1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly thicker and has a larger overall volume, potentially feeling less sleek. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical display size provides the same viewing area for both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness and detail for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Both offer the same pixel density, resulting in comparable display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology ensures similar color vibrancy and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, providing good visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | Slightly faster performance on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, but both are capable of everyday tasks and most games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 688,952 | The Samsung S21+ has a higher score, implying slightly better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC4 | The Samsung S21+’s GPU is slightly faster for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | Nothing Phone (2a) has higher resolution, enabling more detail, especially in good light. Samsung has larger pixels that may offer better low-light performance. |
| Rear Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | Samsung S21+ has a telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, which the Nothing Phone (2a) lacks. |
| Front Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | Nothing Phone (2a) offers higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Rear Wide/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) has higher resolution, but Samsung’s larger sensor offers better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers higher video resolution up to 8K and faster 4K recording at 60fps, while Nothing Phone (2a) maxes at 4K 30fps. |
| DXOMark Score | Overall: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | Samsung's camera performance is independently rated, the Nothing Phone (2a) has not been tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Slightly larger battery on the Nothing Phone (2a) might offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (2a) has significantly faster charging, enabling shorter charging times. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | Samsung S21+ has wireless charging capabilities which the Nothing Phone (2a) lacks. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | None | Samsung S21+ can wirelessly charge other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Nothing Phone (2a) ships with newer software, ensuring more up-to-date features and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards. Nothing Phone (2a) has Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) uses a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more stable and efficient connections. |
| GPS | Dual-band | Dual-band | Nothing Phone (2a) supports more satellite systems like QZSS, and NavIC for potentially improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Samsung S21+ can use an eSIM alongside two physical SIMs. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage capacities, but cannot be expanded with external SD cards. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) is available with up to 12GB of RAM, allowing better multitasking and smoother operation for some use cases. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | The S21+ has Dolby Atmos and Noise cancellation, while the Nothing Phone (2a) has 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung S21+’s screen has superior protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Samsung S21+ includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Slightly better performance in benchmarks and graphics with its Exynos 2100 and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and has a higher DXOMark rating.
- Enhanced Video: Offers 8K video recording and 4K at 60fps, appealing to users who need high-resolution video capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- eSIM Support: More flexibility for users who frequently switch between carriers.
- Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and impact resistance.
- More Sensors: Includes a Barometer and Hall sensor, which are useful in specific applications.
- Better Audio Features: Features Dolby Atmos and Noise cancelling microphone
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time compared to 25W on the Samsung.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 and is guaranteed updates to Android 17, ensuring a more modern experience and longer support.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity may translate to slightly longer runtime.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras: Offers more detail and clarity in standard lighting conditions.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 is more efficient and stable than the 5.0 on the Samsung.
- More Satellite Systems: Supports QZSS and NavIC, potentially offering more accurate location services.
- Higher RAM Option: 12GB RAM is excellent for power users who multitask heavily or play demanding games.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Quality: While the Nothing Phone (2a) has higher resolution sensors, it lacks a telephoto lens and may not offer the same level of image quality and video capabilities as the S21+, especially in low light, due to smaller individual pixel size on the main sensor.
- Build & Features: The Samsung S21+ features premium screen protection and wireless charging, while the Nothing Phone (2a) is made with mid range protection glass and lacks wireless charging capabilities.
- Performance: Samsung's chipset offers slightly better overall performance in benchmarks, but Nothing is more power efficient and may not have a big impact in daily usage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility: The telephoto lens and superior video capabilities make it excellent for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Power users who need fast performance and smooth multitasking: The Exynos 2100 and 8GB of RAM handle demanding tasks well.
- Users who value premium features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and eSIM support appeal to users who prefer convenience and flexibility.
- Users looking for superior screen protection Gorilla glass Victus provides great protection.
Use Cases:
- Shooting high-quality videos and photos for social media or professional use
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Seamless switching between carriers using eSIM
- Long flights, road trips where wireless charging and a powerful battery might come in handy.
Nothing Phone (2a) is ideal for:
- Users who value fast charging and a long-lasting battery: The 45W charging and 5000 mAh battery make it ideal for heavy users who are always on the go.
- Users who want the latest software and features: Android 14 and guaranteed updates to Android 17 ensure a more modern and secure experience.
- Users who need a large amount of RAM: The 12GB RAM option is perfect for heavy multitaskers and gamers.
- Budget-conscious users: Offering great value for money with its fast charging, decent cameras and updated software, while the Galaxy S21+ can be more expensive due to its premium features.
Use Cases:
- Heavy social media usage, frequent app switching, and multitasking.
- Gaming that relies more on memory than raw processing power.
- Users who travel frequently and need the fastest possible charging on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is camera versatility to you? If you need optical zoom, superior video quality, and a wide range of camera features, the Samsung S21+ is better. If higher-resolution selfies and detailed standard photos are sufficient, the Nothing Phone (2a) is good enough.
- How important is fast charging and long battery life? If you need to quickly recharge your phone, the Nothing Phone (2a)'s 45W charging is a clear advantage. The longer battery capacity may also be beneficial.
- How important is software support and a modern experience? If you want the latest software and longer-term updates, the Nothing Phone (2a) with Android 14 will be a better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its telephoto lens, 8K video, and superior image quality.
- Heavy User on the Go: Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) for its fast charging and longer battery life.
- Value-Conscious User: Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) for its balanced features and newer software at a potentially lower price point.
- Power User: Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G if you need the best processing speed and wireless charging, but choose the Nothing Phone (2a) if you prefer more RAM and faster charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Nothing Phone (2a). While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has some compelling features, especially in the camera department, the Nothing Phone (2a)'s combination of faster charging, more up-to-date software, and potentially longer battery life aligns better with my daily usage needs. I value the convenience of quicker charging and prefer the latest software updates. While the S21+ has a technically superior camera, the Nothing Phone (2a) is capable for my social media needs. The trade off of losing the telephoto zoom and wireless charging is worth it for the benefits that the Nothing Phone (2a) offers.
The slight performance advantage of the S21+ is unlikely to be noticeable in my everyday usage, and I don't find myself frequently relying on higher-end video features. Also, the additional RAM in the higher end model is a nice to have, it helps with overall snappiness and future proofing the device.
