1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and ZTE nubia Flip, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | ZTE nubia Flip offers a unique foldable design, allowing a larger screen in a more compact form when folded. The S21 is a standard phone. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 170 x 75.5 x 7 mm | ZTE nubia Flip is taller and wider, while slightly thinner, and has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 169g | 214g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. ZTE nubia Flip is noticeably heavier due to the folding mechanism. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.9" | ZTE nubia Flip provides a larger display for immersive media consumption and multitasking. The S21 has a more compact display for single-hand operation |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1188 x 2790 | ZTE nubia Flip offers a sharper and more detailed image due to its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 439 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors with better power efficiency for dark themes. ZTE's display technology is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has much higher brightness, making it much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight. The ZTE Nubia Flip's brightness spec is not available so this may be difficult to view outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both offer capable performance but target slightly different areas. The Samsung is a flagship chip from a previous generation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 690,000 | The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers marginally better benchmark performance, indicating potentially smoother operations in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs which makes direct comparisons challenging. Both offer good graphic performance, with slight advantages for different tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.7 | ZTE nubia Flip captures more detailed images due to its much higher megapixel count. It has a slightly wider aperture, which can be an advantage in low light |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, which the ZTE Nubia Flip lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | ZTE nubia Flip provides more detailed selfies with a higher resolution. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | ZTE Nubia Flip includes a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait mode bokeh. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers the ability to capture wide-angle and macro shots with a dedicated lens, which the ZTE Nubia Flip lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can record up to 8K video, offering higher resolution for videographers. The ZTE Nubia Flip lacks this capability. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's cameras have been independently tested and scored very well. ZTE nubia Flip's camera performance is unknown, and therefore very hard to compare. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, RAW | Ultra Stable Video, Dual Camera | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers more advanced features like OIS, optical zoom, and RAW capture. ZTE nubia Flip offers "Ultra stable video". Both offer various features, each with its pros and cons. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4310 mAh | ZTE nubia Flip's larger battery might offer slightly longer battery life, but this is very dependent on usage. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 33W | ZTE nubia Flip charges faster than Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, whereas the ZTE Nubia Flip doesn't. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | ZTE nubia Flip ships with a newer version of Android, providing more up-to-date features. The S21 is upgradable to Android 15, reducing this difference |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | ZTE nubia Flip offers double the maximum storage available with 512 GB, great for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | ZTE nubia Flip has an optional 12GB configuration which will greatly help with multitasking and game performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | Basic Audio | The S21 has superior audio for media consumption, with noise cancellation for clearer calls. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic | side-mounted | ZTE Nubia Flip has a more modern side mounted sensor, likely faster and more ergonomic. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has superior screen protection, adding extra protection against scratches and cracks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, color vibrancy, and energy efficiency for dark themes.
- Brighter Screen: 1300 nits makes it significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Offers optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture, wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Also has been independently tested and reviewed.
- 8K Video Recording: Ideal for those needing high-resolution video capture.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Provide a better audio experience.
- Barometer: Provides additional environmental sensor data for apps that require it.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for increased durability.
ZTE nubia Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a larger screen in a compact format, providing a unique experience.
- Larger Display: Provides more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: Slightly sharper and more detailed screen
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detail in images.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker refills.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life.
- More Storage Options: Available in a larger 512GB option
- More RAM: Available with 12GB of RAM, making multitasking smoother.
- eSIM: Supports eSIM for digital carrier switching.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Ergonomic and fast.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Lacks foldable design, slightly smaller display, and is heavier, also the battery is smaller, but has wireless charging.
- ZTE nubia Flip: Display technology is unknown, lower brightness, lacks telephoto, wide-angle, and 8K video recording, has unknown video performance, and is heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize excellent display quality, audio, and camera performance.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a screen that is easily visible in bright sunlight.
- Photography and Videography Hobbyists: Those who need the flexibility of a good quality multi-lens camera setup, particularly good zoom, video, and RAW capture.
- Performance Users: Those who need a phone with smooth operation for various tasks.
Use Cases:
- Watching HDR movies and videos.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, including zoomed shots.
- Using the phone comfortably in outdoor environments.
- Listening to music and consuming media with quality speakers.
ZTE nubia Flip - Ideal User:
- Early Adopters: People interested in the latest form factors and technology.
- Screen Size Prioritizers: Users who want a large screen but still want a phone that folds up smaller.
- Multitaskers: Those who benefit from a large screen and good RAM for running multiple applications simultaneously.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a good, simple camera that takes great photos.
- Users with Power Banks: Those who are not worried about the lack of wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Reading documents and browsing the web on a large screen.
- Playing games on a large display.
- Switching between multiple apps seamlessly.
- Taking selfies and group photos with good front-facing camera.
- Using the latest Android features.
Price-to-Value:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: As an older flagship, it's likely available at a lower price, offering excellent value for performance, screen and camera.
- ZTE nubia Flip: Being a new foldable, it will likely be more expensive. Value will depend on personal preference for foldable technology and screen size, with trade offs in screen technology, camera versatility and wireless charging.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three questions potential buyers should consider:
How important is a foldable screen to you?
- If a foldable screen is a must-have, the ZTE nubia Flip is the obvious choice. If not, consider other factors.
Do you prioritize Camera Quality and Screen Brightness over Screen size?
- If you need the best camera and outdoor visibility, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better option.
How much do features like wireless charging, expandable storage and best in class audio matter to you?
- If those are important the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has these features, whereas the ZTE nubia Flip does not.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior camera system, 8K video, RAW capture, and optical zoom.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its better screen, brighter display, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Casual User who wants a big display: Choose the ZTE nubia Flip for its larger display, and unique form factor
- Scenario 4: Cost Concious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G due to being an older flagship, which usually reduces cost while still offering good quality.
What I would choose and why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the ZTE nubia Flip has an appealing foldable design and a large screen, I value the Samsung's superior display technology (AMOLED and higher brightness), as well as the far more versatile camera system with OIS, zoom, and 8K video capabilities. I also appreciate the wireless charging and the higher quality audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. While the ZTE offers a larger screen, the missing display specs and lower screen brightness are a major downside for me. The S21 5G also has known and reliable image quality due to independent testing. In addition, as an older flagship it is likely to be better value for money. I am not particularly drawn to foldable phones as I prefer a standard form factor for ease of use. Therefore, the Samsung S21 5G aligns with my needs and preferences more effectively, making it the better choice for me.
