Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 167.7 × 78 × 9.1 mm | A14 5G is taller, wider, and thicker, making it feel bulkier in hand and pocket. S21+ 5G offers a more streamlined and compact design. |
| Weight | 200g | 202g | Negligible difference, both feel similar in weight. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ 5G has slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness. Both offer Full HD+ clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both appear equally sharp to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ 5G's AMOLED offers superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors, leading to a much more visually appealing display. Better for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, particularly for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G is vastly superior in outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. A14's brightness is not specified, likely making it less suitable under bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) | S21+ 5G has a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 412,200 | S21+ 5G has nearly double the performance, resulting in a much smoother overall experience, especially for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP2 | S21+ 5G has a much more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, Unknown Sensor, Unknown µm | A14 5G offers higher resolution shots, but the S21+ 5G has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, which typically results in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2, 0.8µm | None | S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos and portrait mode. The A14 5G lacks optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.0, Unknown Sensor, Unknown µm | A14 5G has slightly more resolution, and a wider aperture, potentially resulting in slightly better selfies in low light. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor, Unknown µm | A14 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown Sensor, Unknown µm | A14 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.4µm | None | S21+ 5G includes a dedicated wide-angle camera useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps, | S21+ 5G supports much higher resolution video recording, offering more detail and professional-grade video capabilities. Has more video recording options. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | S21+ 5G has a well-tested camera with a good overall rating, whereas the A14 5G lacks any public testing. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW | Ultra stable video | S21+ 5G provides optical zoom and stabilization for better image quality. A14 5G features digital zoom with added video stabilization, but lacks optical zoom. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A14 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21+ 5G charges faster, reducing downtime waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ 5G offers wireless charging and reverse charging to charge other devices wirelessly which is lacking in A14 5G, making it a more versatile phone. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness provides an exceptionally vibrant and smooth viewing experience, especially under bright sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster processing and graphics performance for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile camera setup, including a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, optical zoom, and advanced video recording capabilities (up to 8K) and features such as OIS, RAW.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports faster 25W charging and offers convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards (Wi-Fi 6), offering faster speeds and better performance on crowded networks, along with extra GPS features.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and premium build, making it more durable.
- Advanced Audio Features: Hi-Res audio support, noise cancellation microphone, and stereo speakers for better audio.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with a newer version of Android (13).
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Camera Lenses: Includes dedicated depth and macro cameras for specific photographic needs.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports a slightly newer version of Bluetooth (5.2).
- Ultra Stable Video: Provides a feature to keep video stable while recording.
- Lower Price: Likely more affordable than the S21+, offering good value in the budget range.
Significant Trade-offs:
S21+ 5G Trade-off:
- Older Operating System and Software: It is running an older version of Android.
- Higher Price: It may be more expensive to purchase.
A14 5G Trade-off:
- Much lower performance: Not suitable for intensive gaming or multitasking.
- Inferior Display: The LCD screen lacks the contrast and brightness of an AMOLED screen.
- Lower Camera Quality: Camera system has fewer advanced features and lacks the high-quality video recording.
- Slower Charging: Slower charging speeds, lack of wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Inferior build quality: Doesn't have a strong screen protection, and lacks premium build material.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for watching videos and HDR content.
- Users needing wireless charging: For more convenient charging options.
- Users needing long term software support: While it is an older phone, it has been updated to Android 15.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A14 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a functional smartphone with 5G at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
- Users needing a bigger battery: If battery life is more important than overall performance.
- Users needing a dedicated Macro lens: If they like taking closeup photos.
- Users wanting a newer OS out of the box: It has a newer version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G excels in:
- Gaming: High refresh rate, powerful GPU and fast processor provide a smooth gaming experience.
- Content Creation: High-resolution 8K video and good camera quality is ideal for content creators.
- Outdoor Use: Bright display ensures visibility in bright sunlight.
- Media Consumption: AMOLED display with HDR support and stereo speakers enhances the viewing experience.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G excels in:
- Everyday Use: Performs well for basic tasks like social media and browsing.
- Cost Saving: Provides an affordable option for those who don't need high-end features.
- Macro photography: Can take better closeup photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ 5G will be significantly more expensive than the A14 5G.
- How important are display quality and performance for you? The S21+ 5G offers superior display and much better performance.
- What are your camera priorities? S21+ 5G for quality, A14 for macro and depth.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User - If you prioritize affordability and basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance - For demanding users who want a high-performance device for gaming and heavy tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast - If you need optical zoom, optical stabilization, and high quality video, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a better option; but the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G might be better for closeup photos.
- Scenario 4: Media consumption and portability - For the users who want an excellent media experience with a slightly more portable form factor, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G would be preferred.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is an older phone, its advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging make it a more compelling choice for my needs. I prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption and appreciate the faster performance and versatile camera. The S21+ 5G offers a much more premium experience that justifies the higher cost, especially since it has received a lot of software updates. Even though it has an older OS, it has been updated to the latest version of Android, making it an attractive choice, given the significant performance, camera and display gains.
