1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Nokia C31, focusing on their practical implications for users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | The Nokia C31 is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially making it less pocketable and harder to handle with one hand compared to the S21+. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both phones feel similar in hand regarding weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.75" | Virtually identical screen size; differences are negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The S21+ offers a significantly sharper display with finer details, making text and images clearer and more pleasant to view. The C31 will have a visibly less sharp picture. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | The S21+ has much higher pixel density leading to superior sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+'s AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast and is more efficient, especially with dark themes. C31's LCD is less vibrant, may have less ideal blacks and lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ will provide a much smoother scrolling experience and gaming at 120Hz vs C31 which has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ screen is substantially brighter, making it far more readable in direct sunlight. Nokia C31 brightness is not specified, making outdoor visibility a question mark. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | The S21+ chipset is significantly more powerful. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the S21+. The C31 might struggle with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 109,200 | S21+ offers a much better user experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | IMG8322 | The S21+'s GPU is dramatically better leading to superior gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.80 µm) | 13MP | While the Nokia has slightly higher resolution, the S21+'s superior sensor is likely to capture more light and detail with larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/2.0, 0.80 µm) | Not present | S21+ enables optical zoom capabilities and enhanced portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1.40 µm) | Not present | S21+ captures wider scenes and macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1.22 µm) | 5MP (f/2.2) | S21+ provides higher resolution selfies, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. |
| Portrait Camera | Not present | 2MP (f/2.4) | C31 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but the S21+ with its main sensor will likely capture higher-quality portraits. |
| Macro Camera | Not present | 2MP (f/2.4) | C31 can take closer shots of objects, but quality may not be very high due to low resolution. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21+ provides significantly superior video capabilities, including higher resolutions, better stabilization, and more frame rate options. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 | Not tested | The S21+ has a tested and capable camera that can take high-quality photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5050 mAh | The Nokia C31 has a slightly larger battery which may translate into marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 10W | The S21+ charges much faster, getting you back to full power quicker. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers wireless and reverse charging, adding more flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | C31 ships with a newer Android version, however, S21+ is confirmed to get upgrades until Android 15, ensuring long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11n | S21+ supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster and more stable connections, while C31 uses an older standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 | S21+ uses the newer Bluetooth 5.0 standard offering improved battery life, higher bandwidth, and range compared to 4.2. |
| GPS | L1/L5 | L1 | S21+ offers more accurate GPS tracking with support for the L5 band. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano) | S21+ supports eSIM, allowing for easy switching between carriers. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21+ offers more storage in its higher storage configuration. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21+ has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio | S21+ has better audio quality with additional features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint | Rear Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Accelerometer | S21+ has a comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features and usage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate makes the display far superior for media consumption and general use.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides dramatically better performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: Offers a much more versatile camera setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, as well as higher resolution video capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: More convenient charging options with higher speeds and wireless functionality.
- Advanced Features: Offers features such as Wi-Fi 6, the newest Bluetooth standard, and more precise GPS tracking.
- Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Audio Quality: Higher-end audio experience for media consumption.
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery may provide marginally longer battery life.
- Lower Price Point: Likely to be more budget-friendly, making it attractive for price-conscious buyers.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots.
- Slightly Newer OS: Ships with Android 12 out of the box (although S21+ will receive updates up to Android 15).
Trade-offs:
- S21+: The higher price point and lack of expandable storage are drawbacks for some users.
- C31: Significantly lower performance, a lower-quality display, and a less versatile camera system are significant trade-offs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers and users who need fast loading speeds for games.
- Media enthusiasts who value high-quality visuals for streaming and content consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile camera system capable of capturing high-quality images and videos.
- Power users who require a fast and smooth experience for multitasking and resource-intensive apps.
Nokia C31:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and a long battery.
- Use Cases:
- Users who require a simple smartphone for calls, texts, and basic social media.
- Individuals who need a phone with a long battery life for extended use.
- Users who don't need demanding performance and are looking for a more budget friendly option.
- Users who occasionally need a macro camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is likely significant, so your budget is the key determiner.
- How important is performance? If you plan to play mobile games or run resource-heavy apps, the S21+ is the better choice.
- What are your needs for the camera and the display? If you value a better screen for media consumption or better cameras, the S21+ excels. The C31 is adequate for casual use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Consumption: If you are a gamer or avid media consumer, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice due to its superior performance, display, and audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is your primary concern, the Nokia C31 is a more budget-friendly option. You will have to compromise on performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you care about good camera quality, versatility, and video recording, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the recommended choice with its telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and 8K video capture capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Basic everyday use: The Nokia C31 is an option for someone who does not need much beyond basic functionality and does not want to pay extra for premium features.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Nokia C31 might be sufficient for basic use, the S21+ offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every category. The substantially better display quality, superior performance, more versatile camera system, and faster charging are compelling reasons to choose it, despite its higher price point. The S21+ provides better long term value with its greater software support as well. I value smooth, enjoyable user experience and good picture quality, and for that, the S21+ is the clear winner.
