1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-07-16 | Nothing Phone (1) is newer, potentially having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and thinner, while Nothing Phone (1) is more compact and thicker; likely negligible difference in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | Unknown differences in the "feel" and premiumness of the phone's construction. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption, while Nothing is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones offer a sharp and detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Both have very similar pixel densities, resulting in indistinguishable clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ will be slightly more visible under direct sunlight, though both should be very readable indoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful processor for intensive tasks, like high-end gaming; Nothing is suitable for daily usage and most modern games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 624,253 | S21+ demonstrates higher benchmark scores, indicating better overall performance and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 642L (Adreno 642L) | S21+ GPU is better suited for gaming, but both GPUs can handle daily tasks effectively. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm, Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX766 | Nothing Phone (1) offers more detailed shots due to higher resolution and larger sensor, while S21+ excels in low-light due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm, Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | Not Available | S21+ offers dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom and portrait photography, Nothing Phone (1) lacks this functionality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", 1.00µm, Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Nothing Phone (1) provides slightly higher resolution for selfies, S21+ offers potentially better low-light performance due to larger pixels. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm, Sony IMX563 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (1) offers higher resolution wide angle shots, S21+ provides better low light performance with a larger sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, HDR, EIS | S21+ offers higher resolution video recording, while both have good video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ camera has been benchmarked for its good overall performance, Nothing Phone 1 score is not available. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ offers slightly longer battery life, though real-world use can vary. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges faster, reducing wait times. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | Both offer wireless charging, Nothing provides slightly higher reverse wireless output. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers better processing power, resulting in smoother gaming and faster app loading.
- Better Camera System: The S21+ has an additional telephoto lens for optical zoom and versatile portrait shots, 8K video recording, and more features in its camera app.
- Brighter Display: 100 nits of higher brightness enhances outdoor visibility.
- eSIM Support: It can use a digital SIM, making switching carriers easier.
- More Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise cancellation microphone.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer provides additional functionality.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Practical Implications: S21+ excels in performance-demanding scenarios like gaming, offers more camera features for photography enthusiasts and provides a brighter display with better screen protection.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Newer Phone: Launched over a year later, it may have longer software support and slightly newer features.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets the phone topped up quicker.
- Higher Resolution Main and Wide Cameras: More detail in shots, especially in bright light.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly improved connectivity.
- More RAM Option: 12GB RAM option for heavy multitasking.
- More Satellite Systems: Enhanced location accuracy with more satellite support.
Practical Implications: Nothing Phone (1) is a more recent design with a focus on charging speed, higher resolution cameras, and newer connectivity options.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Loses out on charging speed, and may have slightly shorter software support.
- Nothing Phone (1): Lacks the versatility and high-end features of S21+ camera system, has slightly dimmer display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal User: Gamers, professional photographers, users who prioritize performance and cutting edge camera features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional photo and video capture
- Demanding multitasking scenarios
- Users who appreciate a brighter display for outdoor use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers high-end performance and features, which may justify a higher price for the right user.
Nothing Phone (1)
- Ideal User: Everyday users, those who value fast charging, a unique design, and modern software.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication, browsing, and social media.
- Casual photography and video.
- Users who prefer the latest software and features.
- Users who want a unique and recognizable design.
- Price-to-Value: Provides solid features and a modern user experience at a potentially more accessible price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my primary usage? (Gaming, photography, daily use, etc.)
- How important is raw performance and high end camera functionality to me?
- Do I prioritize the latest features and software, or the established performance of a slightly older device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Performance & Camera Focus): If you're a gamer or photographer, and want the best possible camera performance (zoom, more options), the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better equipped.
Scenario 2 (Daily Use & Modern Features): If you're an everyday user looking for a reliable and modern phone with fast charging and better location accuracy, the Nothing Phone (1) is the more suitable choice.
Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious): If cost is a major factor, the Nothing Phone (1) is likely to offer better value for the price with a good balance of features.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Given my personal preferences and needs, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Here's why:
- Performance: I value the higher raw performance of the Exynos 2100 chipset. I tend to engage in a mix of light gaming and multitasking, and the S21+ appears to be the better fit for that.
- Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portraits provides more flexibility in the camera department. 8K video recording, while not a daily need, is a nice feature to have for the occasional use.
- Display Quality: The slightly higher peak brightness will offer a better viewing experience under sunlight which is important to me for when I am using the phone outside.
- Established Quality: Samsung is a well-established brand and the S21+ is a top model of its generation.
While the Nothing Phone (1) is more recent and has some advantages like faster charging and a potentially lower price, the superior performance and camera versatility of the S21+ are more appealing to my usage patterns. This is a preference based on my needs and priorities, and others might easily prefer the Nothing Phone (1) with its newer software and design at the end of the day.
