1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-22 | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly newer, benefitting from newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 Plus is slightly wider. Both have the same thickness. |
| Weight | 200g | 201g | Virtually identical weight, no practical difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 460 | iPhone 15 Plus has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technologies, both deliver vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus has a faster, more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 Plus GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 Plus captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus captures more detailed selfies with slightly better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.4 | S21+ offers slightly wider aperture for wide-angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ supports 8K recording, iPhone 15 Plus has better overall video quality according to DxOMark |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 153 | iPhone 15 Plus delivers significantly superior camera performance according to DxoMark benchmarks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4383mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21+ charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | S21+ offers more versatile wireless charging options, iPhone 15 Plus has MagSafe. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | iOS 17, up to 18 | Different ecosystems, personal preference plays a large role. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have Wi-Fi 6, S21+ supports Wi-Fi Direct and Display. iPhone 15 Plus supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer Bluetooth version for improved stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | S21+ supports Beidou, offering slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 15 Plus offers up to 512 GB storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | S21+ has more RAM, potentially better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | S21+ provides better audio playback and separation, iPhone 15 Plus has 3 microphones for better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | S21+ has a fingerprint sensor, iPhone 15 Plus security is not specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer | S21+ has additional sensor for fingerprint security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother animations and scrolling.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens offers better optical zoom capabilities.
- Versatile Charging: Supports reverse wireless charging and slightly faster wired charging.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM may provide slightly better multitasking performance.
- More Satellite Support: Supports Beidou and advanced GPS bands for improved location accuracy.
- Dolby Atmos & Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides biometric security.
- Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen durability.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Significantly Newer Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic offers much better performance and efficiency.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits brightness is significantly better for outdoor visibility.
- Superior Main Camera: 48MP main sensor captures more detail with better low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: 12MP selfie camera with wider aperture.
- Superior Video Quality: Much better video performance according to DxoMark benchmarks
- Larger Storage Option: 512GB model available.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.
- Advanced features: Cinematic Mode, Face Unlock, Pro Video Mode
- Higher DxOMark Scores: Higher scores in both photo and video categories.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+: Older chipset and camera system, lower display brightness.
- iPhone 15 Plus: Lower refresh rate display, lack of a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize smooth scrolling and animations.
- Those who frequently use zoom photography and need a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer Android OS and its customization options.
- Users who need wireless charging versatility
- Users who require more location accuracy.
- Users on a budget looking for good value.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: 120Hz refresh rate and good performance.
- Outdoor photography with zoom capabilities.
- General use with a focus on smoothness and customization.
- Users who appreciate fingerprint sensor as biometric security.
- Users who appreciate good audio features and spatial audio.
- Price-to-Value: S21+ 5G is older thus more affordable, but the performance is not as good as the iPhone 15 Plus
Apple iPhone 15 Plus:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed.
- Those who need the best image quality from the main camera.
- Users who prefer iOS and its ecosystem.
- Users who need a very bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who prioritize overall camera quality, according to the DxOMark Score.
- Users who require the higher storage option (512 GB)
- Users who prefer face unlock.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Photography in various conditions, especially low light.
- Professional video recording.
- Users who prefer a simple user experience with high performance.
- Users who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Price-to-Value: iPhone 15 Plus is more expensive but provides a better overall user experience with better camera and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute best performance and efficiency, or is good performance adequate?
- Display Preferences: Do you value smooth animations (120Hz) or higher brightness and sharpness?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you heavily invested in either the Apple or Android ecosystem?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Power User: If you need the best possible performance, great camera quality, and plan to use your phone for intensive tasks, the iPhone 15 Plus is the better choice, due to its faster performance, better photo quality, higher storage option and significantly better DxoMark scores.
For the Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a budget and want a reliable experience, with a smoother display, and more versatile charging options, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a good option.
For the Photography Enthusiast: The iPhone 15 Plus is a stronger choice due to its significantly better main camera, better overall video quality and higher scores on the DxOMark benchmark tests, however the Samsung S21+ has the dedicated telephoto lens, it depends on your priorities.
My Choice:
If I were choosing, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the Samsung S21+ has a higher refresh rate display, a telephoto camera, and a fingerprint sensor, the iPhone 15 Plus simply offers a better experience in several critical areas. The significantly faster processor, sharper and brighter display, better main camera, superior video recording and updated bluetooth version makes it more well-rounded choice for my needs, despite the price premium. I also prefer the iOS ecosystem due to its simplicity, and would also want the larger storage option of 512GB.
