1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-11 | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly newer, likely with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | Very similar size; Nord 3 is slightly thicker and a tad taller. |
| Weight | 200g | 193.5g | Nord 3 is marginally lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Virtually identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 3 has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 451 | Nord 3's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical vibrant display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 offers better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3's newer chip offers significantly better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 delivers smoother and faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3 has a more powerful GPU, offering better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Nord 3 has slightly larger capacity for marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Nord 3 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, Reverse Charging | None of these | S21+ offers wireless charging capabilities and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm (Sony IMX555) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm (Sony IMX890) | Nord 3's main camera captures more detail and has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm (Sony IMX374) | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm (Sony IMX471 Exmor RS) | Nord 3 has a higher resolution selfie camera, S21+ has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm (Sony IMX355) | Nord 3 features an ultrawide camera for wider shots. |
| Macro | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Nord 3 offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm (Sony IMX563) | N/A | S21+ offers an ultrawide+macro camera, but lacks a dedicated telephoto. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ offers higher video resolution (8K) for those who need it. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | S21+ is the only phone with a published DxOMark score. |
| Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | None of these | S21+ offers more advanced manual video and photo controls, and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 16) | Nord 3 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Nord 3 offers the same Wi-Fi, plus MiMO support for enhanced speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Nord 3 features a newer Bluetooth version for better connection stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21+ has broader support for satellite navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers the convenience of an eSIM for a second line. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/16GB | Nord 3 has an option for more RAM for heavy users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has the benefit of a noise-cancelling microphone for better calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide similar fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has a stronger, more scratch-resistant glass screen protector. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Hall, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity, SensorCore, Fingerprint | S21+ has more environmental sensors, Nord 3 has sensors for motion tracking |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, ultrawide+macro lens, and advanced features such as 8K video, RAW capture, and more manual controls.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features, providing more flexibility.
- eSIM Support: Allows for dual SIM functionality without a physical second SIM card.
- Better Screen Protection: Includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering superior scratch and drop resistance.
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer and compass, useful for outdoor activities or specific apps.
- More Audio Features: Noise-canceling microphone
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer and more powerful chipset results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Higher Resolution and Brighter Display: Offers sharper and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging is significantly faster than the 25W of the S21+, drastically reducing charging time.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, promising a longer support lifecycle and access to the latest features.
- Ultrawide and Macro Lens: Offers ultrawide and dedicated macro cameras, offering more photography options.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution Significantly higher main camera resolution with a larger sensor.
- Option for More RAM: 16GB RAM option is available for users who require heavy multitasking.
- More Bluetooth Features Includes Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec
- Lighter: Slightly lighter for better comfort
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Loses out on raw performance, display sharpness and charging speed compared to the Nord 3, and lacks ultrawide and macro lenses, but offers a more versatile camera setup for zoom and manual controls, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Nord 3: Lacks some advanced camera features like optical zoom and 8K video, and wireless charging, and has an unknown screen protector.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile zoom capabilities, manual controls, and advanced video features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who want wireless charging, and need to charge other accessories wirelessly
Users who prefer Samsung ecosystem: This may appeal to users who use other Samsung devices and prefer the One UI experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality zoomed photos and videos
- Making longer videos where 8K recording is important
- Using wireless charging for both the phone and other compatible devices
- Outdoor navigation that requires a compass
- Users who need to switch between two networks frequently using eSIM.
OnePlus Nord 3 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize raw performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users on the Go: People who need fast charging and good battery life.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a very capable main camera along with a wide-angle and macro camera for versatility.
Future-proofers: Those who prefer the newest Android OS with the promise of longer support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games
- Heavy multitasking between many apps
- Quickly charging the phone during the day
- Capturing diverse types of photos with the primary, ultrawide and macro lenses
- Users who want to future proof their device with the most current software.
Price-to-Value:
- The OnePlus Nord 3 generally offers better performance for the price in the current market, while the S21+ is older and may be available at a reduced price. Evaluate the prices based on your budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility: Do you prioritize raw speed and smooth performance, or a more versatile camera system with zoom and more manual controls?
- Charging Needs: Is fast charging a necessity, or is wireless charging more important to your lifestyle?
- Software & Future-proofing: Is it important for you to have the latest version of Android and longer software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance Focused: Choose the OnePlus Nord 3 for its superior processor, faster charging and higher refresh rate display.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focused: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its telephoto camera, and advanced video features, and wireless charging.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: Consider the OnePlus Nord 3 for its overall better performance and faster charging. However, if manual camera controls, wireless charging or eSIM capabilities are important, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G remains a solid choice, especially if you find it at a discounted price.
My Choice
Given my priorities, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3. While I appreciate the Samsung S21+'s versatile camera features like the telephoto lens, I prioritize overall performance and user experience more. The Nord 3’s significantly faster processor, smoother display, and much faster charging are compelling advantages for my daily usage. I'm also not someone who uses the zoom feature often, and the ultrawide and macro lenses on the Nord 3 would be more useful for the types of photography I typically do. Additionally, the newer software and longer support cycle make the Nord 3 a more future-proof device. While I would miss the wireless charging of the S21+, the 80W fast charging on the Nord 3 is a feature I’d use daily.
