Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. OnePlus 9RT 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.2 × 74.6 × 8.3 mm | OnePlus 9RT is slightly thicker and taller; S21+ is slightly wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 200g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight, negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.62" | Very similar screen size, minimal difference noticeable to most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer a crisp viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 397 PPI | Virtually indistinguishable in terms of display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21+ significantly better outdoor visibility; OnePlus 9RT brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 generally performs slightly better in benchmarks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 881,700 | OnePlus 9RT has marginally better benchmark performance, can feel slightly more responsive in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 generally performs better in gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | OnePlus 9RT has a higher resolution sensor, potentially better detail and low-light performance, larger sensor for potentially better light capture. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not available | Samsung S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots, superior portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor | OnePlus 9RT has a slightly higher-resolution selfie camera; Samsung S21+ has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" sensor | OnePlus 9RT offers a wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9RT has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Not available | Samsung S21+ has a wide-angle + macro lens for landscape and close up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung S21+ offers 8K video recording for professional-quality video; both phones have good stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Overall: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not available | Samsung S21+ has a certified better photo and video scores for its camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung S21+ has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 9RT charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | Dual battery cells | Samsung S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; OnePlus 9RT uses dual-cell battery for faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version: 15 | Android 11, Max Version: 13 | Samsung S21+ has a longer support window for software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual Band | WiFi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer the latest WiFi standards; OnePlus 9RT has Wi-Fi MiMO support for better WiFi connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9RT has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9RT supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Samsung S21+ supports eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones offer same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | OnePlus 9RT has the option for 12 GB RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage, which might be an issue for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Samsung S21+ includes Hi-Res audio for better audio output |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung S21+ has a known high-quality screen protection; Oneplus 9RT is unspecified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung S21+ includes a barometer sensor for environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: Offers much better visibility in bright sunlight (1300 nits).
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: Enables better optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Higher Video Resolution: Supports 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers more charging flexibility.
- Hi-Res Audio Better audio output
- eSIM support: Allows for easier switching between carriers.
- Barometer Sensor: For environmental data, useful for navigation, hiking, or weather tracking.
- Longer software support: Samsung guarantees 15 as max Android version compared to Oneplus' 13.
Screen Protection Has a known screen protector using Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Practical Implications: Better for users who frequently use their phones outdoors, need professional video quality, enjoy wireless charging, and prioritize telephoto lens for photography.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Higher Performance: Slightly better benchmark performance and gaming due to Snapdragon 888.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: Potentially better detail and low-light performance in main camera.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Provides additional versatility for landscape shots.
- Option for 12GB RAM: Better multitasking and smoother performance for demanding apps.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 offers improved connectivity and power efficiency.
- More GPS Satellites: Better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments.
Wi-Fi MiMO Support Better Wi-Fi connection
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize fast charging, enjoy mobile gaming, value flexibility in camera options, and need smooth multitasking.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+: Slower charging compared to the OnePlus, and has a less powerful chip for gaming. It also lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens.
- OnePlus 9RT: Lacks telephoto lens, slower OS updates, no reverse or wireless charging support, and unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Benefits from the brighter display and barometer.
- Video Content Creators: The 8K video and excellent stabilization are advantageous.
- Users who value Photography: The dedicated telephoto camera and the wide angle camera allows for creative shots.
- Users that prefer a long support window for OS updates: Samsung guarantees more updates.
- Users that value wireless charging.
- Users that need the best screen protection Known to have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Specific Use Cases: Professional video shooting, travel photography, outdoor adventures, daily drivers that need extra brightness.
Ideal User for OnePlus 9RT 5G:
- Mobile Gamers: High-performance chipset, optional 12GB RAM, and fast charging.
- Multitaskers: Benefits from the 12GB RAM option.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: The versatile camera with wide-angle is great for content creation.
- Users on a budget: Often provides better performance per dollar.
- Users that prefer fast charging over wireless or reverse charging
Specific Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming, social media content creation, daily use that demands high performance and quick charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9RT generally offers better performance and features per dollar.
- The Samsung S21+ provides a more premium feel with better camera system, display, and additional features, but can often be more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions potential buyers should consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, video, daily driver, professional usage)
- How important is fast charging versus wireless charging? (Do you prioritize charging speed or the flexibility of wireless charging?)
- How much does outdoor visibility matter to you? (Do you need a bright display for outdoor use or plan to use it mostly indoors?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-performance gaming and heavy multitasking: The OnePlus 9RT is the better choice due to its stronger chipset and the option for 12GB of RAM and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Professional-level photography and videography: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the superior option due to its 8K video recording, telephoto camera, better photo/video scores and wireless charging.
- Scenario 3: A balanced daily driver with outdoor use: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers better outdoor visibility and a more well-rounded experience. It also has known screen protection.
- Scenario 4: Budget-conscious users seeking high performance: The OnePlus 9RT offers more raw performance for the money.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between the two, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My reasoning is as follows:
While the OnePlus 9RT has a more powerful chipset and faster charging which is beneficial for gaming and multitasking, my priorities lie in other areas. I value a good camera system with versatile lenses (I like having a dedicated telephoto) and the flexibility of wireless charging. The superior display brightness is also important for me because I frequently use my phone outdoors. I also like to keep my phones for a long time so having a longer update support window is very valuable. The fact that it has a better build quality with its screen protector also puts it higher on my list. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a more comprehensive and well-rounded premium experience that aligns better with my personal use case, and I am willing to compromise slightly on benchmark performance and charging speeds to have these benefits.
