Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. OnePlus Nord N20 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm | OnePlus is slightly taller and thicker, but the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | Samsung is slightly heavier, may feel more substantial but can be slightly less comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | Samsung has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Samsung has a significantly sharper display, making text and images clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 394 | 269 | Samsung's higher pixel density results in a much sharper and crisper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, superior for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Samsung provides a smoother visual experience, especially noticeable during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung's much higher brightness results in significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. OnePlus brightness data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G35 (12 nm) | Samsung's chipset is much more powerful, handling demanding tasks with ease. OnePlus' chipset is for basic day-to-day tasks and light usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 221,000 | Samsung offers a dramatically faster overall performance, with smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | Samsung's GPU offers far superior graphics processing, resulting in better gaming performance and rendering quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Samsung offers versatile charging options and can charge other wireless devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | OnePlus has higher resolution, but Samsung has larger sensor and bigger pixels, which means better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | None | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities, which means better quality when zooming in. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm) | Samsung has slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor, but OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture for low light performance. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | OnePlus offers a depth sensor for improved bokeh effects |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle and macro lens for more versatile photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung is capable of significantly higher video recording quality with more advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | None | Samsung has a more advanced camera system with better image and video quality. |
| Features | 8K, OIS, Optical Zoom | None | Samsung offers advanced video features and superior image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | OnePlus offers a slightly newer OS version out of the box, but Samsung will be updated to a later version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Samsung supports the newer Wi-Fi standard, offering potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | OnePlus features a newer Bluetooth version for potentially more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS | Both offer accurate location tracking, with Samsung having some additional satellite bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Samsung's eSIM offers the convenience of using multiple numbers without needing physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Samsung offers a higher max storage option for users who need more space for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB | Samsung offers superior multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users are limited to their device's internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | None | Samsung's advanced audio features results in an overall richer and more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | OnePlus has a slightly more convenient sensor placement for some users |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's screen has a better protection than the OnePlus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Compass, Barometer | Gravity | Samsung has a broader range of sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness makes for a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, higher video recording quality (including 8K), OIS, and better overall image quality, backed by DXOMark scores.
- Versatile Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for richer, more immersive sound.
- eSIM support: Flexibility with cellular plans.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
- Broader sensor suite: Supports more advanced features including Barometer.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially offering a bit more battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging can reduce downtime.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Potentially more efficient wireless connections.
- Lower Price: Typically a more budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Higher price, no expandable storage
- OnePlus: Significant performance, display, camera limitations, fewer features
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast, reliable phone for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading.
- Photography & Videography: Users who want advanced camera capabilities with good low-light performance, optical zoom, and high-resolution video.
- Users that want the best audio quality: with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio this phone will offer superior sound quality.
- Users that need more storage: offers a 256 GB variant.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Users that prioritize battery life: The slightly bigger battery and less power-hungry chipset may result in longer battery life.
- Users that don't need advanced features: Does not offer high-end features like wireless charging or optical zoom.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication).
- What is your budget? (Price difference is significant)
- How important are display quality and performance to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If performance and display quality are top priorities (and budget is less of a concern): The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice, offering a premium experience.
- If you're on a tight budget and need a basic phone for everyday use: The OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a more economical option.
- If you value advanced camera features and high-quality video: the Samsung S21+ 5G's camera system and video capabilities are vastly superior.
- If you want a smartphone that can last you for years to come: the Samsung S21+ 5G is significantly more future-proof because of its more powerful chipset.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's older and will be more expensive, its superior performance, stunning AMOLED display, more advanced camera system with optical zoom, versatile wireless charging, and enhanced audio make it a much better device overall. The higher price tag is justified by the significant leap in user experience across all aspects of the smartphone. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE, while newer and more budget-friendly, doesn't come close in terms of performance and features. As a tech enthusiast who values performance, display quality and camera capabilities, the S21+ 5G offers the better experience.
I would only recommend the OnePlus Nord N20 SE to someone on a very tight budget who only needs the most basic smartphone functionality.
