1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-06-28 | Nokia G42 is newer by 2 years and 5 months |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | Nokia G42 is slightly taller and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand |
| Weight | 200g | 193.8g | Nokia G42 is slightly lighter, might be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | Samsung has a slightly larger screen for more immersive content viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Samsung offers much sharper text and images, better for detailed content |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | Samsung's display is noticeably clearer, a difference that can be seen |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency when using dark mode |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung provides smoother scrolling and animations, a better feel while browsing or playing |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight; The Nokia brightness is not specified so the performance is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Samsung's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 380,000 | Samsung is substantially faster for demanding apps and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | Samsung offers better graphics performance, particularly in gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia may offer slightly longer battery life, but only marginally |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Samsung charges slightly faster, but not by a big difference |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging, No charger in box | No charger in box | Samsung provides wireless and reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nokia has a higher resolution, but sensor quality may differ. Samsung's pixel size and sensor is known, Nokia's are not |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto camera for zooming, which Nokia lacks |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung has a higher resolution, Nokia has a slightly wider aperture, neither specifications fully indicate picture quality |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Samsung uses other software methods |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos, Samsung uses its ultrawide |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record much higher resolution video and more framerates, suitable for professional recording and high-fidelity content |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Samsung has a known camera quality score |
| Features | OIS, 4K/8K Video, more | Basic features | Samsung has superior camera features, more tools and options |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Nokia has a slightly newer out-of-box OS version but has less upgrade potential |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support similar, modern standards for fast wireless internet |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Nokia has a slightly newer bluetooth standard with no practical difference for everyday use |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | Samsung has more accurate location tracking, with dual-band |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Single SIM | Samsung can use two physical SIMs or one physical and one eSIM, convenient for multiple numbers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | Samsung has a higher storage option. Both lack expandable storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | Samsung provides more RAM for multitasking and smoother performance, particularly if the 6GB option of the G42 is not chosen |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, meaning internal space is fixed |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | 2 microphones | Samsung has superior audio features, providing better playback and recording |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint | Nokia's side fingerprint sensor is more modern and convenient |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung has superior screen scratch and shatter resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic | Samsung includes more sensors for advanced functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides a noticeably better viewing experience with vibrant colors, sharper images, and is better for outdoor use.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset is much faster than the Snapdragon 480+, leading to smoother app usage, better multitasking, and more capable gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, 8K video recording, OIS and more features. Higher scores on DxOMark.
- Enhanced Features: Wireless and reverse wireless charging, dual SIM capability with eSIM, more advanced Bluetooth and GPS.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and shatter protection.
- Enhanced audio Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers offer better playback and recording
- More sensors More sensors for advanced functionality
Nokia G42 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched over two years later, meaning it has a slightly newer operating system, though the updates will be limited to one major update.
- Slightly Lighter: Might be more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More modern and convenient than the basic sensor of the S21+
- Lower Price: Likely more budget-friendly, providing decent features at a lower cost.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Nokia has slightly better battery life due to its slightly larger capacity.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, despite being older, offers a premium experience with significantly better display, performance, and camera quality, however, it is likely more expensive than the Nokia G42, meaning it will be a more costly purchase overall.
- The Nokia G42 is newer but has a notably inferior screen, performance, and camera system but offers a potentially more budget-friendly price. It may appeal to users looking for a standard smartphone experience without needing top-end specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: People who need high performance for gaming, demanding apps, or multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality viewing experience for streaming movies, shows, or playing games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera capabilities and professional-grade video recording.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prefer premium build quality, advanced features, and cutting-edge tech.
- Users who care about quality Individuals who value a premium experience and are willing to pay more for it
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and responsive performance.
- Watching high-resolution videos and HDR content.
- Professional or amateur photography and videography.
- Multitasking with many apps running simultaneously.
- Everyday use with a fast and responsive experience
- Those needing the most accurate location, due to dual-band GPS
Nokia G42 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texting, browsing, and social media.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional photos but don't need professional-level camera quality.
- Users who value simplicity: Those who do not need premium features or advanced performance
- Users that need a budget phone for the basics
Use Cases:
- Day-to-day basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, social media.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users needing a reliable phone for everyday use.
- Users wanting decent battery life
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a higher price-to-value for users who value performance, screen, camera and features and don't mind an older device as it has very premium features
- The Nokia G42 offers a budget-friendly price-to-value for basic smartphone users, but it is a trade off for the much lesser specs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (The G42 will likely be much cheaper than the S21+ 5G)
- How important are performance, camera, and display quality to you? (S21+ 5G has superior performance, camera, and display)
- Do you need the advanced features offered by the S21+ 5G (like wireless charging and advanced video capabilities) or are you just looking for a reliable basic phone? (The G42 is sufficient for basic use, and is cheaper)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Camera Matters): If you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, especially for gaming or content creation, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice, despite being an older device.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious & Basic Use): If you're on a strict budget and mainly need a phone for basic tasks, and only take occasional photos, the Nokia G42 is a more cost-effective option and can be considered, despite its limitations.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Approach): If you want a modern device and are willing to compromise on performance for a lower price, the Nokia G42 could be suitable, however if you are willing to buy older tech the S21+ offers better value if found at a good price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Despite being an older device, the massive differences in its display, performance, camera, and features provide a much more satisfying user experience. The AMOLED screen is significantly better for viewing content, the Exynos 2100 chip handles demanding tasks with ease, and the camera system is far more versatile and capable. I use my phone for content consumption, gaming, and photography, so the premium experience offered by the S21+ justifies choosing an older device over a newer budget one. While the Nokia G42 is a newer device with some improvements like side fingerprint, the fundamental differences in screen and performance quality make the S21+ a superior phone. If the price difference were very high then the Nokia would be considered, however the S21+ offers better value in the long term, even if you need to seek it on the second-hand market.
