Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. OnePlus Nord 2 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm | S21+ is taller and wider, Nord 2 is slightly thicker. S21+ feels larger in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | Nord 2 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ has a larger screen for more immersive viewing, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, indistinguishable in daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ is smoother, more fluid for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. (Note: The 0 nits value for OnePlus Nord 2 5G seems like an error, actual brightness values not available) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | S21+ has a slightly more powerful chip, for more demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 714,400 | S21+ performs slightly better in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Different GPUs, S21+ has a slight edge in graphics performance based on benchmarks, though differences may not be noticeable for all users. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Nord 2 has much higher resolution and a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, providing versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" | Nord 2 has much higher resolution front camera, better for detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | Nord 2 has a wide-angle lens for landscape or group shots, S21+ lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ includes a combined wide angle/macro lens for close-up and wide angle versatility. |
| Black & White Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Nord 2 includes a dedicated B&W sensor for monochrome photos, which is a niche feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ records higher resolution videos, providing greater flexibility for videography. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 | Not Available | S21+ has a certified benchmark, indicating good camera quality; OnePlus Nord 2 5G's scores are not available. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, may result in slightly longer battery life, though real-world results can vary. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Nord 2 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ offers more versatile battery features, including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (to charge other devices). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | S21+ receives longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Hotspot | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Hotspot, MiMO | Both have good WiFi, Nord 2 includes MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Nord 2 has a newer bluetooth version, which may result in better battery usage and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both have good GPS, Samsung provides more accuracy and OnePlus is compatible with QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers eSIM compatibility, more flexibility for connectivity |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have same storage options, non-expandable. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8/12GB | Nord 2 offers more RAM configurations, beneficial for multitasking, while S21+ only provides 8GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers microSD card slot. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers enhanced audio features, better for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have similar basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ includes a barometer sensor, which is useful for environmental data, while Nord 2 includes an RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits) makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Better Performance: Slightly more powerful chipset and GPU leading to smoother multitasking and more demanding applications.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, combined wide/macro, and 8k video recording capabilities.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers more scratch and drop resistance.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added functionality.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, better for audio enthusiasts.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for connectivity.
- Longer Software Support: Receives more Android updates (up to Android 15).
- Barometer Sensor: Useful for tracking environmental data, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Higher Rated Camera: A certified DXOMark rating implies higher camera quality, though OnePlus camera scores are not available for full comparison.
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 25W on the S21+.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP main camera with a larger sensor for better low-light performance.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera is great for detailed selfies.
- Wide-Angle Lens: The dedicated wide-angle camera allows for more versatile photography.
- More RAM Options: 12GB RAM option for the Nord 2 is beneficial for multitasking.
- Lighter Build: Lighter design makes it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers Bluetooth 5.2 for potentially better connectivity and battery efficiency.
- RGB Sensor: Useful in color accuracy for camera and display.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Lacks a wide-angle lens and fast charging. Also has a larger build, not ideal for smaller hands. It also does not include a charger in the box, which is another drawback.
- OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Lacks wireless charging, telephoto lens, and may not be as good in direct sunlight due to the lack of official brightness values. It also lacks the comprehensive software support of the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power User: Someone who needs a device for resource-intensive tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiast: Appreciates a versatile camera with optical zoom, 8K video, and good low-light performance.
- Outdoors Person: Needs a bright display for visibility in sunlight and a barometer for tracking environmental data.
- Audiophile: Someone who needs enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
- Ecosystem User: Someone who already uses Samsung products and prefers to stay within the Samsung ecosystem.
- Long-Term User: Someone who prefers longer software updates and support.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Shooting professional-quality videos.
- Outdoor photography and navigation.
- Enjoying high-fidelity audio.
- Multitasking between several demanding applications
- Extended software support for future Android updates.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord 2 5G:
- Everyday User: Someone who wants a reliable phone for daily use without breaking the bank.
- Social Media Enthusiast: Needs a great selfie camera and versatile lens options for social media.
- Fast Charger: Someone who values rapid charging to minimize downtime.
- Budget-Conscious User: Someone who is looking for an excellent performance for the money.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord 2 5G:
- Quickly charging the phone before heading out.
- Capturing social media-worthy photos.
- Enjoying a light and easy-to-handle phone.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Multitasking with everyday applications.
- Using the phone in locations where fast charging is required.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is screen brightness and outdoor visibility? If you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the Samsung S21+ is the better choice due to its superior brightness.
- Do you prioritize fast charging or wireless charging? If fast charging is a must, the OnePlus Nord 2 is the clear winner. If wireless charging and reverse charging are a preference, choose the Samsung.
- How important is camera versatility vs. pure image quality? If you need optical zoom and 8k video, the Samsung is better. If you prefer a high-res main and front cameras with a wide angle lens, the OnePlus is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Outdoor Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its significantly brighter display, making it far more usable in direct sunlight, despite not including a charger in the box.
- Scenario 2: Limited Charging Time: Choose the OnePlus Nord 2 5G for its much faster charging, ensuring less downtime and more time using the phone, despite the lower quality screen.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast on the Go: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has better versatility in terms of zoom capabilities and video quality.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User Needing a Strong All Rounder: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers a great balance of performance and features at a lower cost than the Samsung.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My personal usage tends to favor a brighter screen for better outdoor visibility, a versatile camera setup with telephoto zoom, and the overall slightly superior performance of the device. While the faster charging of the OnePlus is tempting, the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging of the S21+ provides added flexibility. I also value the screen protection offered by the Gorilla Glass Victus, as I am prone to dropping my phone. Finally, the longer software support from Samsung makes the phone feel more future-proof, despite being older. The slightly larger size of the phone is not a major concern, and I find myself needing a brighter display more often. Despite not including a charger in the box, I have a variety of charging options available. While the OnePlus offers a great experience, the Samsung provides a more premium feel and feature set, which suits my preferences for a slightly more robust and high-performing device.
