Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme 9
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | S21+ is slightly larger; Realme 9 is a bit thicker. Impact on pocketability is marginal. |
Weight | 200g | 178g | Realme 9 feels noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Front, Glass Back, Aluminum Frame | Gorilla Glass 5 Front, Plastic Back & Frame | S21+ is more durable with superior screen protection and a more premium build. |
Display
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays offer similar sharpness, suitable for daily usage. |
Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 411 PPI | Minor difference, not noticeable to the naked eye, both will look similarly sharp. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother animations, better responsiveness for scrolling, gaming. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21+ is vastly more powerful, handling demanding tasks and games with ease, also more future proof. |
AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 216,850 | S21+ offers dramatically faster performance. Apps load quicker, smoother multitasking, much better gaming. |
GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21+ GPU offers superior graphical capabilities. Better for graphics intense applications and gaming. |
Camera
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67" | Realme 9 has higher resolution for detail and slightly larger sensor for low light. S21+ has larger pixels for better low light, but lower resolution. |
Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots and portrait photography. |
Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Realme 9 has slightly higher resolution for detail, S21+ has wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance in theory. |
Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21+ has a dedicated Wide Angle lens camera. Realme 9 also has a wide angle lens, albeit with a smaller sensor. |
Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme 9 has dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ supports much higher video resolutions, better for professional or semi-professional video content creation. |
DxoMark | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | N/A | S21+ camera is a high quality one with well-tested real-world performance. |
Battery
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme 9 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 9 charges faster. |
Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | Reverse Charging | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a feature missing on the Realme 9. |
Other
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Realme 9 ships with a newer OS version out of the box. S21+ supports more OS upgrades. |
WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 9 has a slightly newer version, but S21+ has more audio codecs. |
GPS | Dual-band | Single-band | S21+ has better GPS accuracy using dual band. |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano) | S21+ supports eSIM for greater flexibility in network choices. |
Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | S21+ has more internal storage options. |
RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | S21+ has a fixed RAM configuration, Realme 9 is available with multiple options. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Dual mics | S21+ provides better sound experience with stereo speakers. Realme 9 offers noise cancellation. |
Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensors for device unlock. |
Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Hall, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21+ provides a wider range of sensors, better for certain use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a massive performance advantage, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provide a smoother and more vibrant visual experience, especially in outdoor settings.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers 8k video, telephoto lens, higher quality wide angle lens, with OIS and more features like RAW and night mode giving it a lot more capability.
- Premium Build and Features: Gorilla Glass Victus, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging provide a more premium user experience and added functionality.
- More Audio Features: Offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation and stereo speakers
- Better Connectivity: Newer WiFi standard, dual-band GPS for faster speeds and accuracy.
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended use and easier to carry.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera captures highly detailed photos with better low light capabilities.
- Macro Camera Lens: Dedicated macro lens to capture tiny details close up.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with a newer version of Android (Android 12 vs Android 11), although S21+ will be upgraded higher.
- Lower Price: This phone will likely be available for significantly less than the S21+.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: S21+ outperforms Realme 9 by a huge margin, meaning the Realme 9 will have trouble with more demanding applications and games.
- Camera Features: Realme 9 has a higher-resolution main camera, but lacks the telephoto zoom lens, video recording capabilities and features of the S21+.
- Build Quality and Premium Features: S21+ offers a more robust build, wireless charging, and better connectivity, all missing from Realme 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system, with great low light, better zoom capabilities, more features and 8K video.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a vibrant and smooth display for watching videos, playing games, and browsing.
- Professionals and semi-professionals: Users who need the best quality videos, and accurate GPS for professional use.
- Users of Samsung Ecosystem: Those already in the Samsung ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings.
- High-resolution video recording, including 8K content.
- Professional photo editing and creation.
- Use of many applications and switching between them, as a powerful multitasking device.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Frequent use of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Realme 9 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for a cost-effective smartphone with a good display and decent main camera.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users Who Value Lightness: Those who prefer a lightweight phone for easy handling.
- Users who prioritize long battery life: Those who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users on a tight budget: Those who do not need high-end specifications and prefer a lower priced option.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media and messaging.
- Taking detailed pictures in daylight using the 108MP camera.
- Casual gaming and entertainment.
- Extended use on a single charge.
- Macro photography.
- Light usage patterns
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance? If you need a powerful phone for gaming or demanding tasks, the S21+ is the clear winner. If you only need your phone for lighter usage, the Realme 9 may suffice.
- What is your budget? The S21+ is a high end phone and will likely cost more, and the Realme 9 is better value at the lower end.
- What do you need from your camera system? If you need the best, more versatile and professional camera capabilities, the S21+ will give that. For more casual use the Realme 9 is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance & Top-Quality Camera: If you value top-tier performance and the best camera system, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. It excels in all of these areas, though at a higher cost.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly Option for Everyday Use: If you need a good basic smartphone for everyday tasks and your budget is a priority, choose the Realme 9. It offers a solid experience at a lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Gaming & Media Consumption: If you prioritize a smooth display and the most powerful processor for gaming and media, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better option, with its 120Hz refresh rate, and superior chipset.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Realme 9 is a good value option and boasts a higher resolution main camera, my personal usage leans towards tasks that would benefit greatly from the S21+'s higher processing power. I often do tasks that require smooth and fast performance, like mobile gaming and photo editing. Additionally, the superior display with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, better sound and the premium build make it a more pleasant and better experience for me. I would also prefer the versatility and features of the S21+ camera system, despite the lower megapixel count of the main sensor, as the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens, 8k video recording, and wireless charging are important to my specific needs. I also use a lot of GPS, which the S21+ provides better accuracy for. The higher cost is an acceptable tradeoff for these enhancements.
In short, the S21+ is just a better phone, and I would prefer to get that experience.