Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Minor size differences; Realme is slightly taller and thicker, unlikely to affect everyday handling noticeably. |
Weight | 200g | 190g | Realme 12+ is 10g lighter, which might be preferable for long holding times. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very similar screen size, negligible practical difference. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, both offer sharp images. |
PPI | 394 | 395 | Virtually identical pixel density, both offer similar image sharpness. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, expected to have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, good for gaming and general use. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ display is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility under direct sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | S21+ has more powerful chipset, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 601,000 | S21+ shows better performance in benchmarks, indicating slightly faster performance. |
GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21+ has superior GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ has slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster; less time tethered to charger. |
Features | Wireless & reverse charging | None | S21+ offers more charging options, better versatility. |
Camera | |||
Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", 0.61µm | Realme 12+ has much higher resolution, may capture more detail, S21+ has slightly better sensor size and pixel size for better low light performance. |
Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | S21+ offers dedicated telephoto zoom, which provides better quality zoomed images and portrait mode than digital zoom. |
Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ has a higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed selfies. S21+ has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ provides a wider field of view, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ includes a macro lens for close-up shots. |
Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not Available | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens. |
Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ can record 8K video, which is better for professional-grade recording or editing, but eats up memory. |
DxoMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Available | S21+ camera performance is rated higher by DxoMark. |
Camera Features | Optical zoom, RAW, Night Mode | None | S21+ offers more advanced camera features. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ ships with newer Android version, offering more up-to-date features, security updates, and longer software support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the same latest Wi-Fi standards. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ uses the newer Bluetooth 5.2 standard which offers slightly more power efficiency. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21+ has more accurate GPS for navigation due to more satellite support. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ offers eSIM support for greater flexibility with carriers. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12+ offers up to 512 GB storage, better for users with a large library of photos, videos, and apps. |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12+ has 12GB RAM option, which is better for heavy multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, make sure to choose the right storage configuration. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ has two mics for better noise cancellation during calls |
Security | |||
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers superior screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ includes additional Barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide better performance in benchmarks, which translates to smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21+ boasts a versatile camera system, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide angle + macro lens, and 8K video recording, offering more options and higher quality shots. It also supports RAW and night modes.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems which provide more accurate GPS tracking.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer sensor for enhanced environmental data.
- Better Camera Score: DxoMark score indicates good camera performance.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is better for users who want a top-tier camera and processing power, along with wireless charging convenience. The superior performance will be noticeable for heavy users. The advanced camera system provides better quality photos with more creative options.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, providing access to the latest features, security updates, and potentially longer software support.
- Brighter Display: With 2000 nits peak brightness, the Realme 12+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is much faster than the S21+'s 25W, reducing charging times.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Slightly bigger battery for potentially longer battery life.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 50MP main camera has higher resolution than the 12MP main camera in S21+.
- Wider Storage Option: 512GB storage option for users who need more storage.
- Higher RAM Option: Option of 12GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Newer Bluetooth 5.2 standard for slightly improved power efficiency.
- Wider Angle and Macro Camera: Has dedicated wide angle and macro cameras, useful for more creative shots.
- Dual Microphones: Has 2 microphones for better noise cancellation.
- Lighter Weight: 10g lighter.
Practical Implications: The Realme 12+ is better for users who prioritize long-term software support, better screen visibility in bright sunlight, and fast charging. The larger storage option provides room for all photos and files. The newer bluetooth is more energy efficient.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Weaker processor and much slower charging compared to Realme 12+.
- Realme 12+: Not as powerful in benchmarks compared to S21+, fewer advanced camera features, lacks wireless charging, and has an unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who desire advanced camera features like optical zoom, RAW capture, and 8K video recording.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who need accurate GPS and good quality video and photos.
- Wireless Charging Fans: Users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photographers needing advanced camera features and quality
- Gamers who play graphically intensive games
- Users who value fast performance and multitasking.
Ideal Users for Realme 12+:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable phone with a good display, fast charging, and a long-lasting battery.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a display that is easily visible under direct sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a good value for their money with a focus on practical features, without the extra cost for "premium" features.
- Users who prioritize storage: Need the flexibility of larger internal storage options.
- Users who prioritize new software: Users who need the latest software and features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Users who spend a lot of time on social media or watching videos.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight
- Users who need a phone that can be quickly charged during a busy day.
- Users who take a lot of videos and photos, and need more space.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 12+ will likely offer better value at the lower price point. S21+ is older and might be harder to find at a great price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily browsing, long software support)
- What features are most important to you? (e.g., camera quality, battery life, display brightness, processing power, charging speed)
- What is your budget? (Do you value performance or features more?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Camera): If you need the best possible performance for gaming and want a top-tier camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Outdoor Visibility & Fast Charging): If you need the best visibility outdoors and fast charging, with a slightly larger battery and newer OS, the Realme 12+ is a better fit.
- Scenario 3 (Budget-Conscious User): If you want a reliable phone for everyday use, with great outdoor visibility and fast charging, the Realme 12+ likely offers better value.
- Scenario 4 (User who values software support) If you want a phone with newest software, the Realme 12+ is better.
Personal Recommendation
If I had to choose, I would personally choose the Realme 12+. While the S21+ is slightly more powerful, the Realme 12+ offers several compelling advantages for me. The significantly brighter display for outdoor use, coupled with much faster charging and newer software, aligns with my daily needs. Although the S21+ has a more advanced camera, the Realme 12+'s camera is more than adequate for most of my needs. Finally, I am a budget conscious buyer, so I appreciate the value that the Realme 12+ offers.