Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Nokia G60
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G60 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Nokia G60 is taller and thicker, potentially feeling less sleek; S21+ 5G is more compact |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Nokia G60 is slightly lighter, could be more comfortable for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical; no noticeable difference in clarity |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Virtually identical; indistinguishable sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ 5G offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for HDR content |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G is significantly brighter and easier to view in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21+ 5G provides noticeably faster app loading and smoother multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 410,072 | S21+ 5G provides significantly higher performance, better for gaming and demanding apps |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.70µm | Nokia G60 captures more detail in good lighting; S21+ has a larger pixel size for better low-light |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom and improved portrait capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 5MP, f/2.0, | S21+ 5G offers better wide-angle shots and macro options, but the information for the Nokia G60 is missing the pixel size |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 0.64µm | S21+ 5G captures sharper selfies; Nokia G60's wider aperture might perform better in low light, but the larger pixel size on S21+ could still be an advantage |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G60 provides dedicated hardware for better background blur in portraits |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR | 1080p@30fps | S21+ 5G records higher-resolution videos with better stabilization and quality |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not tested | S21+ 5G's camera is better-performing overall |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ 5G provides a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 20W Fast Charging | S21+ 5G charges faster and offers wireless charging |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless charging, No charge in box | None | S21+ 5G offers more charging flexibility |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Nokia G60 has a slightly newer starting OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Nokia G60 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar location accuracy, but different satellites are supported. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM capability and support eSIM |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | S21+ 5G offers more storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21+ 5G has more RAM, which is better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | S21+ 5G provides a superior audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G60 has a more ergonomic fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ 5G has more durable glass for better scratch resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | S21+ 5G has more sensors, which is useful for some applications and games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers much better color, contrast, and brightness, especially noticeable outdoors.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Cameras: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher video recording quality, and more advanced camera features. It has better image processing capabilities, evidenced by the DxOMark scores.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: More versatile charging options with faster wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Audio Quality: Superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM capacity for better multitasking, and higher maximum storage.
- More Robust Build Quality: It has a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Provides additional sensors such as a barometer and compass for various applications.
Nokia G60 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System Out of Box: Starts with a slightly more recent version of Android.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be considered more ergonomic for some users.
- Lighter: Slightly easier to carry in the hand for long periods.
- Lower Price: Likely to be more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Portrait Mode (Depth) camera: Offers dedicated hardware for better portrait background blur.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: It might offer improved connectivity options with other devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Nokia G60 trades superior display and overall performance for a lower price.
- The Samsung S21+ 5G, while being the more premium phone, lacks the side mounted fingerprint scanner and more affordable price point of the Nokia.
- The camera on the Nokia is more basic, with no telephoto lens and less impressive video features.
- The Galaxy S21+ 5G is not bundled with a charger, requiring a purchase, while the Nokia does.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Gamers: Players who need a high-performance device for smooth gameplay and quick loading times.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera options and higher-quality video recording capabilities.
- Power Users: Individuals who require fast performance and extensive multitasking capabilities.
- Travelers Users who appreciate advanced features such as wireless charging and comprehensive sensors.
Ideal Users for Nokia G60:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who prioritize affordability and good value for their money.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who need a reliable device for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and browsing.
- Users Seeking a Functional Phone Users who prefer a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Ergonomics focused users Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Those who prefer a lighter phone Users who value having a lighter phone in their hands or pocket.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Media consumption with high-quality streaming.
- Nokia G60:
- Everyday communication and social media browsing.
- Reliable performance for essential apps.
- Budget-friendly option for students or seniors.
- As a secondary device for travel or outdoor activities
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Nokia G60 will likely be more budget friendly, while the Samsung S21+ will be on the higher end.
- How important is display quality to you? If you watch a lot of video and consume a lot of media, the OLED screen on the Samsung is a game changer.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? The Samsung offers more performance but at the cost of battery, while the Nokia has a lower performance, but better battery life.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-End Performance & Features are a Priority: If you need the best possible performance, display, and camera features, and are willing to pay more, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Purchase with Good Value: If you prioritize affordability and only need a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Nokia G60 offers good value for the price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you are looking for a more balanced experience with some compromises in performance for battery life, the Nokia G60 is an okay choice, but given the pricing of older premium Samsung phones, you could probably find an older Samsung flagship for a price that is competitive.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Nokia G60 is a newer device and could be more budget-friendly, the superior display technology (AMOLED), dramatically better performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and robust build quality of the S21+ make it the better overall device for my needs. The S21+ significantly enhances the user experience for things I value like media consumption, mobile gaming, and taking quality pictures and videos, despite its lack of a charger. The Nokia would be a better choice if you are solely looking for an affordable secondary phone or you are very budget conscious, but the superior features of the S21+ outweigh those benefits for me.
