Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M53
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M53 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-04-22 | Galaxy M53 is a newer model, potentially benefiting from more recent software and hardware advancements. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.7 x 77 x 7.4 mm | M53 is slightly taller and wider, S21+ is slightly thicker. M53 might be less comfortable for one-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 200g | 176g | M53 is significantly lighter, likely more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 394 | Both offer the same pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Spec missing) | S21+ has significantly higher peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. M53's brightness is not specified, but likely lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | S21+ has a higher-performance chipset for faster app loading, smoother UI, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 500,100 | S21+ has a significantly higher score, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | M53 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer usage time. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support 25W fast charging; Li-Polymer is generally more durable. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, No in-box charger | No in-box charger | S21+ offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging. M53 doesn't include a charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 12MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.8 | M53 has much higher resolution main camera, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | M53 has a higher-resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | S21+ has a wider field of view and slightly more detail on its wide angle. M53 wide angle isn't as good. |
| Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M53 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M53 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, No EIS | S21+ has higher video recording quality, including 8K and 4K@60fps with stabilization. M53 lacks EIS. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ has a well-tested and rated camera system (only available for S21+). |
| Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode, Optical Zoom | Quad camera | S21+ has OIS, RAW support, Night Mode, and Optical zoom; M53 has a quad camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 15 | Android 12, max 13 | M53 ships with newer Android but potentially receives fewer major OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21+ has faster Wi-Fi, better for crowded networks, lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | M53 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering slightly improved connection reliability. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1 | S21+ has more accurate dual-band GPS, especially in urban canyons. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM, useful for travel and multiple carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have identical maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8 GB | S21+ always offers 8GB of RAM, while the M53 has a 6 or 8 GB option; 8 GB offers better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, limiting total storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has better audio features for enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M53 has a more modern and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21+ includes more environmental sensors, useful for applications requiring barometric data and advanced motion tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly higher processing power than the Dimensity 900, resulting in faster app loading, smoother UI, and better gaming performance.
- Better Display Brightness: Significantly higher peak brightness of 1300 nits makes the S21+ much more usable in direct sunlight.
- More Advanced Camera System: Features include a telephoto lens for optical zoom, OIS for better image and video stabilization, 8k video recording and RAW and night mode support.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio support and a noise-canceling microphone offer better sound quality.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, dual-band GPS and eSIM.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless and reverse wireless charging add convenience.
- Robust Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides excellent screen protection.
Samsung Galaxy M53 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched more recently, potentially has minor improvements in certain aspects and has a newer version of Android at launch (however less OS update support).
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter at 176g, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 108MP main camera could capture more details in ideal lighting conditions.
- Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Reader: A more modern fingerprint scanner implementation
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy S21+ 5G trades a slight increase in weight and thickness for superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- The Galaxy M53 sacrifices processing power, screen brightness, camera quality, and audio features for a lighter and slightly cheaper phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value image quality, optical zoom, and advanced video features.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who can benefit from eSIM support and dual-band GPS.
- Users Who Spend Time Outdoors: Those who need excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users who need a robust build quality: Those that want the extra layer of screen protection.
Samsung Galaxy M53 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a large screen and decent camera at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: Those primarily using their phone for social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
- Users who need a very lightweight phone: Those looking for a comfortable device for prolonged use.
- Users who don't plan on heavily using their camera Those who value general camera functionality over premium image quality.
Use Cases:
- S21+ 5G: Gaming (high-graphics games), professional photography/videography, outdoor navigation, demanding mobile workflows, media consumption in bright environments.
- M53: Casual social media browsing, everyday photography, reading, watching videos in indoor environments.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance for gaming and multitasking? (If critical, S21+ is better)
- How much value is placed on high-quality photography/videography? (If high, S21+ is better)
- How important is outdoor visibility and screen brightness? (If highly important, S21+ is better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Demanding user needs top-tier performance: Choose the S21+ for its superior chipset, screen brightness and camera system.
- Scenario 2: User wants a lightweight and affordable phone for general use: Choose the M53 for its comfort, camera, and lower price point.
- Scenario 3: User values superior camera performance and wants to be prepared for any situation: Choose the S21+ for its advanced camera, optical zoom and additional lens options.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is older, the superior chipset, significantly brighter display, more versatile camera with OIS, and advanced features like wireless charging, make it a more complete and future-proof option. I value performance and camera capabilities and the S21+ offers a significant step up in these areas, which outweigh the M53's slightly lighter weight and newer design.
