Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme Note 50
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Note 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-23 | Realme is newer, potentially longer software support, more up-to-date features |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme is slightly larger and thicker, may be less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | Realme Note 50 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung offers much sharper images and text; noticeable difference in visual clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 260 | Samsung display is noticeably crisper and detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. Better for viewing videos and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung display is slightly smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Unspecified) | Samsung offers excellent outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Realme Note 50 brightness is unknown, likely inferior. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Samsung's chipset is significantly more powerful. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 248,000 | Samsung performs significantly better in all performance aspects, more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung provides much better graphics performance, suitable for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme offers a slightly larger battery, which may result in slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Samsung charges much faster, less waiting time to reach full battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, Wireless, No Charger | Non-removable | Samsung offers wireless charging convenience and reverse charging to power other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12MP | 13MP | Negligible difference in resolution; Samsung's has a wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.2 | Wider aperture on S21+ allows more light, better low light photos. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | Not Available | Samsung offers optical zoom capabilities, better for zooming in on subjects. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP | Not Available | Samsung allows wider shots; captures more of a scene. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 5MP | Samsung produces higher resolution selfies, more detail. |
| Black & White Camera | Not Available | 2MP | Realme has B&W sensor, may add creative options for those that need it |
| Video | Up to 8K | 1080p@30fps | Samsung supports high-resolution video, suitable for professional videography. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 | Not Available | Samsung has tested and scored well. Realme camera performance is unknown. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Realme has a newer OS out of the box but Samsung receives future upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Samsung offers better Wi-Fi performance in busy networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with more features | 5.0 LE with fewer features | Samsung has more bluetooth audio and connectivity features. |
| GPS | L1+L5,E1+E5a, Beidou, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung is more accurate and has more satellite options. |
| SIM | Dual Nano, eSIM | Dual Nano | Samsung offers e-SIM option for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer a 256 GB option, but Samsung lacks the 64GB option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4GB | Samsung is better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers SD card support, limiting storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res | Basic Audio | Samsung offers significantly enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Feature | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme has a more modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung provides much better scratch and damage protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Samsung has more advanced and precise motion and environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a vastly better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide significantly better processing and graphics performance, making it smoother and faster in everyday tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle and better low-light performance with the main camera. Offers 8K video recording and advanced features.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and more accurate GPS.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Offers a wide range of sensors, including a barometer and gyroscope.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexible SIM options.
- Premium Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Realme Note 50 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, potentially longer software support.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter for more comfortable handling.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery may provide marginally better battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Modern placement for convenience.
- Black & White Camera: Adds creative options for photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme Note 50 sacrifices display quality, performance, camera capabilities, audio features, and connectivity for a budget price point.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, while offering much superior features, is likely to be more expensive and is older model.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a high-performance device for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a versatile camera system with excellent image quality and video capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and consuming media on their phone and value a high-quality display and audio.
- Professionals: Those who need reliable performance, excellent connectivity, and a comprehensive set of sensors.
- Users who want a flagship experience.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games smoothly.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos on the go.
- Watching HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Using GPS navigation in urban areas with accuracy.
- Using professional apps needing a gyroscope or barometer.
Realme Note 50 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic communication, browsing, and social media.
- Users who want a large screen at a low price
- Users who want good battery life
- Users who like a side fingerprint sensor
- Users who value a newer OS
Use Cases:
- Simple web browsing and social media usage.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Light photography and video recording.
- Daily use with basic app usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Offers a premium experience with cutting-edge features but comes at a higher price point.
- Realme Note 50: Provides basic functionality at an affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme Note 50 will be significantly cheaper.
- What are your main use cases for a phone? Demanding tasks like gaming or photo/video editing call for the S21+.
- How much do you value display quality and camera features? The S21+ excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Heavy Multitasking: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior processing power and graphics.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Constrained with Basic Needs: The Realme Note 50 is a good budget-friendly option.
- Scenario 3: Photo and Video Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G's camera system provides significantly better capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption (Videos & Movies): The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G’s superior display and audio will deliver a much more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 5: User who values good battery life above all else: The Realme Note 50 should be fine with its slightly larger battery, but the reduced performance is a large trade off.
My Choice and Why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G despite it being an older device. The massive difference in display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, higher brightness), the drastically better performance (chipset, GPU, RAM), superior camera system (telephoto, wide-angle, better low-light), faster charging, and enhanced audio features make it a much better experience. Even though it is older, the performance and camera features are still great, and I would be comfortable with that phone over a newer budget phone like the Realme Note 50. The Note 50 is sufficient for basic use, but the S21+ provides a vastly superior user experience in almost every aspect and the benefits in daily use are considerable, making it the better phone, even if it means paying a little extra.
