1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. Realme is more compact, slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 200g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same clarity and sharpness; no discernible difference in image detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Negligibly different pixel densities; both will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter and much better for outdoor viewing in direct sunlight. Realme brightness data is missing, implying potential visibility issues. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chip, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 496,970 | S21+ has substantially higher benchmark scores, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance in gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life, though real usage varies. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing added convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme 9 Pro+ captures more detailed images due to higher megapixel count and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | Realme 9 Pro+ has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Realme 9 Pro+ has an ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme 9 Pro+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21+ combines wide-angle and macro features in a single lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ supports higher video resolution, better for professional use and higher quality recording. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Main) | Not Available | S21+ camera is rated by DxOMark, offering a reference point, while Realme data is missing. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Realme comes with a newer Android version out of the box, but may receive fewer updates overall. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support the same WiFi standard; Realme offers extra MIMO support for potentially better Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better connectivity and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | S21+ supports more satellite systems, potentially improving GPS accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ has an eSIM for digital SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones have equal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | S21+ has more consistent RAM while Realme options vary; both support fast app launching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 9 Pro+ has a slight edge in audio features, offering enhanced spatial audio and better recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ screen has superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21+ has additional environmental sensors, while Realme 9 Pro+ has a Heart Rate sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better processing power and graphics performance.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits display offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience, particularly for gaming and animations.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens, better video recording capabilities (8K), and a combined wide-angle/macro lens, offering diverse shooting options.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds convenience and flexibility to power management.
- More Advanced GPS: Supports a wider range of satellite systems, improving location accuracy.
- Higher Quality Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection against damage.
- More consistent RAM: 8 GB standard RAM, while the Realme has options for 6 or 8 GB.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 60W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lenses: Realme includes dedicated lenses for macro and ultrawide photography.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 50MP main sensor captures more detail.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers an advantage over 5.0.
- Newer OS: Realme 9 Pro+ ships with a newer OS version (Android 12) at launch.
- Slight Edge in Audio: Enhanced spatial audio and better recording with two microphones.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Inclusion of a heart rate sensor is a unique feature for some users.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ sacrifices charging speed for wireless charging, better performance, and a more versatile camera.
- Realme 9 Pro+ sacrifices processing power and display brightness for faster charging, more portability and a slightly lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need strong performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Content Creators: Users who require high-quality video recording (8K), zoom capabilities, and diverse camera features.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright screen for easy visibility in sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate top-tier features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better GPS, and advanced screen protection.
- Users looking for a future-proof device: Those who will appreciate a wider range of software updates (Android 15 is expected).
Realme 9 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for good value, a slightly lower price, and fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who primarily need good main camera, ultrawide, and macro lens.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Those who prioritize comfort and portability.
- Users looking for fast charging: Those who prioritize fast battery top-ups.
- Users who require a heart rate sensor: Those who need this for fitness or health tracking.
- Users who value newer Android features out of the box: Those who want the latest OS version at launch and don't care about longer-term OS support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance and gaming? (S21+ is superior here)
- How important is display brightness in outdoor conditions? (S21+ has a much brighter display)
- How much do you value convenience features like wireless charging and fast charging? (S21+ has wireless, Realme is much faster at wired charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-performance user (gaming, demanding apps): Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The Exynos chipset and more powerful GPU will provide a much smoother experience.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor user with a focus on camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G due to the brighter screen and more versatile camera (including telephoto).
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user who prioritizes fast charging and portability: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
- Scenario 4: Casual user focused on general photography and comfort: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ due to its good main camera and lightweight design.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Realme 9 Pro+ offers compelling features like faster charging and a lighter design, the S21+ provides a more rounded experience with significant advantages that align with my priorities. The superior performance of the Exynos 2100 chipset is a big draw, ensuring a smoother experience across all use cases, from demanding games to multitasking. The brighter display is essential for outdoor visibility. Also, the more versatile camera setup, including the telephoto lens and higher resolution video recording is a significant plus. Finally, the inclusion of wireless charging and its superior screen protection are essential for someone who wants their device to be as practical and long lasting as possible.
Although the Realme 9 Pro+ is a good phone, the S21+’s combination of performance, display quality, and camera versatility makes it the better overall choice for my needs. While the faster charging of the Realme is tempting, the convenience of wireless charging (and reverse wireless charging) outweighs this for me.
