Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-15 | Realme 11 Pro is a significantly newer model with potential benefits from newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | S21+ is slightly wider, Realme 11 Pro slightly thicker; both similar in height. Differences are minimal. |
| Weight | 200g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro is lighter, may feel more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Near identical resolution, very minor difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Identical sharpness, clarity should be the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | S21+ offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chipset resulting in faster app loads and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 540,800 | S21+ demonstrates significantly better benchmark performance; suitable for more demanding apps/gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21+ offers better GPU performance, translates to superior gaming experience and graphical tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No in-box charger | Non-removable | S21+ offers wireless and reverse charging, but requires a separate purchase for a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 100MP, f/1.75, 1/1.8", 0.61µm | Realme 11 Pro has a much higher resolution sensor; S21+ has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto lens, offering better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.0µm | Realme 11 Pro offers slightly higher resolution; S21+ has wider aperture for better low light. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme 11 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens useful for landscape and group photos. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ supports 8K recording, offers more advanced video features for professional video. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 | Not tested | S21+ has a verified and generally well-regarded camera. |
| Camera Features | OIS, RAW, Optical zoom, triple camera | OIS, UIS, dual camera | S21+ has more advanced photography features, including dedicated optical zoom and RAW capture. Realme has UIS stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Realme 11 Pro ships with a newer version of Android; both will receive updates until Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the same Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with potential for better performance and features. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, more systems | Dual-band GPS, many systems | Realme 11 Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM, allowing digital carrier switching and flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 11 Pro has an additional 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 Pro has a 12GB option which allows for more heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancelation | Dolby Atmos | S21+ has more advanced audio capabilities including Hi-Res playback and noise-canceling mic for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both provide basic biometric security with fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has a more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Accelerometer | Gyroscope, Proximity, Accelerometer | S21+ features a comprehensive suite of sensors, useful for a wider range of applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming.
- Brighter Display: Much higher peak brightness, making it more usable in direct sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, a wide angle camera, 8K video recording, OIS, more professional video and photography features, and RAW image capture.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Hi-Res audio and a noise-canceling microphone, offering better sound quality for playback and calls.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities, adding to convenience.
- eSIM Support: Provides added flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus offering superior scratch resistance.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Includes a Barometer and Compass, expanding device capabilities.
- Established Camera Reputation: Has a positive DxOMark rating which implies better image and video quality.
Realme 11 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched over two years later, potentially incorporating more up-to-date hardware and software features.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging capability allows for quick battery refills.
- Larger Battery (marginally): Slightly larger battery capacity, may translate to longer battery life, though difference may be marginal.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Features a 100MP main camera, potentially leading to more detailed photos.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Higher RAM Options: Available with 12GB of RAM, which allows for more fluid multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Offers an additional 512GB storage configuration for larger media collections.
- Newer Bluetooth: Incorporates Bluetooth 5.3, potentially offering better battery life and features.
- More Precise GPS: Supports more GPS systems, potentially resulting in better location accuracy.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, although both phones will upgrade up to Android 15.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ prioritizes performance and camera quality, but lacks fast charging and has a smaller battery compared to the Realme 11 Pro.
- The Realme 11 Pro has faster charging and a newer design but falls behind in processing power, camera features (telephoto) and display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want advanced camera features, RAW capture, and better zoom capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: People who need high display brightness for visibility in bright sunlight.
- Audiophiles: Users who value high-fidelity audio playback and clearer voice calls.
- Professionals: Those who value video quality and require 8K video capabilities.
Use Cases for S21+:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming, 4K or 8K video recording, capturing photos with optical zoom, watching videos in bright sunlight, using wireless charging, or professionals who require comprehensive sensor capabilities.
Realme 11 Pro Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who want a reliable phone with good battery life and fast charging.
- Budget Conscious Users: Those looking for a modern phone with a good feature set without paying top dollar for flagship level specs.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Those who value having a higher resolution main camera.
- Macro Photographers: Users who enjoy close-up photography.
Use Cases for Realme 11 Pro:
- Quickly charging your phone during a busy day, capturing photos with the higher resolution main camera, taking detailed close-up macro shots, or enjoying the latest version of Android.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21+ was a premium flagship when released, however, it is now available at lower prices and it offers flagship level performance.
- The Realme 11 Pro offers better value for cost-conscious users, as it offers a modern feature set for a more affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize high-end processing power and gaming capabilities (S21+), or is good everyday performance sufficient (Realme 11 Pro)?
- Camera Preferences: Do you need advanced features like optical zoom and 8K video (S21+), or is a high-resolution main camera with a macro lens more appealing (Realme 11 Pro)?
- Battery & Charging: Is quick charging and longer battery life a priority (Realme 11 Pro), or are wireless charging and reverse charging more desirable (S21+)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: If you frequently play demanding mobile games, multitask heavily, or need superior performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its powerful chipset and GPU.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: If you want a versatile camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, optical zoom, and 8K video capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is superior.
- For Everyday Use and Fast Charging: If you prioritize fast charging, a modern design, and a good overall user experience without needing top-tier performance, the Realme 11 Pro is a solid option.
- For users on a budget: If you are looking for a modern device and want the best value for your money, then the Realme 11 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, despite its age. My primary reasons for this choice are:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some light gaming and photo editing, I value the performance boost offered by the Exynos 2100.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto and wide angle lenses would be more useful to me compared to the macro lens on the Realme. Having OIS, 8K video and RAW capabilities is a big plus.
- Brighter Display: I often use my phone outdoors, so the higher brightness of the S21+ is crucial for visibility.
While the faster charging and newer OS of the Realme 11 Pro are appealing, they don't outweigh the performance and camera advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for my use case. If budget was a strict constraint, the Realme 11 Pro could be a worthy option, however, the superior performance of the Samsung outweighs the price difference for me.
