1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.7 mm | The S21+ is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 13 mini is more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 200g | 141g | The iPhone 13 mini is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Screen | Unknown | The S21+ has a superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 5.4" | The S21+ has a much larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. The 13 mini is more compact, suitable for users who prefer smaller phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both displays are very sharp, with minor differences in actual pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 476 ppi | The 13 mini offers a sharper display due to higher pixel density, making text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21+ offers smoother animations and scrolling, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | The S21+ is slightly brighter, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Different chipsets; the A15 in the iPhone is generally considered more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,250,240 | The iPhone 13 mini significantly outperforms the S21+ in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (4-core) | Different GPU architectures, the Apple GPU is known for its performance efficiency. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.80µm | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.70µm | The iPhone 13 mini has a wider aperture, potentially better in low light, while the S21+ has a slightly larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for better optical zoom capabilities, while the iPhone relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.4 | The S21+ has a wide + macro lens while the iPhone 13 mini has just a wide lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.2, Unknown µm | The iPhone 13 mini has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the pixel size for the iPhone 13 is unknown, which can impact low light performance. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The S21+ supports higher resolution video recording, while both record 4K with HDR, EIS and stereo audio. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo 118, Video 89) | 125 (Photo 133, Video 144) | The iPhone 13 mini performs better in both photo and video quality, scoring higher in DxOMark's tests. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | NA | 134 (Photo 127, Video 143) | The iPhone 13 Mini has superior selfie performance according to DxOMark, while the S21+ has not been tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 2438 mAh | The S21+ has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, however this depends on efficiency of chipset. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 20W fast charging | The S21+ supports slightly faster wired charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Both have wireless charging, the S21+ has the advantage of reverse wireless charging and standard wireless charging, while the iPhone uses MagSafe. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption, multitasking, and users who prefer more screen real estate.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life, a huge advantage over the iPhone 13 mini.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated optical zoom lens for better zoom shots.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of capturing higher resolution videos.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices wirelessly using the phone's battery.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a basic biometric security option for users who prefer fingerprint over face unlock.
- Dual SIM: Support for two physical SIM cards.
- Wider Range of Bluetooth Protocols: Enhanced audio connectivity options
Apple iPhone 13 mini Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: The A15 Bionic chip provides significantly higher performance for daily tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Higher Pixel Density: Sharper display with a noticeable difference in clarity.
- Better Camera Performance: Superior photo and video quality according to DxOMark, particularly in video recording.
- Lighter and More Compact: More pocketable and easier to handle with one hand.
- MagSafe Charging: Convenient wireless charging option with magnetic alignment.
- Superior Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and better performance (according to DXoMark).
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, and 3 microphones offer a superior audio experience.
- Software Updates: Better long-term software support with iOS.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger size, lower performance, smaller camera sensor, smaller pixel density.
- iPhone 13 mini: Smaller battery, smaller display, no dedicated zoom camera, less versatile wired charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a large, smooth display, longer battery life, and more versatile wired/wireless charging options. Android users who want more control over their devices.
- Use Cases:
- Consuming media (movies, videos, games)
- Multitasking and productivity
- Users with larger hands/who prefer larger devices.
- Users who need long battery life throughout the day
- Users who regularly need to charge other devices on the go.
- Users who prefer a fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
- Users who want a better range of Bluetooth protocol.
Apple iPhone 13 mini:
- Ideal User: Users who value a compact and lightweight phone with top-tier performance and superior camera quality. Users within Apple's ecosystem who prefer iOS.
- Use Cases:
- Users who prefer a small, easily pocketable device.
- Users who value camera quality over all other features.
- Gamers and power users who demand top performance.
- Users who prefer the simplicity of iOS.
- Users who want a high-quality selfie camera.
- Users who want enhanced audio for immersive experiences.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority - performance or screen size/battery? If you need the most powerful chip and best cameras, the 13 mini is better. If you prioritize a bigger display, battery life, and reverse wireless charging, the S21+ is better.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? This is a key factor in usability and overall satisfaction. If you have used one before and enjoy it, it would be recommended to stay with your preference, as switching can be a pain.
- What size phone do you prefer? The S21+ is a much larger phone and more difficult to operate with one hand, whereas the iPhone 13 mini is one of the smallest phones on the market and very pocketable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Outdoor Enthusiast: The S21+ with its larger battery and reverse charging would be the better option, making it more versatile on the go and for charging other devices.
- Content Creator: The iPhone 13 mini excels in video and photo capture, making it more suitable for content creation.
- Gamer: The iPhone 13 mini's superior processing power will provide a better gaming experience overall.
- Casual User: The iPhone 13 mini offers great performance in a compact package, making it more accessible and convenient for general use. If battery life is essential, then the S21+ is a better choice.
- Budget-conscious: Check current market pricing for best value as both phones are older, prices may vary based on model.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Apple iPhone 13 mini. While I appreciate the larger screen and battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21+, the performance advantage of the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 mini is a significant factor for me. I value smooth, responsive performance and excellent camera quality, which the iPhone 13 mini delivers in a more compact form factor that fits my hands and pockets better. The better video capabilities and superior selfie camera further enhance the phone's appeal for my personal use. The trade-off of the smaller battery is something I can mitigate, as I prioritize a better overall user experience. Additionally, I prefer the iOS ecosystem due to its simplicity and the seamless integration with other Apple devices.
