1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A25 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm | S21+ is slightly thinner; A25 has a slightly larger footprint, though differences are minimal. |
| Weight | 200g | 197g | Both are similar in weight. A 3-gram difference is negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have very similar Full HD+ resolution. The slight difference is hardly noticeable. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Both have very similar pixel density; Differences unnoticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chipset for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 480,688 | S21+ is significantly faster in overall performance, suitable for demanding applications and graphically intensive games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU leading to better gaming performance, handling of graphically intense tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A25 has a slightly larger battery, which may translate to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W fast charging (Li-Ion) | Both support 25W fast charging; charging time should be similar, with minor difference. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21+ offers convenient wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities; A25 does not offer these features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | A25 captures higher resolution photos; S21+ has a larger sensor with bigger pixel size for better light capture. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0 | Not available | S21+ includes a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom, lacking on A25. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | A25 captures higher resolution selfies; the pixel size is unknown, which impacts light sensitivity and quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 8MP f/2.2 | A25 includes a wide angle camera, allowing for broader capture; lacking on S21+. |
| Portrait mode | Not available | 2MP f/2.4 | A25 includes a dedicated depth sensor, allowing for better portrait mode quality. Lacking on S21+ |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | Not available | S21+ includes a dedicated wide angle and macro camera for close up captures, lacking on A25. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ records higher-resolution 8K video, which is beneficial for pro-grade video creation. A25 is limited to 4K. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 111 / Photo: 118 / Video: 89 | Main: 92 / Photo: 98 / Video: 94 | S21+ generally has better photo capabilities and overall performance, while A25 has slightly better video scores. |
| Features | 8K, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | - | S21+ has additional features for pro-grade photography like 8K video, optical zoom, manual controls and better night photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | A25 runs on a newer Android version and will receive more updates, providing the latest features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ supports faster WiFi 6 speeds, providing better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | A25 has a newer Bluetooth version, with better connection efficiency, reduced power consumption, and enhanced security. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ supports eSIM, allowing for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have identical storage options; no significant difference for storage requirements |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones offer 8GB for multitasking; the A25 also has a 6GB variant. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, making cloud storage or a higher built-in storage option crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers higher quality sound via Hi-Res Audio and a noise-canceling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A25 has a more convenient and secure side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ offers better screen scratch and damage resistance with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21+ has more comprehensive sensor suite, with a barometer and compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Enhanced Display: Brighter display (1300 nits vs. 1000 nits) offers much better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens with optical zoom, 8K video recording, and additional features like RAW, manual controls and night mode for higher quality photos and videos.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation microphone, better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, more comprehensive sensor suite with a barometer and compass
- Faster WiFi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds and better network efficiency.
Samsung Galaxy A25 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 with more future updates.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers marginally better battery life.
- Wider Angle Lens: Includes a wide angle lens allowing for broader capture, and a portrait mode lens, lacking on S21+.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 for better efficiency and enhanced security
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Features a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
- More Affordable: Often positioned as a mid-range option, it is usually more budget-friendly than a flagship.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Sacrifices wide-angle, portrait mode lens and the latest Android version, and a more convenient side fingerprint sensor.
- A25: Lower performance, less-capable main camera, and misses key features like 8K video and wireless charging, but is more affordable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value image quality, optical zoom, manual controls and advanced video features.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who benefit from eSIM support, wireless charging, reverse charging, and bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who want the best multimedia experience Users that value High Quality audio and video.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Playing graphics-intensive games at high frame rates
- Shooting pro-grade video content in 8K and capturing photos with optical zoom.
- Multitasking with multiple resource-intensive apps
- Working outdoors in bright sunlight without screen visibility issues.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A25:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize everyday tasks, social media, and photography.
- Users who value a more updated software experience: Those who want the latest Android version and future updates.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Marginal improvement in battery life, and a more convenient side mounted fingerprint reader.
- Users who value wide angle lens: For broad landscapes and group photos.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A25:
- Casual gaming and social media browsing
- Capturing daily photos with a wide angle lens.
- Everyday task management.
- Users who want a newer phone, with a newer OS at a lower price.
- Users who do not require wireless charging, reverse charging, or the highest performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is typically more expensive due to its premium features.
- How important is performance? If you need the best possible performance for gaming or heavy use, the S21+ is a better choice.
- What camera features do you need? If you value zoom capabilities, optical stabilization, 8K video and RAW photography, choose S21+. If you prioritize a wide angle lens and updated software, the A25 is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming & Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior performance, better camera system, and enhanced display.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A25 for its more budget-friendly price, newer software, and adequate performance for casual use.
Scenario 3: Multimedia & Travel: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its brighter display, better video capabilities, and wireless charging.
Scenario 4: Social Media & Casual Photos: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A25 for its wide angle lens and adequate camera performance for social media.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Here's why:
- Performance is Key: While I value a good user experience, raw performance and fluidity of operations are the most important to me. The Exynos 2100 in the S21+ offers significantly better performance, making the experience smoother, and more responsive.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens and 8K video recording capabilities of the S21+ are important for me, for capturing videos and taking high quality zoomed photos. The improved low light performance will also allow me to take better quality photos.
- Display Brightness: A brighter display is crucial for outdoor use and will allow me to see the screen in daylight without having to shade it.
- Premium Features: I value the additional features such as wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
While the Galaxy A25 has a newer OS and a slightly larger battery, these advantages do not outweigh the importance of better performance, camera capabilities, and display quality that the S21+ offers. The S21+ caters to my preference for a high-performing, versatile device, even though it's older.
