1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-09-20 | iPhone 16 Plus is significantly newer, likely offering newer features and better software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 16 Plus is slightly wider, may feel slightly different in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 199g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size for similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 16 Plus provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed image due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 460 | iPhone 16 Plus offers clearer text and images, especially noticeable in detailed content and high-resolution videos. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors; very similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations; iPhone 16 Plus feels less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Plus has much better visibility in direct sunlight; clearer outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A18 chipset on the iPhone 16 Plus is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,753,018 | iPhone 16 Plus offers a much faster overall performance; Suitable for heavy gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone 16 Plus's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | iPhone 16 Plus captures significantly more detail and clarity. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | iPhone 16 Plus gathers more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | iPhone 16 Plus has larger sensor, capturing better light, leading to improved image quality, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | None | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 12MP | iPhone 16 Plus provides slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | iPhone 16 Plus gathers more light, better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2 MP | 12 MP | Similar performance; Both offer solid wide angle shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ 5G offers 8K video capture, ideal for professional use. |
| Camera Features | Various (see full spec) | Various (see full spec) | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom and 8k, iPhone 16 Plus has Cinematic Mode, Pro Video mode and other features |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Available | S21+ 5G camera is well-regarded for photo and video quality, but lacks a comparison for the iPhone. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4674mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life; small difference will likely not be noticeable. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Similar fast charging speeds for both phones. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 25W | iPhone 16 Plus offers faster wireless charging speed. |
| Other Battery Features | Reverse Wireless Charging, No charge in box | 25W Wireless Charging | S21+ 5G can charge other devices wirelessly, iPhone has faster wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to Android 15) | iOS 18 | Different ecosystems; Android offers customization, iOS offers seamless integration |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | iPhone 16 Plus offers potentially faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone 16 Plus has newer version with improved efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | iPhone 16 Plus supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both offer dual sim capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | iPhone 16 Plus offers larger maximum storage capacity |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Identical RAM which is sufficient for good performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, limiting storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both offer similar audio experience; iPhone 16 Plus has additional microphone. S21+ offers High-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21+ has a fingerprint sensor for biometric unlock, iPhone details are unclear but likely uses face ID |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | S21+ offers more sensors, which may be used by applications |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable difference for everyday use.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens for zoom photography.
- 8K Video Recording: Enables professional-grade video recording for content creation.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides an additional biometric unlock option.
- More comprehensive connectivity features like WiFi Direct and Display, wider range of Bluetooth codecs.
- High-Res Audio Support: For enhanced listening experience with compatible headphones
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The A18 chipset offers vastly superior performance in benchmarks and real-world use cases.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with significantly more pixels for clearer images and text.
- Superior Brightness: Much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight.
- Larger Max Storage: Offers 512GB of storage, catering to users with high storage needs.
- Potentially better main camera: Larger sensor, wider aperture, higher resolution
- Newer Bluetooth: Potentially more efficient wireless connections
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems.
- Faster wireless charging: 25W wireless charging speed.
- Newer Software: Runs on iOS 18, with likely future updates.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Sacrifices raw power and display sharpness for smoother refresh rate, 8k video, and more connectivity features.
- iPhone 16 Plus: Sacrifices smoother display for superior sharpness, brightness and overall power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer the Android ecosystem and its customization options.
- Photography enthusiasts who value a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Video creators looking for 8K video capabilities.
- Users who use reverse wireless charging frequently.
- Users who prefer a fingerprint sensor over face unlock for biometric security.
- Users who want more connectivity features, especially WiFi Direct and Display and high-res audio support.
Specific use cases:
- Content Creators: Benefit from 8K recording and multiple camera lenses.
- Power Users: May appreciate Android customization options and the 120hz refresh rate for smooth animations.
- Travelers: Benefit from reverse wireless charging for other devices.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is ideal for:
- Users who prefer the iOS ecosystem and its seamless integration.
- Users who want top-tier performance for demanding apps and games.
- Users who require a high-quality, bright, and sharp display.
- Users needing a lot of local storage (up to 512 GB).
- Users looking for a more future-proof device with up-to-date features.
Specific use cases:
- Gamers: Benefit from the powerful A18 chipset and graphics performance.
- Professionals: Utilize smooth multitasking, photo and video editing capabilities, and the sharp display.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Benefit from the higher brightness and storage capacity.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers:
What is your priority: performance or display smoothness? If you prioritize raw speed, app performance, and display clarity, the iPhone 16 Plus is superior. If smooth scrolling and animations are more important, the Galaxy S21+ 5G could be considered.
Which ecosystem do you prefer? The choice between Android and iOS is a personal one. If you are invested in the Google ecosystem (Android) or the Apple ecosystem (iOS), this will strongly influence your decision.
What is the camera's primary use? If you need high-resolution zoomed photos, the S21+ 5G's telephoto lens may be more attractive. If you prioritize low-light performance, the iPhone 16 Plus's larger sensor and better image processing may be better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a gamer or heavy app user: The iPhone 16 Plus provides superior performance for games, heavy apps, and multitasking.
- If you frequently watch videos outdoors: The iPhone 16 Plus's brightness will be a better fit.
- If you record a lot of video content: S21+ provides 8K recording.
- If you prefer the Android ecosystem: S21+ 5G provides a smooth 120Hz display, extra connectivity features, and reverse wireless charging.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given the provided specifications, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The significant leap in processing power offered by the A18 chip and the dramatically improved AnTuTu score is a major draw. This translates to a smoother, faster, and more responsive experience across all tasks, which is my top priority.
- Superior Display Clarity: The higher resolution and pixel density on the iPhone 16 Plus result in a noticeably sharper and more detailed viewing experience. While I would miss the 120Hz refresh rate, the improved overall clarity is a better trade off for me.
- Bright Display for Outdoor Use: The 2000 nits of brightness on the iPhone 16 Plus is invaluable for outdoor use and makes it more practical for my day-to-day life and travel.
- Ecosystem Preference: I'm more invested in the Apple ecosystem due to ease of integration. This would be my personal preference.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has its merits—particularly the 120Hz display, the 8K video, and telephoto lens—the significant performance advantages of the iPhone 16 Plus, its superior display quality, and brighter screen make it the better choice for my use case, as I highly value performance and a sharp display.
