1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 mm | S21+ is larger and bulkier, S23 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 168g | S23 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ has a larger screen for media consumption, S23 more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar sharpness, minor difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 394 | 425 | S23 has slightly sharper text and images, but both are excellent. |
| 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 | 1750 nits | S23 is much better in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 is significantly faster, with better app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,456,671 | S23 has almost double the benchmark score; S23 will handle heavy tasks and demanding games significantly better. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | S23 provides a smoother experience when graphically intensive tasks are needed. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3900mAh | S21+ is likely to last longer on a single charge, despite older processor. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both offer similar charging speed, but the S23 also has "Bypass Charging" to reduce heat buildup during gaming. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse, No Charge Brick | 10W Wireless, Reverse, Bypass Charging | S21+ offers slightly faster wireless charging but lacks the bypass charging feature; both do not come with a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", GN5 | S23 captures more detail and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", S5KGW2 | Not Present | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto, missing from S23. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", IMX374 | 12MP, f/2.2, S5K3LU | S23 offers slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Present | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", S5K3K1 | S23 has a dedicated telephoto, missing from S21+. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX564 | S23 has a dedicated wide angle camera, missing from S21+. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", IMX563 | Not Present | S21+ has a dedicated wide angle/macro combo camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both are capable of professional quality video, but S21+ can shoot 8K at 60fps; both offer similar features (HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound) |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 133 | S23 has a higher overall score, but this score doesn't show details of photo/video (S21+ had 118 for photo and 89 for video). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 13 (Up to 17) | S23 has a newer base OS with a longer update lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | S23 offers slightly improved Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 has better efficiency and range |
| GPS | Dual-band (L1+L5) | Dual-band (L1+L5), GLONASS L1 | S23 has a more accurate GPS system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S23 offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both phones have similar performance regarding RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers higher quality audio, including Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer a basic fingerprint scanner for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23 provides slightly better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both have a full suite of sensors needed for modern smartphone use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: 4800mAh provides longer battery life.
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens offers better zoom capabilities.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Dedicated macro lens for close up detailed shots
- Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a superior audio experience.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is better for users who prioritize a big screen, long battery life, a dedicated zoom camera, and superior audio.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:
- More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is significantly faster and more efficient.
- Brighter Display: 1750 nits brightness improves visibility in sunlight.
- Newer Software: Android 13 with longer software update support.
- Better Main Camera: The 50 MP main camera captures more detail and better low-light shots.
- Telephoto lens: Dedicated telephoto lens offers better zoom capabilities.
- Wide Angle Lens: Dedicated wide angle lens.
- Compact Design: More pocketable and lightweight compared to the S21+.
- Bypass Charging: Better for extended gaming sessions, reducing heat buildup.
- Better Connectivity: More accurate GPS and newer Bluetooth version.
Practical Implications: The S23 is better for users who want top performance, excellent outdoor visibility, the latest software and a smaller form factor while still having solid camera features and better connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ has a larger screen and battery, but S23 has a much better processor and camera.
- S21+ has a dedicated telephoto and Macro camera while S23 has a dedicated telephoto and Wide Angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who frequently watch videos, browse the web, use the phone for extended periods, appreciate superior audio quality, and need a dedicated zoom and macro camera.
- Use Cases:
- Binge-watching movies or TV shows.
- Long commutes or travel where battery life is crucial.
- Casual photography where good zoom is necessary.
- Listening to music or podcasts with high-fidelity.
Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize fast performance, photography, prefer compact phones, play demanding games, and want the latest features and software.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, especially graphically intensive titles.
- Outdoor use, due to higher screen brightness.
- Everyday photography and video recording with improved quality.
- Users wanting a small and compact phone that performs exceptionally well.
- Price-to-Value: The S23 may be priced higher, but offers significant upgrades in performance and camera over the S21+.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize screen size and battery life, or performance and portability?
- Is a top-tier camera with versatile lenses a high priority?
- Do you need the absolute latest software and future-proofing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Long Battery Life: If you frequently watch videos, browse, or are on the go, the S21+ might be a better fit due to its larger display, bigger battery, dedicated zoom and macro cameras, and higher quality audio.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance: If you need top-tier performance, gaming capabilities, and a brighter screen, and don't mind a smaller form factor and slightly lower battery, the S23 is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality, the S23 is generally the better choice with its better sensor, better main camera, and a dedicated telephoto and Wide Angle lens.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: The S21+ will likely be available at a lower price point than the S23, making it the better option if budget is a primary concern.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a huge leap in performance compared to the Exynos 2100, making the S23 a much smoother and more responsive device for all tasks, including demanding games and multitasking.
- Camera: Despite the loss of the telephoto/macro lens, the S23's new main sensor and inclusion of a telephoto and wide angle lens offer better overall photo quality, especially in low light, and more versatile shooting options.
- Software: The newer OS and longer software support lifecycle on the S23 are critical for maintaining security and ensuring access to new features.
- Practicality: The more compact and lightweight design of the S23, combined with the brighter screen, makes it more practical for everyday use, particularly outdoor use.
While I appreciate the larger screen and better battery life of the S21+, the improved performance, camera, and modern features of the S23 outweigh those benefits for me. The S23 is simply a more future-proof and versatile device that aligns with my needs.
