1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.5 × 76 × 8.3 mm | OnePlus is slightly taller and thicker; Samsung is more compact for one-handed use |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Negligible difference, both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same level of sharpness for both phones |
| PPI | 394 | 391 | Similar pixel density; negligible difference in visual clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency with dark mode; OnePlus may have better color accuracy for content creation |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | Samsung is much more readable in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Samsung has a significantly faster processor suitable for gaming and intensive tasks; OnePlus is sufficient for daily use |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 402,916 | Samsung offers dramatically smoother experience with faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | Samsung's GPU is better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Marginal battery capacity difference, OnePlus slightly higher; real world difference likely minimal |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | OnePlus charges much faster, less time plugged in; Samsung is slower |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, no charger in box | No wireless charging; Charger included in the box | OnePlus provides fast-charging adapter included in the box, while Samsung requires a separate purchase; Samsung offers added convenience of wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67" | OnePlus captures more detail; Samsung excels in low-light with larger pixels despite lower MP |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung offers optical zoom for better zoomed photos; OnePlus is limited to digital zoom |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus has higher resolution selfie; Samsung offers wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus has dedicated depth sensor; Samsung relies on software |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus has dedicated macro lens; Samsung relies on wide angle camera |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | Samsung offers dedicated wide angle lens, allowing for more versatility |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record professional-grade video content, OnePlus is limited to 1080p |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | Samsung has a reputable camera performance according to tests |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K video, Optical Zoom, OIS | Ultra stable video | Samsung offers more advanced video and zoom capabilities; OnePlus offers "ultra stable video" feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | OnePlus ships with a more recent OS; Samsung offers up to Android 15 upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Samsung supports newer WiFi standard for better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | OnePlus has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities; Samsung has more precise GPS support |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Samsung offers eSIM for more flexible carrier options; Both have dual sim capability |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256GB | 128 GB/256GB | Both offer same storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer the same RAM; good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Samsung has slightly better audio enhancements |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | OnePlus offers a faster fingerprint unlock experience |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung includes barometer for elevation tracking |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and higher brightness, making it much better for outdoor visibility and media consumption.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Exynos 2100 provides a much faster experience, better for gaming, heavy apps, and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with telephoto zoom, wider angle lens, and 8K video recording for users who prioritize photography and video quality.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging and ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos for spatial audio which provides a more immersive audio experience.
- More precise GPS: Includes more precise GPS options (L1+L5, E1+E5a).
- eSIM Support: Enables more flexibility with carrier options
- Barometer: Includes an additional sensor that enables height measurement.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging reduces the time spent plugged into a wall socket.
- More Recent Android OS out of the box: Ships with Android 13; While S21+ 5G is upgradable to Android 15, OnePlus provides the latest OS from the start.
- Larger standard Camera Resolution: 108MP main camera for capturing more details in photos.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more convenient unlocking experience compared to an under-display sensor.
- More microphones: Includes an extra microphone for better voice pick up.
- Lower Price: Typically available at a more budget-friendly price point.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung:
- Slower charging speed
- No charger in the box
- Potentially higher price
- OnePlus:
- Lower quality display
- Less powerful processor
- Less versatile camera system
- No wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Needs a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiast: Values a versatile camera system with optical zoom, wide-angle options, and high-quality video recording, including 8K capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumer: Enjoys watching videos and playing games on a vibrant, high-brightness display.
- Tech Savvy User: Appreciates features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, eSIM support, and a more advanced sensor suite
- Outdoor User: Benefits from the brighter screen and more precise location tracking in direct sunlight conditions.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Looking for a phone with good performance for the price.
- Casual User: Primarily uses their phone for social media, browsing, and basic apps; prioritizes battery life and charging speed over premium features.
- User who wants the latest software: Appreciates the latest Android OS out of the box.
- User focused on standard photo quality: Values higher megapixel count on the main camera and wants a good enough standard camera.
- User who needs reliable daily performance: Focused on a device that provides smooth performance for daily tasks and great charging capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
Samsung:
- Professional photography and videography
- Mobile gaming with graphics-intensive titles
- Outdoor use under direct sunlight
- Seamless multitasking with heavy apps
- Travelers who want to swap carriers digitally
- People who need height measurements (like in hiking)
OnePlus:
- Social media browsing
- Streaming videos and music
- Daily communication and web surfing
- Taking standard everyday photos and videos
- Users who need reliable performance, especially in battery and charging
- Budget conscious consumers
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus is typically more affordable than the Samsung.
- What are your primary usage needs? Are you a power user or casual user?
- How important is camera quality and versatility? Do you want optical zoom and 8K video?
- How important is fast charging and/or wireless charging? Do you prefer faster charging or wireless convenience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary constraint. Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite for a balance of performance and features at a lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera are crucial. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for superior processing, a versatile camera, and a brighter display.
- Scenario 3: Fast charging is a priority. Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite to minimize charging downtime and have the latest OS.
- Scenario 4: Premium features like wireless charging and top-tier screen quality is needed. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for all round premium experience.
My Choice
Based on these specs, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Although it is an older device, the superior display quality, significantly better processor, and the more versatile camera system are factors that are more important for me in a smartphone. I also prefer the convenience of wireless charging and the higher brightness for outdoor use. While the OnePlus offers faster charging and a more recent OS out of the box, the advantages of the S21+ outweigh the benefits of the newer device for my personal use case, which involves a mix of photography, video consumption, and intensive mobile gaming. I am more than happy to sacrifice charging speed for the overall premium experience with S21+ 5G.
