1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-03-28 | The M55 is significantly newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm | M55 is slightly taller and wider but same thickness. Negligible difference in handling. |
| Weight | 200g | 180g | M55 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness, no practical difference in image clarity. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Virtually identical pixel density; indistinguishable to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant, high-contrast displays with deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has a much brighter display, significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Brightness of M55 is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | S21+ has a flagship-level chip from its time. M55 has a newer mid-range chip; S21+ has a 7% higher Antutu score |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 698,000 | S21+ shows slightly better performance for intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs, both capable of handling most mobile games, though performance varies based on optimization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | M55 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | M55 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No in-box | None | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities; M55 doesn't have these features. S21+ doesn't come with charger in box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8 | M55's higher resolution sensor could capture more detail. S21+ has a bigger sensor with bigger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Rear | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. M55 lacks optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 50MP, f/2.2 | M55's higher resolution selfie camera could capture more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | M55 has a dedicated wide angle lens, offering a wider field of view. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | M55 has a macro lens for close up photography. |
| Wide Angle+Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated Wide Angle+Macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ offers higher video recording resolution. S21+ has better slow motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Main: 111 Photo: 118 Video: 89 | N/A | S21+ is better in overall camera performance (based on DxO scores). M55 has no official scores. |
| Camera Features | 8K, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Lacks 8K, Optical Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | S21+ offers greater creative possibilities with additional features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | M55 has a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards; no significant practical difference. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | M55 has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better range and stability. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | NavIC system, QZSS | M55 supports more satelitte systems offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for most tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21+ has an edge in audio quality due to better speaker setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ uses a more durable glass which offers better protection from scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | None | S21+ has additional sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: The S21+'s screen gets significantly brighter (1300 nits vs the M55's unknown brightness), offering much better outdoor visibility.
- Stronger Performance: While older, the Exynos 2100 chipset provides slightly better performance for demanding tasks and higher benchmarks scores.
- Better Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and Wide Angle+Macro camera, 8K video recording, better DxOMark camera scores and more advanced features (RAW, Night mode, manual focus)
- Wireless Charging: Includes convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for switching carriers.
- Better build quality: Better screen protection, Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 5.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation and stereo speakers
- More sensors: Has a barometer which the M55 lacks.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched significantly later, likely receiving longer software support.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 25W.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: The M55 has higher resolution main and selfie cameras, potentially capturing more detail.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: The inclusion of a wide-angle and a macro lens for more versatile photography.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for potentially better connectivity.
- More GPS Systems: Offers additional satellite navigation support.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Lacks modern camera versatility (wide/macro), and has a heavier build, older chipset, a little lower battery and slower charging.
- M55: Significantly lower display brightness, inferior overall camera performance and lacking wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who often use their phones in bright sunlight will benefit from the higher brightness.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a zoom lens and the ability to capture photos in RAW format, with better image quality.
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the best possible performance for intensive gaming or editing.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who value higher audio quality and wireless charging capabilities
- Frequent Travelers: Users that want to have a secondary eSIM.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: The telephoto lens, RAW support, and better image quality make it a better tool for serious photography.
- Outdoor Navigation: The higher brightness ensures visibility even in bright daylight.
- Gaming: The higher processing power and better audio make it ideal for gamers.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a lighter phone with a long-lasting battery, especially those who use their phone indoors.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who want the best possible selfies with higher resolution.
- Social Media Users: Users who want versatile cameras (wide and macro) and quick charging.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who are looking for good value at a lower price point for a modern device.
Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: The lighter weight and fast charging make it ideal for daily tasks, social media, and communication.
- Social Photography: The higher resolution selfie and the wide-angle and macro lenses are great for casual social media content creation.
- On-the-go Lifestyle: The fast charging and lighter build suit those always on the move.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How important is outdoor visibility? If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the S21+ is the clear winner with its much brighter display.
What type of photography do you value more? If zoom, better image quality, and manual controls are important, the S21+ is better. If you like wide-angle and macro shots with a high-resolution selfie camera, the M55 is the better option.
What are your priorities for battery life, charging, and comfort? If you prioritize lighter weight and faster charging, the M55 is a better option. If you want wireless charging, the S21+ is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Outdoor Enthusiast/Photographer: If you spend a lot of time outdoors and want a versatile camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice due to its higher brightness, telephoto camera, and RAW support.
Scenario 2: Casual User/Social Media: If you need a lighter device with a long-lasting battery, fast charging, and prefer higher resolution selfies, the Samsung Galaxy M55 is more suitable.
Scenario 3: Performance and Multimedia: If you are a gamer who also listens to a lot of music on their phone and want wireless charging capabilities, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
What would I choose and why?
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Galaxy M55 offers some attractive features like a newer OS, lighter design, and faster charging, my priorities lean towards the S21+'s superior display brightness for outdoor visibility, the better camera system with telephoto zoom and higher image quality, the slightly higher performance, and the wireless charging convenience. As a person who takes many outdoor photos and often finds myself in bright environments, the improved camera quality and better outdoor visibility is very important for me. Even though it is an older device, it still holds up very well in these crucial aspects, making it the more appealing option overall, plus the better speakers and audio quality is a welcome addition.
