1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy M35, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | S21+ is slimmer and slightly narrower, M35 is bulkier, might be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 222g | S21+ is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing, negligible in day-to-day use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar sharpness, differences are negligible in real-world viewing. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 390 | Both have virtually the same pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ will be much easier to see in bright sunlight, while the M35's brightness specification is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | S21+ has a more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 578,500 | S21+ shows significantly better performance in benchmarks. Better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP5 | S21+ has a superior GPU, delivering better graphics performance for gaming and visually demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a significantly larger battery, potentially providing much longer battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | Non-removable | S21+ has additional Wireless charging capabilities. M35 is missing a charger in the box, which should be considered. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | M35 has higher resolution for potentially more detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2" | S21+ has a larger sensor, typically better for low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes | No | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Camera | No | Yes | M35 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a shot. |
| Macro Camera | No | Yes | M35 has a dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 13MP | M35 offers slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ can record in 8K for high-resolution videos. |
| Additional Camera Features | Optical Zoom, RAW, PDAF | Pro Video Mode, AI Engine, RAW 12bits, DOL HDR | S21+ has optical zoom, while the M35 has more video-centric features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | M35 ships with a newer version of Android, may offer longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar standard for fast internet; the M35 additionally has Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | M35 has a newer, more efficient version of Bluetooth for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | QZSS | Similar location capabilities; S21+ has additional GPS bands for accuracy. M35 has QZSS for more locations |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support. S21+ adds eSIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come in 128 GB and 256 GB versions. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have an 8GB RAM options, but the M35 also has a lower 6GB RAM variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, might be limiting for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Both have Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. The S21+ has a noise cancelling mic for better calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M35 uses side-mounted which is considered more convenient |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both screens are protected by the same Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has additional environmental sensors, while Samsung Galaxy M35 has an Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages and trade-offs for each phone:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better graphics performance for gaming.
- Better Display Visibility: Significantly higher brightness (1300 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens for optical zoom, larger main camera sensor, more video recording capabilities up to 8K for high-quality results.
- Premium Audio Experience: Noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls, slightly better spatial audio.
- eSIM Support: Added flexibility of using eSIMs for managing mobile plans.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: S21+ can charge other devices wirelessly
- More sensors: Compass and Barometer for more advanced features
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery for much longer battery life.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14
- Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Greater versatility in photography with dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 for more efficient connectivity and wider codec support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient than a basic in-display sensor.
- More Video features: Features like Pro Video Mode, AutoFraming and more offer better video recording options.
- Lower price: The M35 will likely be more budget friendly than the S21+
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Lower battery capacity, bulkier build, older software.
- M35: Lower performance, and lesser camera versatility, no charger included in box, screen brightness specifications are missing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Here are some ideal users and use cases for each phone:
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, video content creators, individuals who need a premium device with top-tier performance.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics requirements.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Users who use wireless charging
- Price-to-Value: The S21+ is a more premium device with a higher price, but offers significantly better performance.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Everyday users, those prioritizing long battery life, casual photographers, budget-conscious buyers.
- Use Cases:
- Extended use throughout the day without needing to recharge.
- Casual photography with wide-angle and macro lens options.
- Streaming videos and browsing the web.
- Users that prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors.
- Price-to-Value: The M35 offers better value if you need longer battery and don't need the high-end performance.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider:
- What is my primary use case? Do I need top-tier gaming and processing power (S21+), or long-lasting battery and flexibility (M35)?
- How important is the camera to me? Do I need optical zoom and 8K video (S21+) or am I fine with a wide angle and a macro lens (M35)
- How long do I want my battery to last? The S21+ will need to be charged more often than the M35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Power User: If you are a mobile gamer, heavy app user, and want the best performance, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Casual User with Long Battery Life: If you need a phone that will easily last a full day of use or more, the Galaxy M35 is the way to go.
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: If you are more into photography, the Galaxy S21+ 5G will provide a better experience, however if you are limited by budget and still enjoy photography, the Galaxy M35 will offer good value.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Here's why:
- Performance: I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for multitasking and occasional gaming. The Exynos 2100 provides a noticeable performance edge that I would appreciate.
- Camera: While the M35 has its camera advantages, the optical zoom, better low light performance, and additional video features such as 8k of the S21+ align more with my interests.
- Display: The significantly brighter display will help to view my screen easier outdoors.
- Software Support: While the S21+ has an older software version, it is still supported and will continue to receive updates.
- Premium Build: The slimmer build of the S21+ and the additional features like reverse wireless charging is a bonus in a day-to-day user perspective.
While the longer battery life of the Galaxy M35 is tempting, the superior overall performance of the S21+ outweighs this advantage for my usage habits.
