Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Tecno Spark Go 2024
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm | The S21 is significantly smaller and easier to handle one-handed. The Spark Go is noticeably larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 0g | The S21 is significantly lighter. The Tecno's weight data is not available. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | The Spark Go offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. The S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | The S21's higher resolution results in much sharper text and images. The Spark Go's display will look less detailed. |
| PPI | 421 | 267 | The S21 will have a noticeably crisper display, especially for small text and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21's AMOLED display provides better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Spark Go's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21’s 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother than the Spark Go’s 90Hz display. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. The Spark Go's brightness information is not available, making it hard to assess its performance outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The S21's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 249,000 | The S21’s much higher score indicates a dramatically superior overall performance. The S21 will handle intensive tasks like gaming and video editing much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The S21's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.8µm, Sony IMX555) | 13MP (f/1.9, 1.12µm) | The S21 has a larger sensor and pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance. The S21 has a wider aperture for better low light photography. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 0.8µm, Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | None | The S21 can capture zoomed-in shots with less loss of detail and has better portrait mode capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1.22µm, Sony IMX374) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The S21's selfie camera captures more detailed images. The pixel size of the Tecno selfie camera is not provided. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1.4µm, Sony IMX563) | None | The S21 offers an additional wide-angle camera for more versatility and macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | The S21 offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolutions, stabilization, and HDR. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 | Not Tested | The S21's camera has been tested and scored well. The Tecno camera is untested. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | Not Tested | The S21's selfie camera has been tested and scored very well. The Tecno selfie camera is untested. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Digital Zoom, Front Flash, etc. | The S21's camera is packed with more features, providing better control and quality in different scenarios. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Spark Go has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but actual use depends on the phone’s efficiency. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 10W Fast Charging | The S21 charges much faster. The wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities of the S21 are a significant advantage. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging | None | The S21 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge accessories or other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and high brightness offer a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming performance, making it more future-proof.
- Advanced Camera System: Multiple lenses (telephoto, wide-angle), 8K video recording, optical image stabilization (OIS) and a much higher DxOMark score provide versatility, better image quality, and advanced features.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and the inclusion of wireless and reverse wireless charging offer greater convenience.
- More Advanced Connectivity and Features: Offers features like WiFi 6, more Bluetooth profiles, a Barometer sensor and advanced GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation technology provides a better audio experience.
- More RAM: The S21 provides 8GB of RAM, better for multitasking.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to the larger capacity.
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors.
- Potentially Lower Price: This is a budget-oriented phone, so it will likely be more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Slightly smaller screen and potentially shorter battery life compared to the Tecno, though charging is faster. May be more expensive.
- Tecno Spark Go 2024: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, basic camera capabilities, slower charging, lack of wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, video editing, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos with versatile features.
- Media Consumers: Those who want a vibrant and sharp display with smooth animations for watching videos and browsing.
- Professionals: Users who need enhanced connectivity, advanced sensors, wireless charging, and a robust camera for work.
- Users Needing Good Outdoor Visibility: The bright display will help in visibility even under sunlight.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who want a phone that can last for a full day of moderate use without frequent charging.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: Those who are new to smartphones and don't need advanced features.
- Users with basic usage requirements: Those who don't need a high-performance smartphone and do not consume media or game.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 is a premium phone, while the Spark Go is a budget-friendly option. This is the primary determining factor.
- How important is performance for you? Do you need high performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic functionality enough?
- How important is camera quality? Are you a photography enthusiast or someone who only uses the camera occasionally?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User/Gaming: If you need the best performance and camera and you can afford it, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget User/Basic Functionality: If you prioritize battery life and affordability over performance and camera quality, choose the Tecno Spark Go 2024.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs: If you want good performance with a balanced set of features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option due to its high performance and overall better user experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the Tecno Spark Go 2024 offers a larger battery and may be more budget-friendly, the S21's superior display, significantly higher performance, advanced camera system, faster charging, and better build quality make it a much more appealing overall package. The enhanced experience and future-proofing aspects of the S21 would be a much better long-term investment despite the higher price point.
The practical difference in daily use between these two phones is vast. The S21 excels in every critical area, making it a worthwhile option for anyone needing a reliable, high-performance, multimedia-capable device. The Spark Go would only be suitable for users with incredibly basic needs who are willing to compromise on the core smartphone experience.
