1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-15 | Asus is 1 year and 7 months newer; likely has better long term software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | S21+ is larger; Zenfone 9 is more pocketable but thicker |
| Weight | 200g | 169g | Zenfone 9 is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 5.9" | S21+ offers more screen real estate for media; Zenfone 9 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness |
| PPI | 394 | 445 | Zenfone 9 has a sharper, more detailed display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21+ is more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Zenfone 9 is significantly faster with better app loading and gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,232,500 | Zenfone 9 handles demanding tasks and games much better |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Zenfone 9 offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4300mAh | S21+ likely offers longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Zenfone 9 charges faster |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging (15W), Reverse Wireless Charging (4.5W), No charger in box | Non-removable | S21+ offers more flexible charging options; Zenfone 9 requires separate charger purchase |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Zenfone 9 captures more detail; larger sensor is better in low light |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | S21+ has better zoom and portrait capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | Zenfone 9's selfie has slightly more detail, S21+ has wider aperture |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Both have similar performance in this area |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | Zenfone 9 offers 4K@120fps for high frame rate video |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Dual Camera, Gimbal | S21+ provides zoom lens, Zenfone 9 better stabilization |
| DXOMark | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ has established camera benchmarks |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Zenfone 9 has a slightly more recent OS initially, but S21+ can be upgraded to Android 15 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual Band | WiFi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Zenfone 9 supports MiMO for better Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Zenfone 9 has a newer, more energy-efficient version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Zenfone 9 has more satellite options |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ has eSIM option for more flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 9 has a 16GB option for heavier use cases |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | S21+ offers Dolby Atmos enhancement, Zenfone 9 has more microphones for better audio recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Zenfone 9 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Same high-level screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | S21+ has a barometer, Zenfone 9 has gravity sensor, both have comprehensive suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen offers more immersive viewing for media consumption and multitasking.
- Practical Impact: Better for watching videos, reading, and working with multiple apps.
- Larger Battery: 4800mAh capacity provides better battery life.
- Practical Impact: Less need to charge frequently throughout the day.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Practical Impact: Superior zoom capabilities and portrait shots with background blur.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Convenient charging options.
- Practical Impact: Charge without cables and wirelessly charge other devices.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier options and travel.
- Practical Impact: Easy to switch carriers without physical SIM cards.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience for supported apps and content
- Practical Impact: Better overall audio for watching movies or listening to music
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages:
- Compact Design: Smaller size and lighter weight for easier one-handed use.
- Practical Impact: More comfortable to carry and use throughout the day.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers better performance.
- Practical Impact: Snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP sensor captures more details.
- Practical Impact: Better image quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Practical Impact: Spend less time waiting for your phone to charge.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 for more efficient connections.
- Practical Impact: Improved audio quality, and energy efficiency with peripherals.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor: more ergonomic than an in-display sensor.
- Practical Impact: faster, easier access for unlocking.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Improved video stabilization.
- Practical Impact: Smoother, professional-looking videos.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Trade-off: Larger size may be less comfortable for some users.
- Trade-off: Slower performance for gaming and demanding tasks compared to the Zenfone 9
- Asus Zenfone 9:
- Trade-off: Smaller screen might not be ideal for all media consumption needs.
- Trade-off: Does not have telephoto lens and wireless charging features.
- Trade-off: Battery life is likely shorter due to the smaller battery capacity
- Trade-off: Lower max OS upgrade compared to the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Media consumers, users who prefer larger displays for multitasking, and those who want the convenience of wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos.
- Working with multiple apps simultaneously.
- Taking photos with optical zoom.
- Frequent travelers benefiting from eSIM.
- Power users who need the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Good value in 2024 but can now be found at lower prices, which makes it a good value option.
Asus Zenfone 9:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, one-handed use, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prefer a compact phone that easily fits in their pocket
- Capturing detailed images and videos using the main camera.
- Quickly charging their phone in short periods.
- Users that want better video stabilization for vlogging.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but offers top-tier performance, a good camera, and a small form factor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Size Preference: Do you prefer a large, immersive screen or a smaller, more portable device?
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and heavy apps, or is good overall performance sufficient?
- Charging Preference: Do you need wireless charging and reverse charging, or is quick wired charging enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize a large screen for movies, videos, and multitasking, and need a longer battery, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Power User on the Go: If performance and portability are your priorities, you're always on the move, and prefer fast charging, the Asus Zenfone 9 is a more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs: If you need good performance, but still want a large display and versatile camera options, you might consider either but may need to look at the best deals for the Samsung. If you are OK with a smaller display, the Zenfone is more balanced.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 9. While I appreciate the larger screen and wireless charging of the Samsung Galaxy S21+, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset in the Zenfone 9 will result in a noticeably smoother experience, which is crucial for gaming and overall day-to-day usage. Additionally, the more compact form factor of the Zenfone 9 suits my preference for a phone that's easy to handle and carry. While the smaller battery is a trade-off, the faster charging helps mitigate the issue. The main camera upgrade with a bigger sensor is also preferable. Overall, the Zenfone 9 provides the best combination of size and performance.
