1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | The S21+ is significantly larger, while the Zenfone 10 is more compact and thicker. This affects single-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 200g | 172g | The Zenfone 10 is noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 5.92" | The S21+ has a significantly larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. The Zenfone 10 is more manageable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same resolution, resulting in similar image clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 445 | The Zenfone 10 has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone 10 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | The S21+ offers better outdoor visibility in bright conditions due to higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Zenfone 10's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides significantly superior performance, better app loading, and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 10 offers much faster performance, suitable for demanding gaming and heavy app use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 in the Zenfone 10 is more powerful for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" sensor | The Zenfone 10's 50MP sensor should capture more detail, while the S21+'s wider aperture (f/1.8) might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | The S21+ offers dedicated telephoto capabilities for zoomed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" sensor | The Zenfone 10's 32MP sensor captures more detail for selfies, while S21+ has better aperture for low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | Both are similar, but the S21+ sensor is slightly larger. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Both have similar video capabilities with stabilization, but the S21+ records slow-motion at 960fps vs 480fps in Zenfone 10. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | The S21+ has a tested camera score, while the Zenfone 10 has not been tested. |
| Features | OIS, Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Night Mode | OIS, Gimbal, Digital Zoom, Dual Camera | Both have OIS, but S21+ has an optical zoom, Zenfone 10 has a gimbal. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4300mAh | The S21+ has a larger battery, which typically translates to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Zenfone 10 offers slightly faster charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wired Charging | Both support wireless charging, but the S21+ has reverse wireless charging, the Zenfone 10 has reverse wired. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and users who prefer a larger screen.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers dedicated zoom capabilities, useful for capturing distant subjects.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility in sunny environments.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Useful for charging other compatible devices.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio quality with better immersion.
- Barometer: Useful for measuring atmospheric pressure, may be helpful for outdoor activities.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry, especially for single-handed use.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for a noticeably crisper visual experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: Top-ups are quicker.
- Newer Bluetooth & WiFi: Supports the latest standards for connectivity.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better detail and clarity in self-portraits.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Enhanced video stabilization.
- More RAM: 16GB RAM option for heavy users.
- More Storage: 512 GB option is offered.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ trades some performance and portability for a larger display, telephoto lens, and larger battery.
- The Zenfone 10 trades a slightly smaller display and lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for significantly superior performance and a more compact form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption, reading, and productivity tasks.
- Those who frequently use zoom capabilities in their photography.
- Users who prefer a device with a bigger battery for all-day use.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies.
- Casual mobile gaming.
- Basic photo and video.
- General day to day use.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed, especially for gaming or demanding apps.
- Those who prefer a compact and lightweight smartphone for comfortable one-handed use.
- Users who want the latest connectivity features.
- Users who prioritize mobile photography.
- Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Demanding photo and video editing on the go.
- Users who need the latest tech for compatibility.
- Users who need a very fast device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ is older and often available at a lower price, making it a value choice if the larger screen and telephoto lens are priorities.
- The Zenfone 10, though newer, offers a significant performance boost and more modern features, justifying a potentially higher price for performance-focused users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority for screen size? (Large screen for media vs. compact for one-handed use)
- How important is raw performance and gaming capability? (Top performance vs. sufficient power for everyday tasks)
- What are your camera needs? (Do you need zoom or enhanced video stabilization?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption and Casual Use: If your primary use case involves watching videos, browsing, and general usage, and you value a larger screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the more economical choice.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance-Heavy Tasks: If you're a heavy gamer or run demanding applications, the superior performance of the Asus Zenfone 10 is much better.
- Scenario 3: On-the-Go Mobile Photography: The Zenfone 10 is better with enhanced video stabilization, but the S21+ has a telephoto lens. It depends on your focus. If you want the better sensor with gimbal, choose the Zenfone 10. If you want optical zoom, choose the S21+.
- Scenario 4: Compact Size is Key: If you want a phone that's easy to use with one hand and slips easily into a pocket, the Zenfone 10's smaller form factor is ideal.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has its merits, particularly the larger display and telephoto lens, the performance gap is simply too significant for me to ignore.
I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for gaming and multitasking. The Zenfone 10's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and higher refresh rate offer a noticeable improvement in speed and fluidity, which aligns perfectly with my needs. Additionally, I value the compact form factor of the Zenfone 10, as it's more convenient to carry and use one-handed. While the S21+'s larger screen would be nice for media consumption, the performance of the Zenfone 10 outweighs this for my usage. The improved selfie camera, newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards, and extra 16GB RAM option are also appealing.
Ultimately, the Zenfone 10 feels like a more modern and future-proof device, and its performance advantages make it the more compelling choice for me despite the slightly smaller display and lack of a dedicated telephoto lens.
