1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 is slightly taller and thinner, while S21+ is wider. The size difference isn't major but might feel different in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 173g | The M52 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear images with identical resolution. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Practically identical pixel density, meaning similar visual sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED screens known for deep blacks and rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations with a high refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21+ screen is much brighter, significantly improving visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21+ has a higher-end chip for faster app loading and overall performance. M52's chip is more power efficient but slightly slower in performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 589,200 | S21+ offers considerably higher benchmark performance (27% higher) which should mean snappier everyday use and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21+’s GPU is more powerful, better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97", 0.8µm | M52 has higher resolution, but S21+ has a larger sensor which generally captures more light resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which is not available in M52. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | M52 has a significantly higher resolution front camera for potentially sharper selfies. |
| Depth Camera | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | M52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects, which is not available in the S21+. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | M52 has a slightly higher resolution. S21+ has a larger sensor size, resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@30fps, No EIS | S21+ can record at much higher resolution with video stabilization and stereo sound, making it far better for content creation. |
| DXOMark | Overall 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | No Data | S21+ has been professionally tested with positive results. M52 has no camera performance score available, making it hard to judge the overall quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The M52 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more screen time. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at the same speed with the same power rating. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse charging & wireless 4.5W, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21+ offers advanced battery features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, but has no charger included. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 15 | Android 11, max 13 | S21+ is slated to receive more OS updates than the M52, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | The S21+ has a larger storage option, while M52 does not offer a 256 GB varient. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both have good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | The S21+ offers enhanced audio features with higher quality output and noise cancellation |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | M52 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | The S21+ includes additional environmental sensors making it suitable for different use cases, including advanced sensor functionalities in games and AR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits vs 800 nits) is essential for outdoor visibility and HDR content.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a considerable performance boost (27% higher Antutu score), making it snappier for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, 8K video recording, OIS and generally better low light camera capabilities.
- Advanced Battery Features: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Premium Audio: Offers Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone, and stereo speakers for better audio experience.
- Longer Software Support: Will receive more OS updates.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes compass and barometer, which can be useful for navigation and outdoor activities.
- eSIM Support: Useful for travel and digital carrier management.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter (173g vs 200g) making it more comfortable to hold.
- Larger Battery (Marginally): Slightly larger battery capacity (5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh) which may result in longer usage time.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for sharper selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth camera, improving portrait mode effects.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient and generally faster fingerprint sensor.
- Potentially More Affordable: May be a budget-friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Heavier, no charger in the box, potentially more expensive.
- M52: Significantly less bright screen, lower benchmark performance, lacks the more advanced camera features of the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Those who need the best possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who want a versatile camera system with telephoto zoom, and high quality low light photos and 8k video recording.
- Content Creators: Users who need 8K video recording, stereo audio, and a high-quality display for video editing.
- Outdoor Users: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright, easily visible screen in direct sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who desire advanced features like wireless charging and eSIM.
- Users Who Need Longevity: Those who want a phone with longer software support.
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Professional mobile photography and videography.
- Playing graphics-intensive games at higher settings.
- Seamless multitasking between demanding apps.
- Navigating in bright outdoor conditions.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable 5G phone without paying a premium price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who want a high-resolution front-facing camera for sharp and detailed selfies.
- Users who prefer lighter phones: Those who value comfort and ergonomics.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: This might be more convenient to use.
Use Cases for M52 5G:
- Daily usage for communication and social media.
- Taking selfies and casual photography.
- Moderate gaming and content consumption.
- General browsing and media consumption.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy S21+ offers better overall value if the budget allows, given its superior performance, display, camera, and battery features.
- The Galaxy M52 provides good value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a large screen, 5G connectivity, and a lighter design with a bigger battery capacity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is likely a more expensive phone.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? The S21+ has a much brighter screen, crucial in direct sunlight.
- Do you prioritize high-performance gaming and professional level photography/videography? The S21+ is the better choice for power users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you need a top-tier phone for demanding tasks, outdoor use, and professional-grade photo/video, and have the budget, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: If your priority is a light phone, a lower price tag, a big battery, and a great selfie camera, the Galaxy M52 5G offers a very good alternative.
- Scenario 3: If you are looking for a more balanced phone with better low light photos, video capabilities and more features, you would be better off with the Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G has some merits with its lighter design, larger battery capacity, high-resolution selfie camera and a side mounted fingerprint sensor, the advantages of the S21+ are more critical for my use case. The main reason is the significantly better display quality, with its higher brightness levels making it practical for outdoor usage which is my everyday situation. Also, the considerably better performance of the S21+ with the Exynos 2100 chipset means I could expect smoother operation and faster app loading, which would make a bigger difference in everyday experience. In addition, I prioritize good camera quality and features, and the S21+ surpasses the M52 in its photo capabilities with its better sensors, telephoto lens, 8k video recording and generally better low light photography. Finally, the wireless charging and the better build quality add an extra touch of convenience that I value.
Therefore, despite the higher price, I would prefer the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its better overall performance and features, which fits my needs best.
