1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | S21+ is wider, 12 Pro+ is thicker. Negligible difference for most users. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Both phones are virtually identical in weight, hardly any difference. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard smartphone design for both. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size for both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually the same sharpness, unnoticeable difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Identical pixel density; screen is equally sharp. |
| 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 | S21+ significantly brighter, much better outdoor visibility in sunlight. Realme 12 Pro+ brightness not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | S21+ has older chip, but faster performance. Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer chip, but its performance is lower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 603,400 | S21+ is faster in benchmarks, faster app loading, smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | S21+ has the more powerful GPU; better for graphically intensive tasks such as gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots, 12 Pro+ lacks this feature. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution selfies. S21+ has a wider aperture, potentially better low light. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a telephoto lens, giving more zoom flexibility |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21+ has higher resolution wide-angle and larger sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ offers higher video resolution and framerates. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | S21+ has a tested camera performance, giving a good estimate for its camera quality |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Night Mode | None | S21+ offers more advanced control and features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has slightly larger battery, potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster. |
| Features | 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | None | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse charging; 12 Pro+ does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual band, Hotspot | WiFi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support similar WiFi standards; Realme 12 Pro+ has Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer version of Bluetooth with additional codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has slightly more satellite support; S21+ offers dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ supports eSIM, offering more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a 512GB variant for users with more storage needs. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a 12GB RAM variant for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has an additional microphone for enhanced audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security for both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Hall | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21+ offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor use under bright sunlight, enhancing visibility.
- Stronger Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and more powerful GPU indicate better performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- More Advanced Camera Features: 8K video recording, continuous autofocus, manual focus, and night mode, offering more creative control and higher video quality.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, providing greater flexibility in zoom shots.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering convenience for charging accessories.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- Dual-Band GPS: More accurate location tracking.
- Screen Protection: Offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Offers more sensors, such as a barometer and compass, which can be useful for various apps.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 14, which offers the latest features and security updates.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging allows for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Larger Battery Capacity: A slightly larger 5000mAh battery may provide marginally longer battery life than S21+.
- Higher Resolution Main & Selfie Cameras: Higher resolution captures more detail and potentially sharper images, especially in good lighting.
- 512GB Storage Option: Provides more storage for users needing ample space for media and applications.
- Additional Microphone: Offers enhanced audio recording capabilities.
- Telephoto lens: Offers optical zoom, providing greater flexibility in zoom shots.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Includes the latest codecs.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices newer OS, faster charging, larger storage option, and higher resolution main camera for a more powerful chipset, brighter display, and more camera features.
- Realme 12 Pro+ sacrifices higher performance, a brighter display, and more advanced camera features for a newer OS, faster charging, larger storage, and a telephoto camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance for gaming, demanding applications, and multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a screen with excellent visibility.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera features like 8K video and enhanced manual controls.
- Those who prefer Wireless Charging: Users who are heavily reliant on wireless charging for convenience.
- Those who prefer more accurate location tracking: Users who require dual band GPS and precise location.
Realme 12 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Users who value a newer OS and longevity: Users who desire a phone with the newest software version out of the box for software updates.
- Users who value fast charging: Users who prioritize quick battery top-ups.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who need ample storage for large media libraries and apps.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a good camera for everyday photography without needing advanced features.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who seek a balance of modern features and good value.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Gaming, outdoor navigation, professional photography, editing video, and wireless charging for accessories.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Social media, media consumption, travel (fast charging), casual photography, and everyday productivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility to you? (If extremely important, S21+ is better).
- Do you prioritize gaming/performance or battery charging speed? (S21+ for performance; Realme for faster charging).
- What is your primary use for the camera? (S21+ for advanced control and higher video quality; Realme 12 Pro+ for higher resolution shots with a telephoto lens).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you need the best possible performance for gaming and demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice, despite being an older model.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday User): If you value fast charging, a newer OS, and a good all-around experience, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor Photography): If you take photos in bright sunlight, the brighter display and better sensor make the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G better suited.
- Scenario 4 (Content Creators): If you need to shoot high-quality videos, the 8k video capabilities in the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G are better suited.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for the following reasons:
- Brighter Display: I often use my phone outdoors, so the 1300 nits of brightness is a significant advantage for visibility in sunny conditions.
- Performance: I tend to do a lot of multitasking and occasional mobile gaming, and the more powerful chipset and GPU of the S21+ would be beneficial for a smoother experience.
- Advanced Camera Features: While the Realme 12 Pro+ has a higher megapixel main camera, the additional features like 8K video, continuous autofocus, and manual focus on the S21+ make it more appealing for me because I value greater control over my photos and videos. The dedicated telephoto is also a huge advantage for me.
- Wireless Charging: I appreciate the convenience of wireless charging and having the ability to reverse charge my accessories when needed. The S21+ offers this functionality, while the Realme does not.
- Dual Band GPS: The dual band GPS on the S21+ makes it more accurate when using GPS location services for mapping and navigation.
While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers newer software and faster charging, the advantages of the S21+ align more closely with my usage preferences. Therefore, I would prioritize the S21+ despite it being an older model.
