Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. vivo V30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | vivo V30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164.4 × 75.1 × 7.5 mm | vivo V30 is taller and wider, less pocketable, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is thicker by 0.4 mm |
| Weight | 169g | 186g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | vivo V30 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo V30 has sharper, more detailed visuals |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 453 | vivo V30 has slightly sharper text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers superior outdoor visibility. Note: vivo V30 brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | vivo V30 likely has better efficiency and slightly better performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 866,863 | vivo V30 demonstrates better overall performance in benchmarks |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 720 | Different GPU architectures, vivo V30 is generally more efficient for graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | vivo V30 captures more detail, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has better low light due to larger pixels. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | vivo V30 has dedicated wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has more versatile close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | vivo V30 captures highly detailed selfies with wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers higher video resolution for professional use |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a tested and rated camera performance; vivo V30 is untested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | vivo V30 likely has longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 80W Fast | vivo V30 charges much faster |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse, No charger in-box | None listed | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse charging, missing charger |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 14, Max 16 | vivo V30 has a newer OS and should receive more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Similar WiFi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 | vivo V30 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version |
| GPS | L1+L5 | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both have similar GPS; Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has dual-frequency GPS |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | vivo V30 offers a higher maximum storage option |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | vivo V30 has an optional 12GB RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Basic audio | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers better audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor on both |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | Both phones have standard sensors; Samsung has environmental and navigation sensors, vivo has Gravity |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1300 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- More Versatile Cameras: Telephoto/portrait lens, Wide Angle + Macro lens for different shooting scenarios, capable of higher 8K video capture.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Superior Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation mic for immersive audio.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protector.
- Advanced Sensors: Includes barometer, hall and geomagnetic sensors.
vivo V30 Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Larger 6.78" display with higher 1260x2800 resolution for enhanced visual experience.
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) offers improved efficiency and performance.
- Significantly Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery for extended usage.
- Much Faster Charging: 80W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: 50MP main and selfie cameras capture more detail.
- Newer OS: Android 14 offering latest features.
- Optional More RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB of storage.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Better power efficiency and speed.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Versatile wide angle shots
Practical Implications and Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G excels in display brightness, audio, camera versatility, and wireless charging, making it great for users who prioritize outdoor visibility, sound quality, advanced photography, and the convenience of wireless charging. However, it is older, with an inferior battery and slower charging.
- The vivo V30 shines with its larger, sharper display, newer chipset, superior battery life, faster charging, and high-resolution cameras, making it ideal for users who prioritize media consumption, gaming, long battery life, and quick charging times. The vivo sacrifices the telephoto/macro lenses and wireless charging, and has no information on screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright screen for visibility in sunlight.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value high-quality audio and versatile camera system.
- Power Users: Users who like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Photographers: People who need a wide array of features, including optical zoom and macro camera.
vivo V30 is Ideal For:
- Media Lovers: Users who prefer larger, sharper displays for immersive viewing experiences.
- Gamers: Those who need good performance and extended battery life for gaming sessions.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who require long battery life and fast charging.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Those who want high-resolution, detailed selfies.
- General Consumers: Users looking for the latest software.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, being an older model, is likely available at a lower price, providing value for its premium features, particularly display brightness, camera versatility, and wireless charging.
- The vivo V30 is a newer phone, and therefore will be priced higher, however, it offers more advanced performance, a larger display, better battery life, and faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize outdoor visibility (Samsung) or screen size and sharpness (vivo)?
- Battery Life and Charging: Do you value a long-lasting battery and fast charging more (vivo) or is wireless charging more important (Samsung)?
- Camera Versatility vs. Detail: Do you prefer versatile camera with telephoto and macro options (Samsung) or higher resolution main and selfie cameras with dedicated wide angle (vivo)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a phone for outdoor work/activities: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its exceptional display brightness.
- Scenario 2: You are a student on a budget, who likes gaming and media consumption: Choose the vivo V30 for better performance and battery.
- Scenario 3: You are a content creator who needs the best video and camera versatility: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its 8K video, optical zoom and other camera features.
- Scenario 4: You are a general consumer who wants a modern smartphone with the latest software, better battery and fast charging: Choose the vivo V30 for newer specs and battery.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the vivo V30. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has some advantages in display brightness and camera features, the vivo V30's combination of a larger, sharper display, a more modern chipset, significantly better battery life and fast charging is more important for my daily use. The newer software and the optional extra RAM and storage are significant advantages that outweigh the slightly weaker audio and lack of wireless charging for me. I also prefer the versatility of the dedicated wide angle camera. The potential for a more up-to-date experience with the vivo V30 due to the newer software is also a deciding factor.
