Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Nokia G21
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-02-15 | Nokia G21 is a newer model, potentially with more recent software and design trends. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | S21+ is slightly more compact; G21 is slightly taller and thicker but may feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | G21 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a much sharper display, with noticeably finer details. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 270 PPI | S21+ display will look much clearer; G21 will show pixelation at closer inspection. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ will have deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | S21+ screen is much brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Nokia G21 screen brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much faster processor, offering better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,300 | S21+ is significantly more powerful, offering a smoother experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21+ offers significantly better graphics performance, suitable for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | G21 has higher resolution, but S21+ has a larger sensor, which could result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities; G21 does not have a telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21+ has higher resolution, but the G21 has a slightly wider aperture which is better for low light selfies. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G21 has a dedicated depth sensor, which can improve portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | G21 has a macro lens, allowing for close-up photography, which S21+ lacks. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultrawide lens, allowing for a broader field of view. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers far more advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording and higher frame rates. |
| Camera Features | More advanced features (OIS, 4K/8K recording, RAW) | Basic features, front flash | S21+ has greater video and photo capture options for more demanding users. Nokia G21 provides a front flash which S21+ does not. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not tested | S21+ has a significantly higher camera benchmark score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5050 mAh | G21 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21+ has faster charging; Both have standard fast charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging, No charger in box | Charger included in box | S21+ has more advanced charging features but no charger included; G21 has a basic in-box charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | S21+ has a higher maximum Android version upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ supports newer WiFi standards with faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Advanced) | 5.0 (Basic) | S21+ has more advanced Bluetooth features, offering more functionality with Bluetooth accessories. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | S21+ has more accurate GPS with dual band support. |
| SIM | Dual + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports an eSIM in addition to dual nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | S21+ offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | S21+ offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | 2 Microphones | S21+ has superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side Mounted | Nokia G21 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer | Accelerometer | S21+ offers more advanced sensors for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness. This results in a significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much better CPU and GPU performance, making it suitable for demanding games and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, an ultrawide lens, optical image stabilization, 8K video recording, and a much higher DXOMark score, making it a capable choice for mobile photography and videography.
- Faster Charging & Advanced Battery Features: Offers faster 25W charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- More Storage and RAM: Provides more internal storage options and more RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio support, stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone offer a vastly superior audio experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Faster WiFi 6, more advanced Bluetooth, and dual-band GPS.
- eSIM Support: Allows for a more flexible mobile data experience.
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers a wider range of sensors including gyroscope, compass and barometer.
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery capacity might offer slightly better battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Provides more camera versatility for close-up shots and portrait photos.
- In-Box Charger: Includes a 10W charger, which the S21+ does not.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient unlocking experience than the basic one on the S21+.
- Front Flash: Offers improved low light selfies.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers substantially better performance, display, camera, and build quality but lacks a headphone jack, macro lens, a depth sensor, and a charger in the box.
- The Nokia G21 offers longer battery life, a macro and depth camera, an in-box charger and a side-mounted fingerprint reader but significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who require a high-performing device for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, seeking features like optical zoom, 8K recording, and advanced stabilization.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos, streaming content, and want a vibrant, high-resolution display with excellent audio.
- Travelers: Those who benefit from advanced GPS accuracy and eSIM compatibility.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at higher settings
- Professional photography and videography
- Watching HDR content
- Using multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously
- Navigating in unfamiliar areas requiring precision GPS
Nokia G21 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize value and need a reliable smartphone at a lower price point.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, texting, social media, and casual browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who require a phone with extended battery life and who are not concerned about fast charging.
- Users Wanting In-Box Charger: Those who prefer a charger included in the box.
- Users who prioritize side mounted fingerprint readers: Those who find this more convenient than a basic one.
Use Cases:
- Everyday calls and messaging
- Casual social media browsing
- Basic photography with macro capabilities
- Long-lasting battery on a single charge
- General web surfing
- Users wanting front flash for better low light selfies
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a premium device with a higher price point but offers significant advantages in almost all aspects.
- The Nokia G21 is a budget-friendly option that focuses on essential features like long battery life and basic camera functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is a premium device with a high price, whereas the G21 is budget friendly.
- How important are performance and display quality to you? If you need high performance, 8k video recording, a beautiful screen, and advanced camera, choose the S21+. If you need a basic device and longevity, choose the G21.
- What are your primary use cases? Are you a power user or basic user?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Multimedia Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior performance, display, and audio quality.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Nokia G21 for its affordability and focus on long battery life and an included charger.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its advanced camera system, optical zoom, and 8K video capability.
- Scenario 4: Basic Phone User: Choose the Nokia G21 for its long battery life and basic features at a lower price.
- Scenario 5: Need for convenient security: Choose the Nokia G21 for its more advanced side-mounted fingerprint reader.
- Scenario 6: Need for a front flash for better selfies: Choose the Nokia G21 for its front flash.
- Scenario 7: Need a charger in the box: Choose the Nokia G21 as it has a basic charger included in the box.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Despite the higher price point, the S21+ offers a superior user experience in virtually every aspect that matters to me. I value a high-quality display for media consumption and everyday use, and the AMOLED panel with its high resolution and brightness is significantly better than the Nokia G21's LCD. The performance difference is massive, ensuring that I can use demanding applications and games without any lag. The camera system, with its telephoto lens, high-quality sensors and 8k video recording capability is essential for my mobile photography needs. The advanced connectivity features and inclusion of more sensors enhance the overall usability.
While I appreciate the Nokia G21's slightly larger battery and side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the trade-offs in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant. For a power user like me, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G justifies the higher price with its overall quality and performance.
