Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly taller, which might impact one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Realme 12x is 10g lighter, potentially feeling less hefty for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible size difference; both offer ample screen space. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | S21+ has a significantly sharper display with more detail visible. Text and images will appear much clearer. |
| PPI | 394 | 264 | S21+ offers much crisper visuals and better overall clarity, particularly noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially noticeable when viewing dark content or in bright conditions. More vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is vastly superior in bright daylight, offering easy visibility. Realme 12x brightness is unknown and cannot be assessed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful processor, leading to faster app launches and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 442,599 | S21+ offers significantly better overall performance and is better suited for gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, providing a smoother gaming experience and better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 (Sony IMX555) | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 12x captures more detail at the expense of pixel size. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 (Samsung S5KGW2) | None | S21+ provides optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 (Sony IMX374) | 8MP, f/2.1 | S21+ captures more detail; Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 (Omnivision OV02B1B) | Realme 12x uses a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 (Sony IMX563) | None | S21+ can capture wider scenes and close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ records much higher resolution video and is suitable for professional videography needs. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 | N/A | S21+ offers tested and proven camera quality and performance. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Digital Zoom, HDR, etc. | S21+ has more comprehensive features and options for photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12x has a slightly larger capacity, but actual battery life will also depend on the chipsets and other factors. |
| Charging | 25W | 15W | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 | Realme 12x offers a more recent OS out of the box, though S21+ may get updated. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ has faster WiFi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12x has a newer Bluetooth version for more efficient pairing. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Standard | S21+ has better location accuracy, especially in dense areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers the added flexibility of eSIM for switching carriers without a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12x has higher internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Realme 12x offers better multitasking capabilities due to higher RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation | Hi-Res Audio | S21+ offers better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Realme 12x offers a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement and may be faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | Magnetometer | S21+ has additional sensors suitable for environmental data, Realme 12x has additional sensors suitable for orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for much better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, resulting in smoother overall usage, better gaming, and faster app launches.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with telephoto zoom, wide-angle lens, higher video recording capabilities (up to 8K), and optical image stabilization.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and faster wired charging options for greater convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation for better audio quality and call clarity.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality for greater flexibility in choosing carriers.
- More Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection against damage.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity may provide slightly longer battery life.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out-of-the-box.
- More RAM: Offers 12GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Higher Internal Storage Options: Available in 256GB and 512GB variants for higher storage capacity.
- Newer Bluetooth: Uses the latest Bluetooth version.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more ergonomic and potentially faster fingerprint sensor.
- Depth Sensor: Offers a depth sensor for better portrait mode effects.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Older phone, higher price point (at release), lacks expandable storage, slightly heavier.
- Realme 12x: Significantly inferior display, lower performance, basic camera capabilities, lacks wireless charging, slower charging, unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality video and image viewing experiences, such as streaming and gaming.
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Individuals who want a capable camera system with telephoto zoom, 8K video recording, and advanced features.
- Power Users: Those needing fast performance for demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and gaming.
- Users Who Value Build Quality: Those that value a phone with quality screen protection against drops and scratches.
Realme 12x Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for an affordable phone with decent everyday performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who mainly use their phones for social media, communication, and light browsing, and do not require high processing performance.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who value a long battery life and want more RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Users Wanting The Latest Software: Those who want an up-to-date Android experience straight out of the box.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21+: Ideal for watching HDR content, taking high-quality photos and videos, playing graphic-intensive games, and using demanding professional apps.
- Realme 12x: Suitable for browsing social media, messaging, light gaming, and basic productivity tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ offers a premium experience, but its price may be higher than the Realme 12x.
- The Realme 12x provides good value for its price, offering essential smartphone functionality at a lower cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If the budget is tight, the Realme 12x will be more affordable, but compromises performance.
- What is my priority in daily usage? If the priority is display, camera, and performance, the S21+ is a better choice. If it is budget, battery, or newer OS, then the Realme 12x is preferred.
- Will I miss premium features, like wireless charging, and build quality? If these features are important, the S21+ is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget is key): If you are looking for the most affordable phone that can handle everyday tasks, the Realme 12x is a good choice.
- Scenario 2 (Display and Camera are Important): If you want a great display for media consumption and a capable camera for photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Gaming is Important): If gaming is a high priority, then Samsung Galaxy S21+ would be the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's an older model, its superior display (AMOLED, higher resolution, better brightness), much better performance (chipset, GPU, benchmark scores), and far more capable camera system make it a much more versatile device that would better suit my needs and be a more enjoyable experience. The wireless charging, eSIM support, and enhanced audio features are also appealing. While the Realme 12x is a newer device and might be more affordable, the trade-offs in display, performance, and camera quality are too significant for me. The Samsung S21+ is still a very capable phone in 2024 and offers better value for my needs.
