1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm | iPhone 14 Plus is slightly wider, which might affect one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 200g | 203g | Negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size for the same viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1284x2778 | iPhone 14 Plus has noticeably sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 458 ppi | iPhone 14 Plus' display appears clearer with fine details more pronounced. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality; vibrant colors, deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ is slightly easier to view under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic provides significantly faster app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,330,312 | iPhone 14 Plus performs significantly better in intensive tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 14 Plus has a better performing GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4325mAh | S21+ might have slightly longer battery life under similar usage, but real world usage depends on individual needs. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | Li-Ion | S21+ can charge quicker with 25W. iPhone 14 Plus charging speed is not defined in provided data. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless | S21+ offers more wireless charging versatility with reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66", 1.9µm | iPhone 14 Plus' larger sensor and wider aperture captures more light, leading to better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | S21+ has a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | iPhone 14 Plus has a dedicated wide angle camera, the S21+ combines it with macro. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/1.9, pixel size not defined | iPhone 14 Plus has higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfie shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ can capture higher resolution videos, however iPhone video is superior based on DxoMark score. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 111 | 133 | iPhone 14 Plus takes higher quality photos and videos, according to DxoMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | iOS 16, upgradeable to 18 | Different OS ecosystems, each with unique user interfaces and app stores. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 14 Plus has the newer version, offering potentially more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both have similar location capabilities, with slight differences in satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Similar Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | iPhone 14 Plus offers higher storage capacity (512GB) for users who need it. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB | S21+ has more RAM which can aid in multitasking, however performance is dependent on the operating system in use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS/X, Stereo | iPhone 14 Plus offers more spatial audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Security | S21+ has a fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior protection for its screen with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience, making scrolling and animations appear smoother.
- Slightly Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Larger battery capacity with faster 25W charging may lead to better battery life for some users and less downtime waiting for charge.
- Versatile Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, enabling charging of other devices.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portraits.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides high fidelity music enjoyment
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Apple A15 Bionic chip provides significantly better performance in apps and gaming, which is also seen in the AnTuTu score.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density results in a clearer and more detailed screen.
- Better Main Camera Quality: Larger sensor and wider aperture for superior low-light performance and image quality.
- Enhanced Software Experience: iOS provides a smooth and optimized user experience and has an ecosystem of apps and services.
- Longer Software Support: iOS has a history of longer software support than Android.
- Superior Audio: Offers a better sound experience with Dolby Digital Plus and DTS/X.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers potentially more stable and more reliable connections.
- Higher Storage Option: 512 GB of internal storage is available for users with greater storage needs.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Sacrifices raw performance and camera quality for a smoother display and slightly better battery versatility.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, and has a lower refresh rate, but provides far superior overall camera and processing performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Value the 120Hz display for smooth viewing experience, and the hi-res audio for music.
- Users Who Prioritize Versatile Charging: Benefit from reverse wireless charging capabilities and faster charging speeds.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who would like to have optical zoom.
- Android users who value the flexibility and customizability offered by the Android ecosystem.
- Gamers Who want to play on a phone with a higher refresh rate.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Want the fastest app loading and gaming performance without hiccups.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- iOS users: Users who value the simplicity, integration and ecosystem offered by iOS.
- Users Seeking Long-Term Value: iOS's long-term software support provides better value in the long run for those who value keeping their phones for a longer period.
- Audiophiles: Those who want to experience the best sound from their phone.
Use Cases:
- S21+: Great for watching videos, social media, mobile gaming (due to the 120Hz screen) and for travel due to versatile charging options and the optical zoom.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Ideal for content creation (high-quality videos and photos), demanding mobile gaming, and for anyone who is embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 14 Plus is the newer phone and thus has a higher price tag. The S21+ will likely have a lower cost as an older phone. Price-to-value depends on the needs of the user. If performance and camera quality is the priority, the iPhone 14 Plus is worth the extra cost. If a smoother display and versatile battery is the priority, and if budget is a key concern, the S21+ is a good option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Priority: Do you prioritize raw performance and app loading speed, or a smoother display experience?
- Camera Focus: Do you need a telephoto lens, or are you more focused on image quality, especially in low light?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you more comfortable with Android or iOS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera Enthusiast: If you want top-tier performance for gaming and need the best possible camera quality, the iPhone 14 Plus is a clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Battery Versatility: If you value a smooth 120Hz display and versatile battery charging options, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better fit, particularly if budget is a key consideration.
- Scenario 3: Long-Term Value & Ecosystem: If you prefer the Apple ecosystem, long-term support, and top-tier performance, and are willing to pay a higher price, choose the iPhone 14 Plus.
- Scenario 4: Android Preference and Budget Consideration: If you prefer the Android ecosystem and want to save money, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a good choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go for the Apple iPhone 14 Plus.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers a substantial performance advantage. This directly translates to a faster, more responsive experience with everyday tasks and more advanced processes. This is crucial for future-proofing the device, which extends its usability lifespan.
- Better Camera: Although I appreciate having a telephoto lens, the main camera's performance on the iPhone 14 Plus, especially its low light capabilities, makes the most difference in everyday photography. The DxOMark results are indicative of this superior quality.
- Ecosystem: I am used to the Apple ecosystem and appreciate its seamless integration and continuity features, especially being able to quickly transfer files and other documents between my devices.
- Long-Term Value: iOS is known for providing longer software support, ensuring the phone remains updated and secure for a longer duration.
While the 120Hz refresh rate of the S21+ is appealing, the iPhone 14 Plus' improvements to overall speed, camera performance, and software experience are more valuable for my daily needs.
