1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-12-11 | OnePlus 12 is much newer, likely with better software support and newer features |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm | OnePlus 12 is slightly taller and thicker; the S21+ 5G is more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 200g | 220g | S21+ 5G is noticeably lighter, better for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.82" | OnePlus 12 has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3168 | OnePlus 12 has a much sharper and detailed display |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 510 ppi | OnePlus 12 will have crisper text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 4500 nits | OnePlus 12 is significantly brighter, much better visibility in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus 12 has a much faster and more power-efficient processor |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,110,808 | OnePlus 12 offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | OnePlus 12 provides better gaming and graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5400mAh | OnePlus 12 has a larger battery for longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 100W fast charging | OnePlus 12 charges much faster, reducing downtime |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | OnePlus 12 provides faster wireless charging |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless fast charging | Both offer reverse charging, OnePlus 12 has faster wireless charging, S21+ has slower reverse wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.43" | OnePlus 12 has a higher resolution and better light-gathering capabilities. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture, but the sensor is negligibly larger. |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2" | OnePlus 12 has a higher resolution and slightly larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | OnePlus 12 has a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording |
| DxoMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | S21+ camera quality has a known rating, Oneplus 12 score unavailable, might indicate it is new |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | OnePlus 12 comes with a newer Android version and will receive updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 12 has newer WiFi standard for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | OnePlus 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better range and stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus 12 supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB or 1024 GB | OnePlus 12 offers significantly more storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB, 16 GB or 24 GB | OnePlus 12 offers more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio features, S21+ has slightly better quality due to Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | OnePlus 12 has a newer, slightly more durable glass protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; | S21+ has additional compass and barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry for long periods.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers a slightly superior audio experience for audiophiles.
- Barometer: Includes a barometer sensor for more precise altitude readings, useful for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Known Camera Performance: The DxoMark score provides a known level of camera quality for comparison
OnePlus 12 Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful: Much faster processor, better GPU, and significantly more RAM for better performance in all aspects.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, much higher brightness for better visibility, especially outdoors.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging, both wired and wireless.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, better light sensitivity for the main camera and better sensor size for the wide angle.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and will receive updates for longer.
- More Storage Options: Offers larger storage capacities.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for accurate location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: The OnePlus 12 is larger and heavier, which might not be suitable for all users.
- DxoMark Score: OnePlus 12 doesn't have a score, making it hard to compare with the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Users valuing portability and comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone and don't require the absolute best performance.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate Hi-Res audio and value a better sound quality.
- Occasional photographers: Good enough for general use cases.
- Users who need specific sensor: The barometer sensor is useful for outdoor activities.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, social media, and light gaming.
- Users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight design over top-tier performance.
- Users who want a slightly more pocketable phone.
OnePlus 12 Ideal Users:
- Power users and gamers: Those who need the fastest performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Mobile photographers: Users who want a high-quality camera system with great results in any scenario.
- Media consumers: Those who want the best display for watching videos and playing games.
- Users needing long battery life: Those who require a phone that can easily last a full day.
Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming, video editing, and content creation.
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Users who need a phone with long battery life and fast charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Given its age, this phone will likely be available at a lower price point, making it a decent option for budget-conscious users. However, it will come with performance, camera and battery compromises.
- OnePlus 12: It's a more expensive device, but its advanced features and performance justify the cost for power users and tech enthusiasts.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ will be cheaper but with a tradeoff in performance and battery life. The OnePlus 12 has significantly better specs for a higher price.
- How important is performance and battery life? If you prioritize the best specs, the OnePlus 12 is the obvious choice. If you are more of a light user, then the Samsung S21+ is acceptable.
- How important is the camera? The OnePlus 12 will take better pictures thanks to the combination of larger sensor and better software.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If you're on a tight budget, the Samsung S21+ 5G can be a cost-effective option for basic use. It will do a decent job with general use, but will lag behind the OnePlus 12 in many ways.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Camera Priority): If you want the best performance, display, battery and camera, the OnePlus 12 is the clear winner. You will get the best of what current technology has to offer.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Usage): If you want a good balance between price and performance, it's better to aim for a slightly older generation phone that has a more updated chipset. The Samsung S21+ does not offer this balance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 12. My reasoning is as follows:
Future-Proofing: The OnePlus 12 is much newer and has a significantly more powerful chipset. This means it will handle demanding tasks and future software updates better and for longer, making it a much more sensible choice for the long term.
Superior Display: The brighter, higher-resolution screen on the OnePlus 12 is a significant advantage for my daily usage, especially when outside.
Photography: I prioritize camera quality, and the larger sensor, higher resolution, and better software processing on the OnePlus 12 would be a noticeable improvement.
Battery Life: Longer battery life with fast charging is crucial for my needs, and the OnePlus 12 offers much better battery performance.
Overall Experience: While the Samsung S21+ 5G has some positives (weight, size, known camera scores, barometer and Hi-Res Audio), the OnePlus 12 offers a more complete and advanced user experience in areas I value.
The slightly larger size and weight are a trade-off I'm willing to make for such improvements in performance, display, battery, and camera.
