Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Nokia X20
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-05-12 | The Nokia X20 is newer by about 3.5 months, potentially having slightly more updated software support. |
| Size | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm | S21+ is more compact and easier to handle, while X20 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 220g | S21+ is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both displays. |
| PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, meaning similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for dark themes and HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience, and is better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Nokia X20 brightness is not defined. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | S21+ offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 323,425 | S21+ has much faster app loading, better multitasking, and is suitable for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU that will deliver superior graphics in games and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4470mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally better battery life, but the difference is not significant. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenience. No charge in box included. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.79, Unknown | Nokia X20 has a higher resolution standard camera, but the S21+ has a larger sensor size and pixel size likely leading to better low-light photos |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities and portrait photos; superior zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.0, Unknown | Nokia X20 has a higher resolution selfie camera; potentially sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 5MP, Unknown | Nokia X20 features a dedicated Wide Angle Lens while S21+ combines a Wide Angle with a macro lens. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, Unknown | Nokia X20 features a dedicated portrait (depth) lens; depth sensing capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, Unknown | Nokia X20 features a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K @24fps with HDR | Up to 1080p @ 60fps | S21+ supports significantly higher resolution video recording, suitable for professional or very high quality home videos. |
| DxOMark | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ has a verified good camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K,8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Quad Camera | S21+ offers more advanced video capabilities with OIS, RAW capabilities, and specific night mode for better low light photos while Nokia X20 offers Quad camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | The Samsung S21+ will have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with more features | 5.0 LE | S21+ has more Bluetooth features for wider compatibility with accessories. |
| GPS | Dual band, Beidou | Standard GPS | S21+ offers more accurate location tracking with a wider array of satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ has eSIM support, offering more flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB | S21+ offers optional higher storage capacity and choice of models. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8 GB | S21+ and Nokia X20 are comparable, allowing for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | 2 microphones | S21+ offers superior audio playback and recording quality with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers while Nokia X20 features 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Nokia X20 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The Nokia X20 screen protection is not defined. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic Sensors | S21+ has a more comprehensive suite of sensors for various applications and features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness for better viewing indoors and out.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU, ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and 8K video recording capabilities, as well as OIS.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Convenient charging options, wireless and reverse wireless.
- Better Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers for a more immersive experience.
- Extended software updates: Will receive 1 more major OS update than Nokia X20.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, and more GPS satellites.
- Premium Build: Superior screen protection.
More comprehensive sensors: Includes Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors
Practical Implications: This results in a smoother user experience, better gaming, better multimedia consumption, better photos, faster charging and more reliable location.
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Standard Camera and Selfie Camera: Potentially sharper images in well lit conditions.
- Dedicated Macro, wide angle and portrait lenses: Provides additional versatility in photography
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient unlock experience.
- Lower Price Point (Presumably): Usually Nokia targets the mid-range market segment, making it a more affordable option
More affordable: Could be a more budget-friendly option
Practical Implications: This could make the Nokia a good budget option with good general usage and photography, while more demanding users would appreciate the superior performance and display of the S21+
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher price, heavier, more expensive.
- X20: Slower processor, display is inferior, slower charging, no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: People who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content and want the best possible display and audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality images, optical zoom, and advanced video recording capabilities.
- Professionals: Users who utilize their phone extensively for productivity and need smooth performance, reliable connectivity and better security features.
Users who prioritize quality and longevity: People who prefer to spend a bit more initially for a phone that will last and offer a better experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, editing photos/videos, watching HDR movies, heavy social media usage, and professional work on-the-go, using as a navigation device, using a bluetooth headset.
Nokia X20 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a reliable smartphone without the premium price tag.
- Casual Users: People who mainly use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who value a side-mounted fingerprint scanner: Those who prioritize a convenient and fast unlock.
Users who like versatility in photography: Those who like having a macro, wide and depth sensor.
- Use Cases: General day to day usage, browsing, social media, simple photography, and calls.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider Before Buying:
- What is your budget? The S21+ will likely be more expensive, so budget will be a big factor.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you play games or watch lots of videos, the S21+ is a must.
- Do you need advanced camera features, 8K video and wireless charging? If yes, the S21+ is the better option. If not the Nokia X20 will be suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice due to its powerful processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, and robust GPU.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious General User: The Nokia X20 is a better option, especially for those who do not need demanding performance, high resolution video or cutting edge display technology, while still providing a decent general usage.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the preferred option because of its telephoto lens, superior low-light performance, OIS, RAW support, and significantly higher video resolution and quality, although the Nokia X20 provides more flexibility by having a dedicated depth, macro and wide lens.
- Scenario 4: User who values side fingerprint reader and additional lenses: The Nokia X20 is the better option.
- Scenario 5: User who prioritizes future software updates: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Nokia X20 is a decent phone, the S21+ offers a significantly better experience across almost every important category:
- Superior Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display is a huge upgrade, making everything from scrolling to watching videos smoother and more enjoyable. The higher brightness is important for outdoor use.
- Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chip provides a noticeable performance boost, which is important for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing.
- More Advanced Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and 8K video recording, along with camera features like OIS and RAW capture, make a big difference in image and video quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: These features add significant convenience.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers enhance the multimedia experience.
- Extended software support: I prefer the option for an extra year of software support.
- Comprehensive Sensor suite: The inclusion of a Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensor gives it a more futureproof appeal.
- Build quality: The more robust screen protection is a big deal for longevity.
While the Nokia X20's side-mounted fingerprint scanner and additional lenses is convenient, the sheer jump in performance and the quality of display offered by the S21+ outweigh those benefits. I'm willing to pay extra for these improvements, especially since I know the phone will last longer and offer a more premium experience across the board. The S21+ provides a higher level of technology which matches my needs, it will also provide me with a more future-proof device.
