 10 Pro. It offers a bigger screen and larger battery at a lower price, but be prepared for lower performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: If camera quality is crucial, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, due to its more advanced sensors, wider array of cameras and better video quality.
- Scenario 4: Basic Use: If you need a basic phone for everyday tasks, long battery life and large screen, Tecno Spark 10 Pro would suffice.
- Scenario 5: Outdoor Use: If you use the phone outside often, then you must go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G due to its significantly brighter display.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it is an older model, the significant advantages in display quality, processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build quality are crucial for my daily use. I am willing to trade the larger screen and battery of the Tecno for the superior performance, camera versatility, and advanced display features of the S21. The S21's ability to handle intensive tasks, produce high-quality photos and videos, and the overall premium experience make it the better option for me.
