1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider, might feel slightly less comfortable for smaller hands. Both are equally thin. |
| Weight | 200g | 173g | Nord CE 2 is noticeably lighter, leading to more comfortable prolonged use. S21+ is 27g heavier. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption, gaming. Nord CE 2 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, fine for everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations. Nord CE 2 is still smooth. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers vastly superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. OnePlus Nord CE 2 brightness is not provided. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. Nord CE 2 performs well for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 424,800 | S21+ has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating much better performance capabilities overall. S21+ runs intensive apps better. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, providing a better gaming experience with higher graphics settings and frame rates. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer usage times. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Nord CE 2 charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging, No charger in-box | Reverse charging | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities but without in-box charger. Nord CE 2 lacks wireless charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.8µm pixels | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.7µm pixels | Nord CE 2 has higher resolution but S21+ has larger sensor and larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | No Telephoto Camera | S21+ has an extra Telephoto Camera, which is advantageous for portrait photography and distant subject capture; Nord CE 2 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" sensor, 1.0µm pixels | Nord CE 2 has higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor. S21+ has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, unknown sensor and pixel size | Nord CE 2 can capture wide angle images. |
| Macro Lens | No Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown sensor and pixel size | Nord CE 2 can capture macro images. |
| Ultra-Wide + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µm pixels | No Ultra-Wide + Macro lens | S21+ can capture ultra-wide angle images and macro images through its additional lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, various other modes with EIS, Stereo Sound, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS. | S21+ has significantly superior video capabilities. Nord CE 2 is limited to 4K 30fps. |
| DxOMark | Main Score: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | No DxOMark Score | S21+ has a proven camera system with good photo and video scores. Nord CE 2 has not been assessed by DxOMark. |
| Features | 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night mode | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization | S21+ includes a more comprehensive list of advanced features such as 8K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW, and Night Mode. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 MP14 GPU result in significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Display: Higher 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations, and significantly higher peak brightness makes it much better for outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers 8K video recording, a dedicated telephoto lens, and better overall image quality thanks to OIS, PDAF, and larger sensor in the main camera. It also comes with a dedicated ultra-wide lens. DxOMark scores further confirm its strengths.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for users who prefer wireless power options and sharing power with other devices.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against drops and scratches compared to Gorilla Glass 5.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier options through digital switching.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter at 173g makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging is much quicker than S21+'s 25W, reducing downtime.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Offers more creative shooting modes.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly better connectivity.
- More affordable: Typically lower price than the S21+.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ has better specs but is heavier, potentially less comfortable for long-term use, and has a lower charging speed. It also lacks a charger in the box.
- Nord CE 2 is more affordable and charges quickly but sacrifices performance, display brightness, camera capabilities, and some audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who require high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera system with 8K recording, good low-light performance, telephoto and ultra-wide lens.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a vibrant display, smoother refresh rate, and superior audio.
- Users who prioritize convenience: Users who value wireless charging and enhanced audio.
- Frequent travelers: Users who benefit from eSIM for digital carrier switching.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end gaming, video editing, professional photography.
- Watching HDR videos, giving presentations.
- Traveling internationally and switching between carriers.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking a balance of features and price.
- Everyday Users: Users who prioritize quick charging, comfortable design, and capable enough performance for daily tasks.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want good photo capabilities but don't require high-end features.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: For people who prioritize low-weight and comfort.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media, web browsing, communication, casual mobile gaming.
- Quickly charging on-the-go, capturing photos and videos.
- Users who need a more affordable option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize top-tier performance for demanding tasks, or is moderate performance sufficient for daily use?
- Camera Importance: Do you need advanced video capabilities, optical zoom, and superior low-light photography, or are standard camera features enough?
- Charging Preferences: Is faster charging more important than wireless charging or longer battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Content Creation: If you need top performance, better graphics, and high-quality video capabilities, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use & Affordability: If you need a light, comfortable phone with fast charging, and are on a tighter budget, go for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G.
- Scenario 3: On-The-Go Power User: If you prioritize the combination of good performance, wireless charging and a more premium experience choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 4: Outdoors Visibility: If outdoor visibility is a priority choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My preference is based on the significantly superior performance, notably brighter display which is important when outdoors, and more versatile camera system that offers advanced features like 8K video, telephoto and ultra wide lens, and OIS. While the OnePlus Nord CE 2 has the advantage of being lighter and faster charging, I value the overall experience that the S21+ offers across performance, display and camera capabilities. I also appreciate wireless charging which is not available on the Nord CE 2. Although the S21+ might be a bit more expensive and without a charger in the box, I believe its advanced features justify the cost for my usage scenario.
