1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is slightly taller and slimmer, while the S21+ 5G is slightly thicker. The difference is minor in everyday use. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | The Realme C65 is 15g lighter, which makes it noticeably more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (unknown protection), plastic back and frame | Samsung's glass back and frame is typically considered more premium, though the plastic build makes the Realme C65 more durable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both are large and suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1604 | S21+ 5G has significantly sharper text and images. The Realme C65 screen will appear less detailed. |
| PPI | 394 | 264 | S21+ 5G offers much crisper visuals due to higher pixel density, a noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ 5G has much better contrast, color vibrancy, and deep blacks, making it superior for media viewing. Also more energy efficient when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ 5G will display noticeably smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G is significantly more usable outdoors in bright sunlight due to its much higher brightness. Realme C65 screen is practically unreadable in bright light. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21+ 5G has a much faster processor, handling demanding tasks and games more smoothly. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 225,154 | S21+ 5G is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ 5G provides a much better gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | S21+ 5G has larger pixels and sensor, resulting in better low-light performance. Realme C65 provides more resolution, but in most cases will not have superior image quality. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed photos, which the C65 cannot offer. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21+ 5G allows for a wider field of view, fitting more into the frame and macro. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21+ 5G provides more detailed selfies with slightly larger pixels. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme C65 can produce a bokeh effect using this lens for portrait pictures. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ 5G offers much higher video quality, allowing users to record in more detail and with HDR and stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | N/A | S21+ 5G is much better in real world tests, due to better image quality and overall camera performance. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom | Basic Features | S21+ 5G has additional options such as OIS, optical zoom and RAW mode allowing for more creative control and image stability. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Minor difference in battery size which translates to similar battery life, but very dependent on usage |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C65 charges much faster, reducing time spent waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, which offers more convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate leads to much better viewing experience, better color quality and much smoother animations
- Much Higher Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU providing a better experience for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, wide-angle lens, and significantly better video recording, making it a more versatile option for photography and videography.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging for convenience.
- Better Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers premium screen protection.
- WiFi 6 Support: Newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and lower latency.
- Better software support Android 15 update
Practical Implications: The S21+ 5G is designed for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and advanced camera features. It will deliver a significantly better multimedia and gaming experience.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter, enhancing comfort for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows quicker replenishment of the battery.
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery that should translate to an increase in battery life under typical use.
- Newer software Android 14, may receive more future updates
Practical Implications: The Realme C65 is designed for budget-conscious users who value a lightweight design, long battery life and faster charging, without high-end performance and advanced features.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. It's also heavier than the Realme C65.
- Realme C65: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and advanced camera features for a more budget-friendly price and better battery life. It lacks wireless charging and advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium viewing experience, fast performance, and advanced camera capabilities. Good for mobile gaming, high-quality media consumption, and professional-grade content creation.
- Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth graphics and fast load times.
- Watching movies and shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Shooting high-quality videos and photos with professional results.
- Power users that need good performance for multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: The S21+ 5G offers more features and performance for its price but will be more expensive than the C65.
Realme C65:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize longer battery life and fast charging over advanced features and performance. It's suitable for casual users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Day-to-day tasks like browsing social media, messaging, and calls.
- Longer battery use, less worry about running out of power when using all day.
- Users who value a light-weight and comfortable design.
- Price-to-Value: The C65 offers good value for its price, but is more limited in terms of features and overall performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, media, everyday tasks, content creation)
- What is more important to you: premium display/performance or longer battery life/fast charging?
- What is your budget and how much are you willing to spend on a phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer/Multimedia Enthusiast: If you frequently play demanding games or watch high-resolution videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice due to its superior display, performance, and overall multimedia experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User with High Battery Needs: If you are on a tight budget and need a phone for basic tasks that lasts all day with fast charging, the Realme C65 is the more practical choice.
- Scenario 3: Photographer/Videographer: If you prioritize camera quality and features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better due to its advanced camera system and superior video capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Realme C65 is a competent budget phone, the S21+ 5G offers a significantly better overall experience that aligns with my priorities. The drastically better display quality, significantly higher performance, much more versatile camera system with optical zoom, and additional features like wireless charging and better audio are worth the additional cost. I use my phone for demanding games, streaming videos, and creating content, so these advanced capabilities are essential for my use case. While the Realme C65 has better charging speeds, the S21+ 5G has enough battery life for my typical usage. The improved screen makes a huge difference in my day-to-day usage, making it a worthwhile premium.
