1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is a newer device by over 1.5 years, potentially newer software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | S21+ is more compact, G100 is noticeably taller, slightly wider, and thicker. S21+ might feel better in hand for some users |
| Weight | 200g | 195.1g | Both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.52" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen, providing more screen real estate for content consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a significantly sharper display; Text and images will appear much crisper |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | S21+ offers a noticeably sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark mode |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | S21+ is much brighter, making it much more readable in bright sunlight. Nokia G100 outdoor visibility is unknown given missing spec |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 201,615 | S21+ is much faster, future-proof, and will handle demanding tasks with ease |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 610 | S21+ will handle graphically intensive apps and games much better |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia G100 has a slightly larger battery that might result in longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21+ will charge significantly faster |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers convenience with wireless and reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 13MP, f/2.0 | S21+ has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance, Nokia G100 has slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not present | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.4 | S21+ has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not present | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia G100 can take wide angle shots |
| Depth Camera | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G100 can take better portrait shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not present | S21+ has wide angle macro shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS & HDR | 1080p@30fps | S21+ captures much higher quality video |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not tested | S21+ has been independently tested to have much higher quality images and videos |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, 8k recording | None | S21+ offers significantly more advanced features for creative photography |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 has a slightly newer OS; S21+ is guaranteed to be updated to Android 15 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ has newer WiFi for faster speeds on compatible networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many features | 5.0, basic | S21+ has wider compatibility with Bluetooth accessories |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | S21+ has more GPS satellites for more accurate positioning |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 32/128GB | S21+ offers more storage, particularly the 256GB variant |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4GB | S21+ has significantly more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack microSD slot for extra storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | 2 microphones | S21+ has much better audio playback, clearer calls and better immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 has a faster and ergonomically positioned fingerprint reader |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21+ has superior scratch and drop protection for its screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Hall, Geomagnetic, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ has more sensors, this might be important for users who use their smartphone to its full capacity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and significantly higher brightness. This means a much more vibrant, smoother, and clearer visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers vastly superior performance compared to the Snapdragon 662. This leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens with optical zoom, better low-light performance, and can record videos up to 8K resolution.
- Enhanced Audio: Boasts stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and a noise cancellation microphone for a superior audio experience.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Adds significant convenience, not found in the Nokia G100.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers 8GB RAM and up to 256 GB storage
- Better Connectivity: Offers more GPS satellite support, faster Wifi 6, wider Bluetooth compatibility
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Might provide marginally longer battery life, although not tested against the S21+.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Generally considered faster and more convenient than the in-display fingerprint reader of the S21+.
- Wide-Angle Lens and Depth sensor: Offers additional flexibility for photographers by giving a Wide Angle and Depth sensor on the camera.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box
Trade-offs:
- S21+ is significantly more expensive: The flagship-level performance and features come at a premium price.
- Nokia G100 compromises on performance and display quality: To reach its price point, it makes sacrifices in these key areas.
- S21+ is missing expandable storage: This might be a downside for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Content Creators: Individuals who need high-quality cameras for photography and videography.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a great visual and audio experience for watching videos and movies.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who want the latest features and capabilities in their smartphones.
- Users who want Wireless Charging: The S21+ provides wireless and reverse wireless charging, allowing for greater flexibility.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming on high settings
- Editing 4K or 8K videos on the go
- Professional photography and videography
- Consuming high-quality HDR content
- Using the device as a mobile workstation
Nokia G100 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a basic smartphone at an affordable price.
- Light Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and web browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a device that can last for a full day with average use.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Those who want easy and reliable unlocking of their device.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and basic smartphone tasks
- Social media browsing and light app usage
- Basic photography
- Long battery life for day-to-day use
- Budget smartphone use
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is significantly more expensive; is the performance and feature difference worth the price for you?
- How important is performance for you? Do you need the fastest speeds for gaming and heavy multitasking, or is basic performance sufficient?
- What are your primary use cases? Will you be taking a lot of photos, watching videos, or using the phone for basic communication?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Camera Focus If you need top performance and a great camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Basic Functionality If you need a functional phone at a lower price point, the Nokia G100 may suffice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach If you want a good balance between performance and price, the S21+ is still the recommendation but you should try to find one that is refurbished or on sale to decrease costs.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery and Ergonomic Fingerprint: If you want long battery life, a side mounted fingerprint reader, and are on a budget, the G100 may be for you.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, with the caveat that the price is reasonable. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage. I spend a lot of time consuming content on my phone and this would be a much better experience on the S21+. The higher resolution and brightness is very desirable.
- Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a vastly superior experience in terms of speed and multitasking. While I don't game extensively on my phone, I appreciate that the phone won't lag during heavy usage.
- Camera: I take a lot of photos and videos on my phone, and the S21+ offers a much more capable camera system with more features and higher video resolutions.
- Overall User Experience: The combination of the superior display, performance, and camera make it a much more enjoyable device to use daily. Additionally the wireless and reverse charging is very convenient.
While the Nokia G100 has the advantage of a newer release date and a slightly larger battery, the S21+'s significant advantages in almost all other aspects make it the clear choice. The G100 would only be preferable for someone on a very tight budget who wants to save money and doesn't care as much about the display quality or performance.
