1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | The S21 is significantly more compact and easier to handle in one hand. The A75 is larger and may be less comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 169g | 189g | The S21 is lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. The A75 is heavier and might feel bulky. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | The A75 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while the S21's smaller size may be more convenient for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | The S21 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. The A75's resolution is noticeably lower, resulting in a less crisp image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 267 | The S21's higher pixel density makes details sharper and text more legible. The A75's lower pixel density is less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The A75's IPS LCD is less dynamic, has less contrast, and blacks are not as deep. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 provides smoother scrolling and animations. The A75's display may feel slightly less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21’s much higher brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors, even in bright sunlight. The brightness of A75 is unknown which indicates poor performance under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The S21's chipset is much more powerful, handling demanding tasks and games with ease. The A75’s chipset is less powerful and better for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 240,000 | The S21 offers significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. The A75 is less powerful for resource-intensive tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The S21’s GPU enables better graphics processing for gaming and video editing. The A75 has a significantly less powerful GPU. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The A75 has a larger battery, which could provide longer battery life. The S21 needs to be charged more frequently. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | The S21 charges slightly faster. The A75 takes a bit longer to fully charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | The S21 offers more charging flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging. The A75 only has basic charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The A75 has a higher megapixel count but the S21 usually produces higher image quality due to better sensor and processing. The impact in real-world image quality depends more on overall sensor quality rather than just MP. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | Yes (64MP) | No | The S21 has an extra telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode, while the A75 lacks this feature. This means, S21 will have better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | The S21 takes slightly higher resolution selfies. Both cameras are good enough for day to day selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | Yes (12.2MP) | No | The S21 can capture wider scenes and close-up macros, adding versatility to photos. The A75 does not have these functionalities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21 can capture higher quality video with more frame rate options. The A75 only shoots in Full HD and does not have many options. |
| DXOMark Camera Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | The S21’s camera performs significantly better according to objective tests. The A75’s camera performance is unknown but it can be assumed to be average. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Digital Zoom, PDAF, HDR, etc. | S21 is much better for professional photography and videography, providing more control and creative possibilities. The A75 has less advanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 13 | The A75 has a newer Android version out of the box. The S21 supports up to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | The S21 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. The A75 has a slower, less efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, more features | 5.0 LE, fewer features | The S21 supports more Bluetooth profiles for better audio and device connectivity. The A75 has basic Bluetooth functionalities. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 has better GPS with more accurate positioning. The A75 has a less accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones come in 128GB and 256GB options, with similar storage capacities for users. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | The S21 has 8 GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. The A75 can have 4 or 8 GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, users must rely on internal storage or cloud solutions. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers | DTS/DTS X | The S21 provides better audio output with its stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The A75 offers a different audio solution. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The A75 has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner for easier access. The S21 has a basic fingerprint sensor which is not as convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 has superior screen protection, offering better scratch and damage resistance. The A75 has unknown screen protection, probably basic. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | The S21 features a richer suite of sensors for more advanced functionality. The A75 lacks some important sensors such as a compass and barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, brightness, and pixel density. This results in a much better viewing experience with vivid colors and sharp text, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers drastically better processing power, making the S21 faster in everyday use and capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- More Versatile Camera System: The S21 features a telephoto, wide-angle, and macro camera, offering better zoom and creative options, with video quality up to 8K resolution. The A75 has a simpler camera setup with lower video recording capabilities.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a more comprehensive set of sensors. The A75 lacks these advanced features.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The A75 screen protection is unknown.
- Higher DXOMark scores: The S21’s camera performs much better according to objective tests.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger 5000mAh battery for potentially longer battery life, though real-world usage might vary. The S21 has a smaller battery, which may require more frequent charging.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box. However, the S21 supports upgrading to 15, negating this advantage.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a convenient way to unlock the phone and offers better ergonomics compared to the basic fingerprint sensor on the S21.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically lower cost due to its less powerful chipset, screen, and camera system.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21: The S21's main trade-off is a smaller battery, so it may not last as long as the A75 and does not have expandable storage. It is also an older phone.
- A75: The A75 sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities to achieve a lower price point. The screen is of noticeably lower quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who demand high performance for multitasking, gaming, and running demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with optical zoom, advanced features, and 8K video recording capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a high-quality display with vibrant colors, sharp images, and smooth scrolling for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Users who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and a robust set of sensors.
- Users who prioritize quality over battery life.
Use Cases for S21:
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth gameplay and high-fidelity graphics thanks to the powerful processor and GPU.
- Content Creation: Recording high-quality 8K video, editing photos, and producing visual content on the go.
- Professional Use: Utilizing advanced features and sensors for productivity and professional tasks.
- Everyday User Experience: Fluid performance and a beautiful screen for all day-to-day tasks.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and don't need the most powerful or feature-rich device.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who need a phone that can last longer on a single charge, even with a less efficient processor.
- Users who value ergonomics: Users who like to use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases for A75:
- Basic Communication: Calling, texting, and browsing the web without needing a high-performance device.
- Casual Social Media: Scrolling through feeds and sharing posts without requiring high image quality or a smooth display.
- Everyday Tasks: Managing simple tasks and running less demanding applications.
- Backup Phone: A reliable second device for calls and basic use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21: Offers a very high value for its performance and display quality but has an older processor and a smaller battery.
- A75: Provides basic functionality at a lower price point but makes significant compromises in performance and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The S21 would be a better phone but at a premium price compared to the A75.
- How important are performance and display quality? If you need high performance and a great display, go with S21. If it's just for basic communication and media consumption, the A75 is acceptable.
- How important is battery life versus other features? The A75 has a larger battery, while the S21 offers faster charging speeds and more charging options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you are a gamer, content creator, or need to run demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice. It offers unmatched performance and display quality.
- Scenario 2 (Budget User): If you need a phone for basic tasks and prioritize a larger battery and a lower price, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is an adequate option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a balance of performance and quality with a lower price tag, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still a better choice over the ZTE Blade A75, provided the slightly lower battery capacity is not a problem.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Despite being an older model, the S21 offers a superior overall experience that outweighs its age and slightly smaller battery. Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness is a crucial factor for me. As someone who uses their phone for media consumption and browsing, the visual experience is significantly better on the S21. The ZTE’s lower resolution and LCD technology are simply not good enough for me.
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset is much more powerful than the Unisoc T606. I prefer having the extra headroom for multitasking, app loading, and occasional gaming. The speed difference is night and day.
- Camera Versatility: The S21's camera system, with its telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens capabilities, coupled with features like OIS and 8K recording is a major plus. The DXOMark scores also prove it’s an objectively better camera system. I appreciate the flexibility it offers for various photography scenarios.
- Additional Features: I utilize wireless charging quite frequently, and having features like Dolby Atmos, a better Bluetooth version, and a more comprehensive sensor suite provides a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
- Build Quality and Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides me with peace of mind about daily scratches and drops, knowing the phone is better protected.
- Overall User Experience: The combination of the better display, faster performance, a more versatile camera, and additional features provides a more premium experience that outweighs the older age and smaller battery of the S21. While I value battery life, I’m okay with the smaller battery of the S21, considering that it charges faster than the A75, and has wireless and reverse charging.
While the ZTE Blade A75 4G offers a newer version of Android and potentially longer battery life, the compromises in display, performance, camera quality, and other features are too significant for my use cases. I’m a power user that needs a high quality screen and solid performance, and the S21 is a perfect choice in this regard.
