1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-11-21 | vivo X100 is significantly newer, suggesting newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | vivo X100 is larger and slightly thicker; S21 5G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 202g | S21 5G is lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | vivo X100 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | vivo X100 offers sharper visuals, more detail for images and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 452 | vivo X100 offers slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for viewing content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 is significantly brighter, much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | vivo X100's chipset is significantly newer and more powerful, offering faster processing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 is considerably faster, better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100’s GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.57, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | vivo X100 captures more detail, better low-light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G has dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | vivo X100 has telephoto lens for zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | vivo X100 has wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | vivo X100 takes sharper, more detailed selfies and better low-light selfies with a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | S21 5G offers higher resolution video recording capabilities. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, 8K video | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, Cinematic Mode, Laser Autofocus | vivo X100 offers more advanced features like gimbal stabilization for videos. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21 5G has a tested and established camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | S21 5G has a tested and established selfie camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | vivo X100 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | vivo X100 charges much faster, significantly reduces charging times. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 5G offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | vivo X100 runs on a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | vivo X100 supports a newer standard, potentially faster speeds and improved performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | vivo X100 has a newer version, offering better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS + more | vivo X100 supports more satellite systems, better accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16 GB | vivo X100 provides more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer excellent audio, the S21 5G features noise cancellation, the X100 features Hi-Res. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G offers a known, robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21 5G offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket, great for users who prefer smaller devices.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers more convenient charging options and ability to charge other devices.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher video resolution for professional-grade footage.
- Established Camera Performance: DxOMark scores provide confidence in camera performance.
- More comprehensive suite of sensors: S21 has a Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the Exynos 2100.
- Larger and Brighter Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Superior Camera System: Improved main camera, dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses and better selfie camera.
- Larger Battery & Much Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging speeds.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more storage options and RAM for better performance and multitasking.
- Newer Android Version: Offers the latest software features and updates.
- Advanced Video Features: Cinematic mode, gimbal and laser autofocus for better stabilization and more creativity.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards.
- Hi-Res Audio: Features higher quality audio codecs.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Smaller display, less powerful performance, older software, and lower camera specs, but has wireless charging.
- vivo X100: Larger and heavier device, lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone with wireless charging and a good camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, fits easily into pockets and bags.
- Users who prefer a smaller screen for portability.
- Those interested in wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Casual photography and videography with solid image quality.
vivo X100:
- Ideal User: Users who demand the best performance, camera, and battery life, and enjoy watching content or gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy gamers and content creators who need powerful hardware.
- Users who value superior image quality and advanced camera features.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who enjoy media consumption and want a large, bright screen.
- Users who prioritize up-to-date software and connectivity.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The vivo X100 is a newer phone, therefore, it is likely to be more expensive than the S21 5G. The vivo offers more powerful features overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Size and Portability: Do you prefer a compact phone that's easy to handle and pocket, or are you comfortable with a larger device for a larger screen?
- Performance and Gaming: Do you need top-tier performance for demanding games and apps or will moderate performance be enough?
- Camera Needs: Do you need the most versatile camera setup and are concerned with DxOMark scores? Do you use wireless charging often?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Moderate Needs: If you prioritize a more pocketable device with wireless charging capabilities and solid camera capabilities and are not concerned with having the most current specs, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G may be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Power User with Heavy Demands: If you prioritize performance, battery life, and the best camera experience possible, the vivo X100 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Content Creator/Mobile Gamer: If you are a heavy mobile gamer, need long battery life, prefer the latest in tech, or are a mobile content creator and care about mobile photography/videography, the vivo X100 would be the best option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the vivo X100. While I appreciate the compactness and wireless charging of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, the significant performance leap, superior camera system, larger and brighter display, and much faster charging of the vivo X100 are too compelling to ignore. As a power user, I value fast performance for gaming and multitasking. I also enjoy photography and videography and want the best possible camera system.
