1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | The Nokia G11 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling less sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | The Nokia G11 is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | The S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing, though the difference is not dramatic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The S21+ has a significantly sharper display, making text and images appear much clearer and less pixelated. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | The higher pixel density on the S21+ results in crisper details and finer text, enhancing overall visual quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on the S21+ offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast for a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience. It's also more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the S21+ makes scrolling and animations smoother, making the phone feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21+ is much brighter and easily usable in direct sunlight. The Nokia G11's brightness is unknown but is significantly less as the specifications state '0 nits'. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Exynos 2100 in the S21+ provides significantly faster processing power, allowing for smoother multitasking and handling of demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,300 | The S21+ scores almost three times higher, which translates to much better overall performance, faster app loading, and better frame rates for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The S21+ GPU is much more powerful for graphically intense applications like gaming or video editing. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5050mAh | The Nokia G11 has a slightly larger battery, which might result in slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The S21+ charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Reverse/wireless charging | In-box charger | The S21+ has added features such as reverse and wireless charging while the Nokia G11 includes a charger. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.80 µm pixels, Sony IMX555 | 13MP, f/1.8, Unknown Sensor, Unknown Pixel Size | While Nokia has 1 more megapixel on the standard lens, the S21+ features a larger sensor and pixel size which results in superior low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.80 µm pixels, Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | None | The S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait shots. The Nokia G11 lacks a telephoto camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22 µm pixels, Sony IMX374 | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown Sensor, Unknown Pixel Size | The S21+ has a slightly higher-resolution selfie camera with a smaller aperture and a larger sensor and pixel size that result in better quality images. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor, Unknown Pixel Size | The Nokia G11 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which is lacking on the S21+ |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor, Unknown Pixel Size | The Nokia G11 includes a macro lens that allows for close-up shots, which the S21+ lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40 µm pixels, Sony IMX563 | None | The S21+ has a dedicated wide angle camera for landscape shots that the G11 lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@60fps, Slow-motion: 960 fps | 1080p@30fps. Slow-motion: 30fps | The S21+ has far superior video capabilities in resolution and slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 111, 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | None | The S21+ camera has been tested to a high standard. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness results in a far more immersive and smooth visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile setup with a telephoto lens, ultra-wide lens, and significantly better video recording capabilities. The camera also has a higher DXOmark score.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging add convenience and a premium feel.
- Better Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6 and more Bluetooth profiles for enhanced connectivity.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, noise-canceling microphone and stereo speakers offer a more immersive experience.
- More Sensors: The S21+ has more sensors for enhanced performance and environmental tracking
Nokia G11 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: The slightly larger battery capacity could mean longer battery life, though this is limited by efficiency.
- In Box Charger: Includes a charger in box
- Lighter Weight: The device is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for some users.
- Macro Lens & Depth Sensor: Includes a macro lens for close-up photos and a depth sensor for portrait mode, which are not present on the S21+.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More secure fingerprint access.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- S21+ sacrifices battery capacity and the inclusion of an in box charger for vastly superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- G11 is weaker on performance and display, but prioritizes budget-friendliness and a slightly longer battery life. It also has a macro lens and depth sensor which is not present on the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality visuals for streaming movies and videos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with zoom capabilities, excellent low-light performance, and high-quality video recording.
Users who like Wireless Charging and Connectivity: Users who prioritize wireless charging, reverse charging and WiFi 6.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth, responsive graphics.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Extensive media consumption with a premium viewing experience.
- Multitasking with numerous apps running simultaneously.
Nokia G11 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic use.
- Casual Users: Individuals who use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- Users who prioritise long battery life Those looking for a phone that will last them all day.
Users who require a macro lens and depth sensor: Those who like taking close up photos.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and basic app usage.
- Light web browsing and social media.
- Casual photography with basic requirements.
- Users who want a basic experience without needing high performance.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21+ offers a premium experience with top-tier performance, display, and camera, justifying its higher price if these features are essential.
- The Nokia G11 provides good value at a lower price point, fulfilling basic smartphone needs, but with major compromises in key areas.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for top-tier performance and features?)
- What display quality and performance are acceptable to you? (Do you prioritize sharpness, refresh rate, and speed, or is a basic display and performance adequate?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance & Media): If you are a gamer, content creator, or media enthusiast, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Basic Use): If you are primarily looking for a budget phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, and prioritize battery life and a macro lens, the Nokia G11 is an acceptable option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a premium experience but are restricted by budget, look for a used S21+.
What I would choose and why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance and User Experience: The S21+ offers a much smoother and more enjoyable experience due to its superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz), much faster processor, and significantly better camera system. As a user who prioritizes smooth navigation and high-quality visuals, these factors are paramount.
- Versatility: While the Nokia G11 offers a macro lens and depth sensor, the S21+'s superior camera with its telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and high-quality video far outweighs these benefits. I value high-quality photography and videography, and the S21+ is equipped for that.
- Future Proofing: The S21+ offers WiFi 6 connectivity, more bluetooth profiles, more sensors, and more memory, which will ensure that it will not be out of date as quickly as the G11.
- Premium Features: Features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and a superior build with Gorilla Glass Victus enhance the overall ownership experience and are features I would like in my device.
While I acknowledge that the Nokia G11 is more budget-friendly and includes a macro lens and depth sensor, its trade-offs in terms of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant for me. For my use case, the S21+'s enhanced capabilities and premium features make it a much better choice, outweighing its higher cost. I would be willing to sacrifice the in-box charger, slightly larger battery, and macro lens for all of the additional benefits.
Ultimately, it comes down to prioritisation and for me, the Galaxy S21+ 5G would provide me with a vastly superior experience.
