1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Realme 9i, focusing on practical implications for users:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | Realme 9i is slightly taller and thicker, which may feel less sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Realme 9i is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Samsung S21+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer similar sharpness, minor difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Both have very similar pixel density, negligible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior contrast, black levels, and color accuracy. Better for viewing HDR content and dark mode usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations. More responsive for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, better visibility in direct sunlight. Realme 9i brightness not specified, could be challenging outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 216,850 | S21+ is much faster in real-world performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21+ delivers superior graphics performance, better gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Realme 9i captures more detailed images in ideal lighting. S21+ has better low light performance due to sensor size. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2.76" | S21+ has a larger sensor, better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | None | S21+ has optical zoom capabilities, superior zoom quality. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12.2MP | None | S21+ can take wide-angle shots, more versatile. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP | 16MP | Realme 9i captures higher resolution selfies, and might have marginally better low light performance. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP | Realme 9i allows for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers professional-grade video recording quality. |
| OIS | Yes | No | S21+ offers better video stabilization, less shaky footage. |
| DxoMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | S21+ has better camera performance based on professional test scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9i has slightly larger capacity, may have slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 33W | Realme 9i charges faster, less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21+ supports convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | None | S21+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | S21+ will receive longer software updates, staying current longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi speeds, if your router supports it. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21+ includes more Bluetooth profiles, might have broader device compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ has more accurate GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ can use eSIM for extra line. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21+ offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | S21+ has more RAM, better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has better sound quality, especially in noisy environments. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9i has a faster fingerprint sensor, easier to use. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ provides better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Included Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | S21+ includes more environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness offers a much better visual experience, especially outdoors and when watching videos.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu score result in much smoother and faster overall performance, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
- Better Camera System: Offers a versatile triple-lens camera setup with telephoto, ultrawide, and OIS, along with 8K video recording capabilities. The larger sensor size leads to better low-light performance.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and additional GPS satellite support.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed to receive more Android version updates, staying updated for longer.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows the phone to recharge more quickly.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Has a marginally bigger battery capacity which might translate to a slight difference in battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient than the basic in-display sensor on the S21+.
- Lower Price Point: Likely to be more affordable, providing better value for budget-conscious buyers.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher price, basic fingerprint sensor
- Realme 9i: Significantly inferior display, lower performance, basic camera system, potentially no good outdoor visibilty and less features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, content creators, people who value screen quality and performance.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games smoothly.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Consuming multimedia content, like watching HDR movies.
- Using multiple demanding apps at the same time.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight without issues.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but the premium features justify the investment for specific users.
Realme 9i:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious buyers, those needing a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, users who want good battery life, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, social media).
- Basic photography in good lighting conditions.
- Casual gaming and browsing.
- Users who prioritize battery over performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for a budget phone, excellent for its price range.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is likely to be more expensive, while the Realme 9i is an entry-level offering.
- What are your performance needs? Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding applications, or are you satisfied with basic functionality?
- How important is camera quality to you? Do you require advanced photography features like telephoto and OIS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a gamer or performance enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Its superior processor, display, and graphics capabilities will provide a smoother, more responsive experience.
- If you are a social media user or photography enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a much better camera with many more options for taking good images.
- If you're on a tight budget and need a basic, reliable smartphone: The Realme 9i is a sensible choice, offering good battery life and fast charging, without the bells and whistles of a premium phone.
- If you are a fan of high quality screen and brightness: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is your obvious choice with AMOLED display and 1300 nits brightness.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My rationale is based on the following key points:
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness significantly improves the overall user experience, especially for viewing content and using the phone outdoors. The lack of brightness specs on the Realme 9i is concerning.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a noticeable advantage in terms of speed and responsiveness, which is crucial for smooth multitasking and gaming. I value the ability to run resource intensive apps and games without lag.
- Better Camera System: The S21+ offers much higher versitality with its telephoto and ultrawide cameras along with OIS. In addition, based on DxOMark scores the image quality is much better compared to Realme 9i.
- Advanced Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and extended GPS capabilities enhances the overall usability and convenience. I appreciate having the option for wireless charging and charging other devices using the phone itself.
- Longer Software Support: The fact that the S21+ will receive Android updates for longer means that it will remain more secure and up-to-date for a longer time, an important factor for future-proofing.
While the Realme 9i has its strengths, including faster charging and a lower price point, these do not outweigh the benefits of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G in my usage scenarios. I prioritize overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, which are areas where the S21+ significantly outshines the Realme 9i. Although it is older, its still the better phone.
