1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | Samsung is taller and wider, Realme is thicker. S21+ may feel slightly larger in hand, GT is slightly more compact with a slightly thicker profile. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | Realme GT is 14g lighter, which may make a difference during long periods of use, and makes the phone more comfortable to hold for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Realme GT's smaller size is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, both offer sharp and clear images. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Very similar pixel densities, both screens will look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, both great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung is significantly brighter, clearly visible even in direct sunlight, Realme's brightness is not specified (likely lower than S21+). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Different processors; Snapdragon 888 in the Realme GT generally provides better performance in benchmarks and real-world use for heavy tasks such as gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 912,342 | Realme GT has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicates faster app loading and smoother experience for heavy use cases such as gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Different GPU architectures, the Adreno 660 in Realme GT is known for excellent gaming performance, the Mali GPU is still capable of handling most tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung has a slightly larger battery, may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Realme GT charges significantly faster, reaching full charge much quicker than the S21+. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging, no charger in box | Non-removable | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Realme GT does not offer any additional features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | Realme has a higher resolution main sensor, may have more detailed images in good lighting conditions, while S21+ has a larger pixel size which helps in low light. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not present | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, offers better optical zoom capabilities for portraits. Realme GT lacks this. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.5 | Realme GT has a higher resolution front-facing camera while S21+ has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 8MP, f/2.3 | Realme GT offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing a larger field of view. Samsung does not have one on its rear module. |
| Macro Lens | Not Present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme GT offers a dedicated macro lens for taking close up photos. S21+ does not have one. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not present | Samsung S21+ offers a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps w/ HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@60fps w/ EIS | S21+ supports 8K video recording and is likely a better option for high quality video capture while Realme GT does not go to 8K. Samsung Galaxy S21+ also has stereo sound recording. |
| DxOMark | Mobile:111 Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | Samsung has a DXOMark score, reflecting better image and video quality overal. No score is available for Realme GT. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Samsung is promised one extra year of major OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme GT has newer Bluetooth, potentially improved battery efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Realme GT supports more GPS systems, may result in slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports an eSIM in addition to two physical nano-SIMs for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options, neither supports external storage expansion. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme GT has an option for more RAM which will be very helpful for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so choose sufficient internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones have good audio capabilities. S21+ offers noise cancellation while Realme GT offers multiple microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use similar fingerprint sensors for device security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung provides superior screen protection via the use of Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Realme's protective measures are not known. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | S21+ offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, including barometer and gyroscope, suitable for more advanced features and better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits brightness is significantly better for outdoor visibility, making it easy to use in direct sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, and a combined wide-angle and macro lens, and provides better video recording capabilities (8K and stereo sound), a better DXOMark score.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging options, and can also charge other devices wirelessly.
- eSIM Support: Provides the convenience of using a digital SIM alongside physical SIM cards.
- Better Build Quality: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for significantly better screen protection
- Better Audio Capabilities: Offers a noise cancellation microphone.
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers better performance, translating to faster app loading and smoother gameplay.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging dramatically reduces charging times, ideal for users on the go.
- More RAM (optional): Offers a 12GB RAM option, better for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Wider Angle and Macro Lenses: Has more dedicated lenses for these tasks.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 provides better battery efficiency and range compared to Bluetooth 5.0.
- Lower Weight: More comfortable to use for extended durations.
- More Satellites: Has support for more satellite systems, leading to slightly better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ has a more comprehensive feature set (wireless charging, better camera zoom, brighter screen, better build quality), while the Realme GT excels in speed and charging speed.
- The S21+ has slightly slower charging and is heavier, while the Realme GT lacks wireless charging and the same level of screen protection.
- The Realme GT's camera system does not have optical zoom, and lacks 8K video recording and Stereo audio recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium experience with a high-quality display (especially for outdoor use), versatile camera features, and convenience of wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor photography and videography
- Frequent travel and use in varied lighting conditions
- Users who value having the latest features, such as wireless charging.
- Users who need eSIM capabilities for multiple mobile plans.
- Users who are more likely to do video recording.
Realme GT 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who value speed and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other performance-intensive tasks.
- Frequent users on the go who need to quickly charge their phone.
- Users who like a lighter, more compact phone
- Users who want faster performance at a lower price
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme GT typically offers a higher price-to-performance ratio for users who prioritize raw power and charging speed. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ provides a more premium experience with its better camera system, display, wireless charging, and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display brightness for your usage? If you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the S21+'s brighter display is a significant advantage.
- What is your priority, performance or features? If you're a gamer or need fast performance, the Realme GT is a better choice. For a well-rounded feature set with wireless charging and better camera features, the S21+ is superior.
- Do you value fast charging or wireless charging? If fast charging is a must, the Realme GT wins. If wireless charging is more important, the S21+ is your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior screen brightness, build quality, and camera versatility.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose Realme GT 5G for its faster performance, faster charging and higher RAM options.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious User: Choose Realme GT 5G if you prioritize performance and speed above all else, as it offers a better price to performance ratio than the S21+.
- Scenario 4: Feature Rich User: Choose Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G if you want features like wireless charging, better screen quality and build, and better camera functionality.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Realme GT 5G has compelling advantages in raw performance and charging speed, my priorities align more with the S21+'s strengths.
Here's why:
- Superior Display Experience: The brighter display is a big advantage for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. This is a critical daily benefit that outweighs the performance differences.
- More Comprehensive Camera System: The telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities are very useful for my photography and videography. I also like that is has an official DXOMark score, which is reassuring of its performance.
- Convenient Wireless Charging: I prefer the convenience of wireless charging. Reverse wireless charging, although niche, is a very handy bonus, especially for travel.
- Better Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable. I like the peace of mind that the phone is better protected.
While the Realme GT 5G is a great choice for power users, the S21+ offers a more balanced and premium experience that fits my needs better. The trade-offs in charging speed and raw performance are acceptable in exchange for its superior display and other features.
