1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-28 | realme 8 is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | realme 8 is slightly thicker (0.9mm) and may feel bulkier |
| Weight | 200g | 191g | realme 8 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference; both offer large displays |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has a sharper display with more detail |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 450 | realme 8's display appears noticeably sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21+ has vastly superior outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Different architectures, realme 8's chipset is newer (4nm process node is more efficient) but no direct benchmark data is provided for comparison |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | N/A | Performance cannot be directly compared without realme 8 benchmark data |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 732 | Different GPU configurations, performance depends on specific games and apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 0mAh | Samsung S21+ has a larger battery and will likely have longer battery life but realme 8 battery capacity is unavailable |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | Standard charging | Samsung S21+ charges faster; realme 8 charging speed is unknown |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless, | Standard | Samsung S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | N/A | Samsung S21+ has a primary camera; realme 8 camera specs not available |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2 | N/A | Samsung S21+ has a telephoto lens; realme 8 camera specs not available |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | N/A | Samsung S21+ has a front-facing camera; realme 8 camera specs not available |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | N/A | Samsung S21+ has a ultrawide camera; realme 8 camera specs not available |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps w/ HDR, EIS | 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS | Samsung S21+ offers higher resolution video and slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | N/A | Samsung S21+ camera performance benchmarked, realme 8 has no available rating |
| Camera Features | Extensive list inc. OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Minimal details | Samsung S21+ offers advanced photography features; realme 8 camera features are unknown |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | realme 8 has a newer OS out of the box and potentially longer support but Samsung may have additional support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, etc. | Limited info | Samsung S21+ supports faster WiFi speeds and has other WiFi features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, etc. | Limited info | Samsung S21+ has a more advanced Bluetooth version with more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Limited info | Samsung S21+ has more GPS systems for better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Limited info | Samsung S21+ offers dual SIM and eSIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | Limited info | Samsung S21+ has options for more storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | Limited info | Samsung S21+ has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Limited info | Samsung S21+ provides better audio quality and features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung S21+ offers significantly better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic sensors | Samsung S21+ has more comprehensive sensors for advanced functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness makes it much easier to use outdoors in sunlight.
- More Comprehensive Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens, ultrawide lens, higher video resolutions (8K), more features like OIS, RAW, and Night mode, and a benchmarked camera performance score, providing greater versatility in different photography situations.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports faster 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging for accessories.
- Better Audio Quality: Equipped with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers for enhanced audio experiences.
- More mature connectivity: Has a plethora of features and latest versions of wifi, bluetooth and GPS.
- Premium Build and Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and shatter resistance.
- More Advanced Sensor Suite: Includes more sensors such as a barometer, gyroscope, hall sensor.
- More internal Storage and RAM Offers choices of 128GB or 256GB storage variants, and 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming
realme 8 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14 which is much newer, and likely to receive continued software support.
- Higher Resolution Display: The screen is slightly sharper due to higher pixel density.
- Lighter Design: A bit lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use.
- More efficient chipset: Uses a newer 4nm chipset which would lead to better power efficiency.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21+: Its age might mean shorter software support, and it's heavier.
- realme 8: Most specifications are unknown, making it difficult to fully compare, and it lacks essential features like brightness, camera specs, wireless charging, advanced audio, and build protection compared to Samsung S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a versatile camera system with zoom, wide-angle options, and advanced features.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a bright screen.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who enjoy high-quality audio playback, including those using wireless headphones.
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast charging, wireless charging, and appreciate reverse charging for other devices.
- Gamers: Those who need solid performance and want advanced sensors for immersive gaming experiences
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in diverse lighting conditions.
- Consuming content with HDR support, such as streaming services.
- Extensive use of GPS for navigation.
- Using wireless headphones for extended periods.
- Playing graphically intensive games with advanced motion controls.
- Travelling and using the eSIM and Dual SIM feature.
realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a phone with a newer operating system without additional features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic communication and simple tasks.
- Users with light usage: Those who are not reliant on heavy usage such as photography, gaming or heavy media consumption.
Use Cases for realme 8:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Simple photography and video recordings in standard conditions.
- Everyday calling and texting.
- Using apps which don't require advanced sensor suite or high performance.
Price-to-Value Ratio: Samsung S21+ is an older flagship with comprehensive features, likely more expensive. realme 8 is a budget option with limited specs, with an unknown price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality to you? Do you need a versatile system with zoom and wide-angle capabilities?
- Do you need to use the phone outdoors frequently? Is a bright display essential for visibility in sunlight?
- What is your usage pattern? Are you a heavy user who needs fast and wireless charging, and advanced sensors?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the photography enthusiast or power user: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Its advanced camera, bright display, fast charging, and advanced sensors will cater to these needs despite its age.
- For basic or budget-conscious users: The realme 8 could be an option if its lower cost is a major priority and basic functionalities are sufficient. It's new OS may be appealing for longer term usability.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Despite being an older model, its superior specifications, particularly in display brightness, camera capabilities, wireless charging, audio features and build quality, make it a much more compelling option for me. Although the realme 8 has a newer OS and a slightly sharper display and is lighter, the fact that its specifications are largely unknown, and it lacks essential features like a brighter screen, a high-quality camera system with multiple lenses, fast and wireless charging and a durable screen is a deal-breaker for me.
As a user who prioritizes these aspects, and who regularly uses my phone for photography, outdoor navigation and general multimedia, the advantages of the S21+ far outweigh the fact that it's an older device. I also appreciate the comprehensive sensors it provides for better app integration and performance and the availability of a robust benchmarked camera. I am also willing to accept that I would likely not get the most up-to-date Android updates due to its age.
