1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-04-30 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is newer, potentially better software support, but older hardware for S21+. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | S21+ slightly shorter & thinner, might feel more premium; Nord CE 2 Lite 5G slightly taller, bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Negligible difference; both are reasonably lightweight for their size. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.59" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness; both are Full HD+ resolutions. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Negligible difference; both provide sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior color, contrast, and black levels; better for HDR content and viewing in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. Nord CE 2 Lite's brightness is unspecified, likely much lower |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful chipset, leading to faster apps, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 406,221 | S21+ provides substantially faster performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive applications, gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Negligible difference in battery life; both should provide all-day use for most users. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21+ provides wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; Nord CE 2 Lite does not |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G higher resolution, but S21+ larger sensor (better low-light) and generally better optics. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has dedicated zoom capabilities, superior image quality at a distance |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has slightly higher resolution and aperture. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has dedicated macro lens, useful for close-up photos |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated ultrawide lens, great for group and landscape photos |
| Video | Up to 8K HDR | 1080p@30fps | S21+ records much higher resolution videos, better stabilization and more features. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 | None | S21+ generally superior camera, as supported by DXOMark score |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Nord CE 2 Lite launched with newer OS, however the S21+ is expected to receive more system updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | S21+ faster and more efficient WiFi; Nord CE 2 Lite supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has slightly more modern Bluetooth with LDAC, AAC |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | S21+ potentially more storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Similar for higher end of Nord CE 2 Lite with better options for S21+ |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | S21+ superior sound with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G fingerprint sensor is more convenient |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has better screen protection against scratches and damage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | No additional | S21+ has more sensors for added functionalities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers vastly better contrast, color accuracy, and brightness, especially in outdoor use.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset provides much higher performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Better image quality with larger sensors, telephoto zoom, dedicated ultrawide, and more advanced video features like 8K recording.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient and versatile features not available on the OnePlus.
- Premium Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support offer an enhanced sound experience.
- Better Build: More durable with Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer for added functionality.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Newer Launch Date: Potentially better long-term software support, although the S21+ is expected to receive more updates.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging offers quicker battery top-ups.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 64MP primary camera, although the S21+ captures better images overall.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: Allows users to take close up pictures and better portrait shots.
- Slightly Cheaper Price: The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is typically sold at a lower price point
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21+ has a more powerful processor, but it's an older flagship device. The Nord is a newer mid-range phone.
- The S21+ has far superior display and camera features but can be substantially more expensive.
- The S21+ lacks fast charging in the box, the Nord has faster 33W charging capabilities.
- The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G lacks the premium features found on the S21+, such as wireless charging, a telephoto lens, better audio, and superior screen technology.
- S21+ has additional features like stereo speakers, a barometer, and better build quality
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced video features.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who want an excellent display for watching videos and playing games, and premium audio.
- Users who need wireless charging: Those looking for the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize premium features: Those wanting a higher-end experience with more advanced options.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on high settings, video editing, content creation, detailed photography, high-resolution video playback, enjoying media with excellent audio.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who want a good 5G phone without spending too much.
- Everyday Users: People who use their phone for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint reader: People who find the side mounted fingerprint reader to be more intuitive
- Users who prioritize longer battery life: Those who need a device that can last an entire day with heavy use
- Users who prefer faster charging: Those looking to be able to top up their devices very quickly.
Use Cases:
- Social media, web browsing, basic gaming, general photography, watching YouTube, all day usage on a single charge.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21+ is a premium device with a higher cost, while the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is more budget-friendly.
- How important is display quality to me? If an excellent screen is crucial, the S21+ is the clear choice.
- What level of performance do I need? If you're a heavy gamer or multitasker, the S21+ is much more suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (High Performance & Media): If you play demanding games, watch a lot of videos, and want the best display and audio, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Budget): If you want a good phone at a reasonable price with 5G connectivity and can live without premium features, choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Quality): If a quality camera is important, the S21+ will give you better image quality, video features, and telephoto zoom. However, if you are more focused on Macro and Depth in pictures, the Nord CE 2 Lite would be better.
- Scenario 4 (Battery Focused): If battery life and fast charging is paramount to you, you might want to lean more towards the Nord CE 2 Lite.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The primary reason is the drastically superior display. As someone who consumes a lot of media and cares about photo quality, the AMOLED screen, high brightness, and higher performance are critical for me. While the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is a newer phone with faster charging and a lower price, it comes with significant trade-offs in display quality, raw performance, camera capabilities, and additional premium features. The S21+ will still last long enough, has reverse charging, and better performance so I can get the best out of my mobile experience, which outweighs the slightly faster charging on the Nord. The S21+ also has higher video recording quality and better sensors.
Ultimately, it boils down to priorities, and for me, a premium display, excellent camera, and performance are the most important features in a smartphone.
