1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider, while the OnePlus 9 is thicker. Differences are minimal and might not be noticeable for most users. |
| Weight | 200g | 192g | OnePlus 9 is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, which could be preferred for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density. Both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21+ will be more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | OnePlus 9's Snapdragon generally offers slightly better performance in benchmarks and some real-world gaming scenarios. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 880,900 | OnePlus 9 is significantly faster in benchmarks. Expect slightly snappier performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 in OnePlus 9 generally performs better for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a marginally larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, a major convenience. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging, Reverse wireless charging | 15W Wireless Charging | S21+ has more wireless charging features, while both offer 15W Wireless Charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" sensor | OnePlus 9 has a higher-resolution sensor with a larger size and wider aperture for better low-light performance and detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not available | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom, missing on the OnePlus 9. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | OnePlus 9 has slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Camera | Not available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for ultrawide shots, missing on the S21+. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Not available | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle macro camera for ultrawide and macro shots, missing on the OnePlus 9. |
| Black & White Camera | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 has a black and white camera for artistic shots, missing on the S21+. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS | Both offer similar high-resolution video capabilities, but the S21+ has better stabilization tech. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Overall), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not available | S21+ has a scored camera. No available data for OnePlus 9. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW | Ultra Stable Video, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | S21+ offers Optical Image Stabilization and Optical zoom, while OnePlus offers Ultra Stable video recording and Contrast Detection Autofocus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 15) | Android 11 (Max 13) | S21+ is expected to have longer software support, which might be important for some users. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, MIMO | Similar WiFi performance, OnePlus has MIMO for better connection reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, APT-x | 5.2, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | OnePlus 9 has a newer version with additional codec support for better audio quality with compatible headphones. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, GLONASS, etc | Dual-band GPS, GLONASS, etc. + BeiDou(B1,B2) | OnePlus 9 has additional Beidou support for potentially better location accuracy in specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ has eSIM capabilities, useful for travelers, while both have Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | OnePlus 9 offers a higher RAM option for better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio capabilities, S21+ has Hi-Res Audio support, and OnePlus has 3 microphones for clear audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has a stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ has more environmental sensors, which can be useful for specific apps or use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 200 nits higher brightness offers better outdoor visibility.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and shatter resistance.
- Telephoto Camera with Optical Zoom: Provides better zoom quality for distant subjects.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Offers more options for ultra-wide and macro photography.
- More Wireless Charging Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- eSIM Support: Offers flexibility for dual-SIM use, especially for travelers.
- Longer Software Support: Expected to receive more Android updates.
- Additional Environmental Sensors: Offers Barometer for more advanced environmental data.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Provides better audio experience for audiophiles.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Charging: 65W charging is much faster, greatly improving usability.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 888 offers better benchmark scores, useful for demanding tasks.
- Higher Base Camera Resolution and Sensor Size: Generally performs better in low light conditions.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Camera: Provides a wider field of view, great for landscapes.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better detail for selfies.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 has better capabilities.
- More RAM Option: 12GB RAM will benefit heavy users.
- Additional Beidou Support: Better GPS accuracy in specific regions.
- 3 microphones: Better audio recording clarity.
- RAW 12 bit: Better RAW file quality.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ sacrifices some processing power and charging speed for better display brightness, more camera versatility, longer software support, and wireless charging capabilities.
- The OnePlus 9 prioritizes performance and fast charging, sacrificing some camera versatility, wireless charging features, and screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Outdoor users: The brighter screen is excellent for use in sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The telephoto and wide angle + macro cameras offer more versatile shooting options.
- Users needing extensive wireless charging options: reverse charging is useful.
- Users wanting longer software support: for future-proofing.
- Users needing eSIM support those who need digital carrier switching.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos in varied conditions, with versatile zoom capabilities.
- Extended outdoor use where screen visibility is crucial.
- Travelers who might need eSIM or multiple SIM options.
- Users who need hi-res audio for a more enjoyable listening experience.
OnePlus 9 is ideal for:
- Gamers and heavy users: The faster processor and GPU provide better performance for demanding tasks and games.
- Users needing fast charging: 65W charging offers a significant convenience.
- Users primarily using the main and ultrawide cameras: Great low-light and wide-angle photography.
- Users wanting the latest Bluetooth version Those who need newer BT standard.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming or running demanding applications.
- People who need to quickly recharge their phones during the day.
- Taking wide-angle shots of landscapes and architecture.
- Users who need better sound recording quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging to you? If fast charging is a priority, the OnePlus 9 is a clear winner.
- What are your primary camera needs? If optical zoom and macro capabilities are needed, the S21+ is better. If you prefer ultrawide and low-light, the OnePlus 9 excels.
- How important is long-term software support, screen protection and display brightness? If these are key, the S21+ is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Multitasker: Choose the OnePlus 9 for its stronger performance and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: The S21+ is better suited for users who value versatile camera options and optical zoom.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: The S21+'s brighter display and better screen protection make it a great choice for outdoor use.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: The choice depends on which features are higher priority: charging speed and performance (OnePlus 9), or camera versatility, software support, and display brightness (S21+).
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the OnePlus 9. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has an excellent display, better screen protection, and more versatile camera features, the OnePlus 9's faster charging, better performance, and ultrawide camera are more valuable for my everyday use. I often find myself needing a quick charge, and the performance boost is crucial for gaming and other demanding tasks. While I would miss the telephoto lens, the primary camera on the OnePlus 9 is strong enough to compensate for most of my needs. The significantly faster charging and improved performance are enough to make the OnePlus 9 the more practical choice for my usage patterns.
