Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. OnePlus Nord CE 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm | S21+ is slightly larger and wider, impacting one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 200g | 170g | Nord CE 5G is 30g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; both provide sharp images. |
| PPI | 394 | 410 | Similar pixel density; visually, both will look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, a subtle improvement in daily use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 700 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, much better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | S21+ has a much faster processor, leading to quicker app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 385,000 | S21+ provides a significantly more powerful performance, suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ has a superior GPU, offering better graphics rendering in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, likely resulting in marginally longer usage time. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Nord CE 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | S21+ offers more charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging, but doesn't include a charger in the box. | |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | Nord CE 5G has a higher resolution; S21+ has a larger sensor, better low-light performance, despite the lower resolution. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | S21+ offers optical zoom for better clarity at a distance. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 8MP, f/2.25 | S21+ features a higher resolution ultrawide lens for better wide-angle shots. |
| Macro | Included in Ultrawide (S21+) | N/A | S21+ can take close-up macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | Nord CE 5G has higher resolution; S21+ has a wider aperture, better low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | S21+ offers much higher video resolution and more recording options, suitable for high-quality video creation. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | 84 (Mobile), 89 (Photo), 80 (Video) | S21+ significantly outperforms Nord CE 5G in camera performance across all aspects. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | S21+ will receive more Android version updates and security patches, a factor for long-term use. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Nord CE has a slightly newer version, potentially more efficient. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, NavIC | Nord CE 5G has better satellite system support, aiding accuracy, while S21+ has dual frequency GPS for potentially improved accuracy in dense urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ has eSIM support, allowing for an additional line without a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Nord CE 5G offers up to 12GB RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers better audio features, with stereo speakers and higher quality playback, providing a more immersive audio experience. | |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior scratch and drop protection for the display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ has more environmental sensors, such as a barometer, which can provide additional data for specific use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 750G, ideal for demanding apps and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1300-nit display is much more readable outdoors than the 700-nit display on the OnePlus.
- Better Cameras: The S21+ has a higher-quality main camera sensor, a telephoto lens, higher resolution ultrawide lens and it also shoots much better quality video.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer superior audio quality.
- Wireless Charging and More: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and a more premium feel make it a compelling flagship device.
- Better Build and Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better screen protection.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates to Android 15, compared to Android 13 on the Nord CE 5G.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Weighs 30g less than the S21+, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 30W charging is marginally quicker than 25W.
- Potentially Better Battery Life: The less power hungry chipset may result in slightly better battery life.
- Lower Price: The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is typically less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S21+.
- Potentially More RAM: Depending on configuration, OnePlus Nord CE 5G can have up to 12GB of RAM.
- More Satellite Support: Has better satellite system support, for potentially better location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers superior performance, display, and camera quality, but is heavier and more expensive.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 5G is more affordable, lighter, and offers potentially better battery life, but has less processing power and lower camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want high-quality photos and videos, including telephoto and 8K video capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who prioritize display quality for watching movies and consuming content, especially outdoors.
- Users Prioritizing Longevity: Users who want extended software support and feature-rich experience.
Ideal Users for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a capable phone without spending top dollar.
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and basic media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone for ease of handling.
- Users Prioritizing RAM: Those who prefer better RAM support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, outdoor use, graphic design, and heavy multitasking.
- OnePlus Nord CE 5G: Social media browsing, casual gaming, everyday photography, and basic media consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's my budget? The S21+ is a premium flagship device and significantly more expensive than the Nord CE 5G.
- How important are performance and display quality? If these are high priorities, the S21+ is a clear winner.
- Do I need high-quality camera capabilities, especially for video, and features like wireless charging? If yes, the S21+ is the better choice, but if not the Nord CE 5G will do great.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious): If your budget is tight and you need a decent daily driver, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Priority): If you're a gamer or need a very fast phone with a great display, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Focused): If you're serious about mobile photography and videography, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a clear winner because of its high-quality camera sensors and 8K video capability.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's more expensive, the significantly superior performance, brighter display, much better camera system, enhanced audio, and additional features like wireless charging and better build quality justify the higher price tag for my needs. The longevity offered through extended software support is also a critical factor. Although the Nord CE 5G is a competent phone, the S21+ provides a much more premium and future-proof experience, which I value more.
