1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-10-10 | Samsung Galaxy A04 is newer by 8 months, 11 days. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | A04 is taller and thicker, slightly larger overall volume but S21+ has a premium feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 192g | A04 is slightly lighter, might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21+ has a much sharper display, better for detailed content. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | S21+ display will look noticeably clearer with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ offers better colors, contrast, and viewing angles; Also better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ display is much brighter, better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful processor, better for demanding tasks, gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 124,000 | S21+ is significantly faster, smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A04 has a slightly larger battery, may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | S21+ charges much faster; Li-Polymer is generally more durable. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | Non-removable | S21+ offers versatile charging options, A04 only has basic charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm pixel size | A04 has higher resolution, but S21+ likely has better image quality due to sensor and pixel size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm pixel size | Not available | S21+ offers optical zoom, better portraits, and overall versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel size | 5MP, f/2.2, pixel size missing | S21+ takes higher-resolution selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | A04 has depth sensor to assist portrait photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel size | Not available | S21+ offers an ultra-wide lens and macro capability for versatile photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ records much higher quality video with more features. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21+ has electronic image stabilization; A04 has no image stabilization |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | Not available | S21+ can record super-slow-motion video, better for creative shots. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not available | S21+ has been independently assessed and scored on image quality, while A04 has not. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Dual camera | S21+ has more advanced features, better low light and versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | S21+ has more OS upgrades over time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11b/g/n/ac | S21+ supports Wi-Fi 6, faster and more reliable network connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, SBC | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | S21+ offers more advanced audio and device connection options. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | S21+ has better positioning accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ supports eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB or 128 GB | S21+ offers more storage with a maximum option of 256GB vs 128GB for the A04 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 3 GB | S21+ has more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21+ offers superior audio experience with more features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | S21+ provides basic biometric authentication with fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has significantly more durable screen, resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | S21+ includes more sensors for enhanced functionality and better gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, brightness, and overall quality (better for media, gaming).
- Much Faster Performance: More powerful chipset, more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle lenses, higher video resolution, OIS, and more features (better for photography and videography).
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and wireless capabilities (more convenient charging options).
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers (better audio immersion).
- More Sensors: Includes a barometer, gyroscope, compass and fingerprint reader for added functionality.
- More Durable Design: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More OS upgrades up to Android 15 vs A04's Android 13.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Slightly Lower Weight: 8 grams lighter, potentially more comfortable.
- Slightly Larger Battery: A 200mAh capacity increase, likely provides marginally better battery life.
- Newer OS at Launch: Launched with Android 12, however S21+ will get more OS upgrades
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, making it an entry-level option.
- Dedicated Depth sensor useful for better portrait photos.
- Higher Standard Camera resolution at 50MP
Practical Implications & Trade-offs:
- The S21+ provides a premium experience at the expense of higher cost while the A04 aims for value over top-tier specs.
- S21+ excels in performance, display and camera quality.
- The A04 offers a longer-lasting battery life and is lighter, at the expense of much weaker performance.
- Users prioritizing performance, display and overall versatility will likely prefer the S21+.
- Users on a tight budget may consider the A04 for basic smartphone needs and battery life.
- The S21+ is a much older phone and that shows in software updates. It also doesn't come with a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Tech enthusiasts, avid gamers, photography lovers, media consumers, users who value performance and overall quality.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, professional photography, content creation, multitasking, watching HDR movies, outdoor use.
- Price-to-Value: The price should reflect the premium features. A good value for used models or those sold at a discount.
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious consumers, users with basic smartphone needs, those prioritizing battery life, first-time smartphone buyers, or those who need a very affordable secondary device.
- Use Cases: Basic calling, texting, browsing, social media, casual photography, media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Provides great value at the low-end of the smartphone market.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you are on a very tight budget, the A04 may be your only option.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you prioritize smooth performance, a good display, and gaming the S21+ is the clear choice.
- What is the primary use case of the phone? If the main use is basic communication and social media, the A04 could suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-Driven User: If smooth multitasking, fast app loading, gaming, and a premium display is necessary, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a very affordable device for basic tasks and good battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you value good image quality, versatility in cameras and the ability to shoot high quality videos, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the best option.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's an older phone, it offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every aspect. The greatly improved display, significantly faster performance, and versatile camera system make it a much more enjoyable phone to use on a daily basis. The A04's better battery life and lower weight are minor benefits in comparison to the overall experience. While it's true that the S21+ won't come with a charger and has older software updates, I believe those are tradeoffs worth taking for the performance benefits that it offers.
