1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | OnePlus Nord 4 is slightly taller and thicker, but the difference is negligible. Both are similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 199.5g | Both phones are virtually identical in weight; differences are imperceptible. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Both offer large screens suitable for media consumption and gaming, the difference of 0.04" is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 4 has noticeably sharper text and images; better clarity overall for visual content. |
| PPI | 394 | 450 | OnePlus Nord 4 has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a more detailed, crisp visual experience, particularly noticeable when reading text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 is much more visible in bright sunlight, making it easier to use outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 4's newer Snapdragon chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gameplay. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus Nord 4 provides a significantly smoother overall performance, including faster app loading and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 732 | OnePlus Nord 4's Adreno GPU offers superior graphics performance for smoother gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | OnePlus Nord 4 captures more detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G's larger sensor captures more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance (although post-processing is key here). |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (64MP) | No | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has better zoom capabilities for distant subjects and portraits. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | OnePlus Nord 4 allows capturing wider scenes, useful for landscapes or group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes (12.2MP) | No | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a macro lens for close-up shots and a dedicated ultra wide. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | OnePlus Nord 4 takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G potentially performs slightly better in low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G can record higher-resolution videos (8K), potentially offering greater flexibility for professional video capture, though the OnePlus is capable at 4K. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 240 fps | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G records slower motion videos for more dramatic effects. |
| DxOMark Score | Main Score: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G camera has been independently rated. OnePlus Nord 4 lacks an independent assessment here. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers more advanced camera features for greater control over image and video capture. OnePlus Nord 4 provides a simpler experience, focusing on good quality results. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4's larger battery should provide longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 100W | OnePlus Nord 4 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger included | None | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging and reverse charging to power other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens, better zoom capability, macro lens, and 8K video recording, more control over image parameters with RAW capture.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes more advanced options like RAW capture, continuous autofocus, and night mode, suitable for enthusiasts wanting maximum control.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Allows for more versatile charging and powering of other devices.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing more scratch and shatter resistance.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Newer Snapdragon chip provides vastly superior processing power and better gaming performance.
- Higher Resolution & Brighter Display: The sharper and brighter display improves content clarity and visibility under direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery provides a longer-lasting charge.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates, and expected to be supported longer.
- Wider Angle Lens: Offers more creative possibilities for group and landscape photos.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Older chipset results in lower performance, slower charging and lacks a wide-angle lens.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Lacks some advanced camera features and telephoto lens, also lacks wireless charging and other secondary battery features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, macro, and more advanced features like RAW and better zoom.
- Users of Wireless Charging: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who prioritize screen protection With the inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Users who prioritize audio quality: With support for Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Capturing detailed photos with zoom or in challenging lighting conditions.
- Recording professional-grade 8K videos.
- Using wireless charging at home or when travelling.
- Listening to high-fidelity audio through headphones or speakers.
Ideal Users for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers and power users who need a smooth, fast device for demanding tasks.
- Frequent Users: Those who prioritize long battery life and fast charging for all-day usage.
- Users who prioritize a brighter screen: People who are often outdoors and need to be able to see the screen clearly.
- Users who want a newer software experience: Benefiting from the latest OS and security features, and support for future updates.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps.
- Streaming videos and consuming content on a sharp, bright screen.
- Quickly charging the phone during the day.
- Capturing wide-angle group or landscape photos.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus Nord 4 generally offers better value due to its newer chipset, superior performance, faster charging, longer battery life and a newer OS, especially when comparing similar-priced new units.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or performance and battery life? If you need a versatile camera with advanced features, the Samsung is better; for overall speed and long battery, go for the OnePlus.
- How important is wireless charging and do you prefer an older OS with extra features or a newer and more updated OS? The Samsung offers wireless charging and an older OS with extra features, the OnePlus is missing that but comes with a newer OS.
- Do you value a brighter and sharper display, and if so how important is visibility in direct sunlight? If a brighter, clearer screen is very important to you then the OnePlus will be better here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Enthusiast Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose the OnePlus Nord 4 for its superior performance, speed, and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Casual User Needing Long Battery: Choose the OnePlus Nord 4 for the longer battery life and faster charging.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: Choose the OnePlus Nord 4 for its brighter display.
- Scenario 5: Prioritizing Wireless Charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 6: Prioritizing Software Updates: Choose the OnePlus Nord 4 for its newer OS, and future proofing.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the OnePlus Nord 4. While I appreciate the camera versatility of the Samsung Galaxy S21+, the performance difference offered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the OnePlus Nord 4 is too significant to ignore. The faster charging, longer battery life, brighter screen and newer operating system also align better with my needs as a power user who values a responsive and reliable device. While the telephoto lens and wireless charging are a nice to have, they do not make up for the overall experience, and performance wins for me.
