Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme C51
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme C51 is slightly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use, while the S21+ 5G is more compact. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | Realme C51 is lighter and may feel less substantial, whereas the S21+ 5G may feel more premium. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Very similar display sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ 5G offers much sharper images, text, and videos. Realme C51 has a noticeably less detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 260 | S21+ 5G delivers a much clearer and crisper display, while the Realme C51 has less pixel density, which may appear less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. Realme C51 has an LCD display, which may look less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, while Realme C51 is less smooth, especially noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G display is much easier to view outdoors, even in direct sunlight. The Realme C51's brightness is not available so outdoor visibility is unknown, most likely not very good. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | S21+ 5G offers significantly faster processing, smoother multitasking, and better gaming, while Realme C51 will struggle with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 220,000 | S21+ 5G is significantly faster in real-world usage, while Realme C51 may feel slow or laggy during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 (Mali-G57 MP1) | S21+ 5G offers much better graphics performance for gaming, while the Realme C51 may struggle with more complex games. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C51 has a slightly larger battery, which may provide marginally longer battery life, although display and chipsets impact battery life as well. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme C51 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse/Wireless, No in-box charger | Non-removable | S21+ 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging for more versatility. Realme C51 only charges via cable. Samsung does not include a charger in the box, which may require a separate purchase. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C51 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | S21+ 5G has a larger sensor that should capture more light and better detail, despite lower megapixels. Realme C51 has a higher megapixel count but a smaller sensor, which may result in lower quality in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm | None | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom capabilities which is ideal for capturing distant objects with more clarity. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1/5", Samsung S5K5E9, 1.12µm | S21+ 5G will offer better quality and more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | None | S21+ 5G will offer more versatility for capturing expansive scenes or close up detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, Slow-motion 960fps | 1080p@30fps; no slow-motion | S21+ 5G offers high-quality video recording with advanced features like 8K and 4K recording, electronic image stabilization, and slow-motion. Realme C51 captures basic 1080p video only. |
| DXOMark | Overall: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ 5G provides an objective measure of camera quality. Realme C51's camera performance is unrated and cannot be directly compared to the S21+. |
| Features | 4K, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization | S21+ 5G offers advanced photography features like optical zoom, OIS, 4K and 8K video, RAW capture, and a dedicated night mode, while the Realme C51 is more limited. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly better brightness resulting in clearer, smoother, more vibrant visuals with superior outdoor visibility.
- Much Better Performance: Flagship-level chipset and GPU for noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming, and future-proofing.
- Versatile Camera System: More capable main camera with a larger sensor, a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, and much higher video recording capabilities (including 8K recording) and more advanced photography features.
- Premium Build: Higher quality materials and better screen protection.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- More Sensors: More environmental and motion sensors, for more versatility.
Realme C51 Advantages:
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable, offering a budget-friendly option.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Slightly Larger Battery: A 200 mAh larger battery.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, while the S21+ is running Android 11 that can be upgraded to 15.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Supports Wi-Fi MiMO.
- LDAC: Supports LDAC for better quality audio over bluetooth.
- Lighter Weight: Might be more comfortable for some users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Significantly more expensive.
- Realme C51: Major compromises on display, performance, and camera quality. Its display is lower resolution and lower quality than even mid-range phones, and its chipset is notably low-end.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who demand high performance, smooth multitasking, and top-tier gaming experience.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize excellent display quality, high-resolution video playback, and advanced camera features.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want versatile camera capabilities with features like optical zoom, RAW capture, and night mode.
- Users who need a premium experience: Users who value a high quality feel to their devices, and prefer the most technologically advanced features available.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Watching high-resolution movies and TV shows.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight.
Realme C51 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and are looking for the most affordable option.
- Light Users: Users who primarily browse the web, check social media, and make calls, and don't perform heavy tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery: Users who prioritize having a large battery and faster charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Making calls and sending text messages.
- Casual photography in good lighting conditions.
- Daily tasks where performance and high quality display are not a requirement.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers a premium experience, but is expensive. The cost is justified by advanced features, superior performance, and excellent display and camera quality.
- Realme C51: Offers good value for the price if the user needs a basic phone at a very affordable cost, but its feature set is low.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: What do you primarily use your phone for? Are you a heavy gamer or multi-tasker, or are your needs more basic?
- Display and Camera Quality: How important are a high-quality screen, superior photos, and video to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Photography are Key: If performance, display quality, and camera versatility are critical, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget is the Priority: If the budget is the primary concern and basic functionality is sufficient, the Realme C51 is a viable option, despite its significant compromises.
- Scenario 3: Compromise Between Budget and Features: If you want some level of premium functionality, you might want to look at other phones that fit between these two, as the Realme C51 is very low end.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G without question.
Here's why:
While the Realme C51 is more affordable and has a marginally larger battery, the trade-offs are far too significant for my needs. The drastically inferior display quality, low-end performance, and much less capable camera system are major drawbacks.
I value having a device that is responsive, has a great display for media consumption, and can take high-quality photos and videos. The S21+ 5G meets all of these requirements with its AMOLED display, powerful chipset, versatile camera system, and premium build quality.
The slightly smaller battery and slightly slower charging is acceptable to me as I prioritize a better overall user experience over a slightly extended battery life. I also value the advanced features, such as wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and advanced sensors.
For me, the S21+ 5G is the clear winner, providing a much more enjoyable and capable smartphone experience. The Realme C51 is a low end phone, and I would only recommend it if the budget was severely limited.
