Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 8.4 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and thinner, A15 is slightly wider and thicker. Overall A15 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 200g | Both phones feel equally substantial in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals; difference is negligible in everyday use. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Both have similar pixel densities resulting in equally sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, which makes daily interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21+ display is significantly more visible in direct sunlight, making outdoor use much better. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster processing speeds, leading to better app performance, gaming experience and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 442,500 | S21+ performs noticeably better in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU, providing superior graphics rendering capabilities for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | A15 has a higher resolution sensor allowing for more detailed photos. However, the pixel size on the S21+ is bigger which typically results in better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a ultrawide, higher resolution lens, with larger pixel size |
| Macro | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A15 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | 13MP, f/2.0 | A15 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, making it suitable for more professional video work, and has much more advanced video stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21+ has a tested camera score of 111, which represents quality image capabilities |
| Camera Features | More Advanced (OIS, PDAF, RAW) | Basic features | S21+ has more advanced camera features providing higher levels of control. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A15 has a slightly larger battery which can provide slightly longer usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both charge at the same rate. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21+ offers convenient wireless and reverse charging options. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | A15 has a newer OS out of the box. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ has WiFi 6 providing faster speeds and more robust performance on wireless networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | A15 has slightly newer Bluetooth providing slightly better connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Basic GPS | S21+ has more advanced GPS offering better accuracy and performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ offers an eSIM for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | Unknown | S21+ comes with either 128GB or 256GB. The A15's storage is not specified. |
| RAM | 8 GB | Unknown | S21+ has 8GB of RAM which results in better performance with multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | S21+ provides a richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | A15 features a more accessible side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ offers a higher level of screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive set (Barometer, Compass) | Basic sensors | S21+ offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, useful in certain applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing and multitasking.
- Higher Quality Display: The brighter display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Features telephoto and ultrawide lens, optical zoom, 8k video recording, OIS, PDAF, and more advanced camera features, offering greater versatility and higher quality images and videos.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and a more accurate GPS system.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Advantages:
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Comes with Android 14, offering the latest software features and a longer lifespan in terms of software updates.
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery may provide marginally longer battery life, but given the other factors, battery life could still be lower than the S21+.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more ergonomic for some users.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography which the S21+ does not have.
- More affordable: Usually available at a more affordable price point.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Older operating system out of the box, no expandable storage, can be much more expensive than the A15
- A15: Significantly lower performance, inferior display quality, less versatile camera, lacks wireless charging, basic audio capabilities, and older WiFi technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, video creators, people who need strong processing power and high-end features.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, high-quality photo and video capture, editing on the go, and users who need a premium media consumption experience, or users who rely heavily on their phones for work and want a very smooth experience.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance and premium features at a more expensive price point. More premium features for a premium price.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious consumers, casual users, users who prioritize a long software support lifespan, basic mobile photography, and everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Casual social media, browsing, calling, taking photos and short videos, listening to music, and users who want the latest operating system and security updates.
- Price-to-Value: Provides a modern experience with a good battery and a reasonable camera at a very budget friendly price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require high-end performance for gaming and demanding tasks, or is basic functionality sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need advanced camera features, or are basic photo and video capabilities adequate?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User - If you prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking, and don't mind the price tag, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - If you prioritize affordability and want a modern experience for everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a more sensible option.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - If you value camera versatility and image quality, and video recording quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a more comprehensive camera system and will outperform the A15.
What I Would Choose and Why:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's an older device, its strengths in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and audio experience significantly outweigh the A15's advantages. As a power user, the superior processing power and richer features of the S21+ are essential to me. I also value high-quality photos and videos. While the A15 has a newer OS, and a larger battery, the benefits provided by the S21+ justify choosing it.
