1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; Samsung might feel more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro is marginally lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen; better for immersive content. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical sharpness; both are Full HD+. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, better color accuracy and vibrancy, and is more power-efficient for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is vastly superior in outdoor visibility, essential for sunny conditions. Realme 9 Pro brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21+ has a significantly faster chipset, better for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 402,916 | S21+ performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating much faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ has a superior GPU for graphic intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9 Pro has a slightly larger battery, may offer marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers more versatile charging options; Realme is limited to wired. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2") | Realme 9 Pro's higher resolution allows for more detail, but S21+ has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | S21+ offers telephoto zoom capabilities, absent on Realme 9 Pro. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4") | S21+ has better ultra-wide photography |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 16MP (f/2.0, 1/3.13") | Realme 9 Pro has higher resolution, better in lower light, and wider aperture. |
| Macro | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Realme 9 Pro allows for very close-up photos, absent on S21+. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, suitable for professional use. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | S21+ has a known camera quality score; Realme 9 Pro does not. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | Ultra Stable Video | S21+ has OIS for better stabilization, while Realme 9 Pro has "Ultra Stable Video" |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Realme 9 Pro launches with a newer OS. S21+ offers longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, better in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21+ provides more accurate location services due to dual-band GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | S21+ can have 256 GB of storage, offering more space for photos, videos and files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer adequate RAM, but S21+ comes standard with 8GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; a potential issue for those with large libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | S21+ provides more immersive audio experience with better speaker quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Realme 9 Pro features a more convenient fingerprint reader placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Hall | None | S21+ provides a more comprehensive suite of sensors for broader functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness, better contrast, and color accuracy, significantly better for outdoor use.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Much faster chipset, higher benchmark scores, and a more powerful GPU make it better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher video recording capabilities (8K), optical image stabilization (OIS) offer greater versatility and superior image/video quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide superior audio for media consumption and calls.
- eSIM Support: Dual SIM with eSIM offers more flexibility for travel and multiple numbers.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection
- More Sensors: More diverse sensors including Compass, Barometer, and Hall.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Android OS out of the box: Launched with Android 12, while S21+ launched with Android 11.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 200mAh more capacity could offer slightly longer battery life.
- Faster Wired Charging: 33W fast charging is marginally quicker.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Potentially better low-light performance.
- Macro Lens: Offers close-up photography capabilities not found in the S21+.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably more convenient than the under display sensor found on the S21+.
- Potentially more affordable: Usually priced lower than S21+.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G trades faster wired charging and a macro camera for a better display, significantly better performance, wireless charging, and higher video capabilities.
- The Realme 9 Pro trades the premium display, overall performance, and a versatile camera system, wireless charging for faster-wired charging, slightly larger battery, macro lens, and potentially lower cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality photos with telephoto zoom, and high-resolution videos for personal and professional use.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality video playback and immersive audio experience.
- Travelers: Individuals who need eSIM functionality and accurate GPS.
- Outdoor Users: Those who spend time outdoors and need a screen that is easily visible in direct sunlight
- Those looking for longevity: The longer support timeline for software updates is beneficial.
Use Cases:
- Gaming (high frame rates, smooth graphics).
- Video recording (8K video for professional projects, stable footage, advanced video features).
- Streaming high-resolution video (vibrant colors, great contrast).
- Business professionals using demanding apps.
- Travelers using GPS navigation.
- Outdoor photography and videography.
- Content creation.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a balanced smartphone at a more affordable price.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera with a macro lens.
- Users with specific battery/charging needs: Those who need slightly longer battery life and/or faster wired charging.
- Users who prioritize convenience The side-mounted fingerprint sensor may appeal more.
Use Cases:
- Social media content creation.
- Casual gaming.
- Everyday use for browsing, communication, and basic tasks.
- Close-up photography.
- Users who value newer software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use, media consumption)
- How much do I value display quality? (AMOLED vs LCD, outdoor brightness)
- What is my budget? (Is paying extra for premium performance and features justifiable?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera are Paramount: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior performance, versatile camera, and excellent display for content creation and professional photography.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious & Macro is Important: Choose the Realme 9 Pro for a lower price point, satisfactory everyday performance, and macro lens.
- Scenario 3: General Use with emphasis on display quality: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better choice due to the superior AMOLED display, higher outdoor brightness, and advanced display technology.
- Scenario 4: General Use with emphasis on battery and software: The Realme 9 Pro may be suitable, especially if it is offered at a lower price.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Realme 9 Pro has its merits like a slightly newer OS out of the box, a macro lens, and faster wired charging, the S21+ offers a significantly better display, a much more powerful chipset, a more versatile camera system (especially for video), and wireless charging capabilities.
For me, the vastly superior AMOLED display and the performance boost of the Exynos 2100 are critical. The camera features, especially the telephoto lens and OIS, are significantly more useful for my photography needs, and the option for 8k video is something the Realme 9 Pro does not offer. Although the initial Android version is older, the promise of longer software support means it is also the more future-proofed phone. The addition of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and superior audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers are other factors that push it ahead. While there is a higher price tag, the overall package and superior experience are worth the premium. The missing macro lens is not a significant loss, compared to all the strengths of the S21+.
