Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme GT Neo 3
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.3 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm | The Realme is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands or tight pockets. |
| Weight | 200g | 188g | The Realme is lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same display size, offering similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness, both will look very crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 394 PPI | Identical sharpness levels, both provide crisp visual experiences. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar image quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | Samsung's display will be significantly more readable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Realme's chipset is slightly more powerful according to benchmarks, meaning faster performance in intensive tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 855,842 | The Realme will likely handle demanding apps and games a little more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Theoretically, the Samsung's GPU might perform better in some specific graphics intensive tasks, but real world difference depends on app optimization |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme's higher resolution sensor will capture more detail. Samsung has a larger pixel size for better low-light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung offers optical zoom, useful for taking detailed shots from a distance. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing a wider field of view. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.0µm | Realme has higher resolution selfie camera for better detail. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme can take close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Samsung can record in higher 8K resolution which is better for professional-grade video content. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Manual focus | Ultra stable video | Samsung offers better zoom capabilities, while Realme has ultra stable video. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has been benchmarked by DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme's slightly larger battery may provide slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Realme will charge much faster, a big advantage for those who often need quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | 15W wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | 80W In-box charger | Samsung provides wireless charging capabilities and reverse wireless charging, where you can charge other devices. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Realme starts with a newer OS. The Samsung is planned to be supported longer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight due to 300 nits higher brightness.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and wider angle lens, offering more shooting flexibility. Also, it has video recording up to 8K.
- Wireless Charging: Supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenient power-ups.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality, allowing for more flexible mobile plan management.
- Longer Software Support - Will be supported by OS updates longer.
Realme GT Neo 3 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 80W charging, minimizing downtime.
- More Powerful Chipset - The Mediatek Dimensity 8100 offers better performance than the Exynos 2100 in benchmarks.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detailed images with its 50MP sensor.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.
- More Internal Storage Options - Offers a 512 GB variant for those needing a lot of space.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung trades the faster charging and processing power of the Realme for more versatile cameras and a brighter display.
- The Realme trades the versatility of the Samsung's camera and display brightness for faster charging and a more powerful chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will benefit from the brighter display.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value optical zoom and need versatile shooting options will find the dedicated lenses beneficial.
- Travelers: eSIM functionality makes switching between carriers easier for international travelers.
- Users that prefer longer software support - Users that prefer to keep a phone for a longer period of time.
- Users that need wireless charging: Those who have wireless charging pads or like charging other devices using their phone.
Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos in bright outdoor conditions.
- Zooming in on distant subjects without losing quality.
- Charging the phone wirelessly or charging other devices on the go.
Realme GT Neo 3 Ideal User:
- Gamers and power users: Those who need fast performance for gaming and heavy apps.
- Users who prioritize speed: Users who value extremely fast charging will benefit the most.
- Social media content creators: Users who share macro photography or want a higher resolution main camera.
- Users that don't care much about wireless charging or optical zoom: Those who do not mind using digital zoom.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games without lag.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Capturing close-up detailed macro shots.
- Fast and smooth social media browsing and app usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize display brightness and camera versatility, or fast charging and performance?
- Do you need wireless charging and eSIM functionality?
- How important is having more software updates and the newest OS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography & Outdoors): If you frequently take photos in varied conditions, especially outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better choice due to its brighter display and versatile camera with optical zoom and wider angle.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming & Performance): If you're a gamer or power user who needs smooth performance and faster charging, the Realme GT Neo 3 is the better option due to its faster chipset and significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a good balance of features and are not too concerned about wireless charging and optical zoom, the Realme GT Neo 3 can be a great option due to it's newer chipset and the fast charging speed.
- Scenario 4 (Longer Software Support and Wireless Charging): If you plan to keep your phone for a longer period of time and want the support of software updates and wireless charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G would be a good choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Realme GT Neo 3. While I appreciate the brighter display and versatile camera system of the Samsung, the significantly faster charging speeds of the Realme GT Neo 3 are more important to my daily usage. As a person who is often on the go, having the ability to quickly top up the battery is crucial. Additionally, the faster chipset of the Realme ensures that the device feels smooth and responsive during use for all tasks. While I would miss the optical zoom, the other benefits outweigh this disadvantage.
