1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23+, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | S21+ is slightly taller & thicker, while S23+ is a bit wider, but overall very similar. Minor differences in pocketability/hand feel. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Nearly identical; negligible weight difference in everyday use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both offer excellent screen protection, S23+ might have slight advantage in drop resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ offers slightly larger screen for media consumption; S23+ has a negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness; difference unnoticeable to naked eye. |
| PPI | 394 | 393 | Virtually identical pixel density, both appear sharp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Same vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ has a much more powerful and efficient processor, faster apps, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,508,732 | S23+ is significantly faster in benchmarks, showing better overall performance, especially noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | S23+ has a superior GPU for smoother gaming and graphics intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S23+ captures more detailed images, especially in good light; larger sensor may offer slightly better low-light performance, though pixel size is smaller. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (telephoto + portrait) | 10MP (telephoto lens) | S21+ has dedicated telephoto+portrait sensor while S23+ uses a dedicated telephoto lens. S21+ has a higher resolution while S23+ has a telephoto lens, potentially better for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | 12.2MP (Wide Angle lens) | S23+ has a dedicated Wide Angle lens, while S21+ has Wide Angle + Macro. S23+ dedicated lens may have better performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23+ captures slightly more detail in selfies; minor difference. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both record high-quality video with stabilization, S21+ has a higher frame rate for 8K. |
| DXOMARK Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main: 133 | S23+ scores higher overall for mobile camera performance; S21+ scores higher for photo and video in DXOMARK score. |
| Features | Digital Image Stabilization | No Digital Image Stabilization | Both offer OIS, but S21+ has additional digital stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4700 mAh | Very similar battery size; expect comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charge in-box | 10W Wireless Charging (Qi/PMA), 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Bypass Charging | S21+ has faster wireless charging and includes in-box charger, S23+ offers bypass charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23+ has newer OS and will get more software updates and features for longer. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 + MIMO | Both offer fast WiFi, but S23+ has MIMO for potentially more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | S23+ has a newer version of Bluetooth for better efficiency. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | S23+ provides more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Adequate RAM for smooth multitasking on both. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No storage expansion for either device. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | S21+ has additional noise cancellation mic for better call clarity |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Comprehensive suite | Both offer similar sensor options suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly larger display: A 6.7" screen provides more real estate for media and browsing.
- Faster 8K Video Recording: Ability to record 8K at 60fps, better if you need higher frame rate 8K videos.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better call quality and audio capture.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging capability for convenience.
- In-box charger: Comes with a charger in the box which is a cost saving.
- Slightly better photo and video score: Superior video and photo score in DXOMARK testing.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Significantly faster processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers superior speed, efficiency, and gaming performance.
- Much brighter display: 1750 nits brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster charging: 45W fast charging gets you back to full faster.
- More internal storage options: Offers 256 GB and 512 GB storage configurations.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.3 for better battery efficiency.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 and will receive more updates.
- Wider range of dedicated camera lenses: Dedicated telephoto and wide angle lenses.
- Bypass Charging: Ability to use the phone without charging the battery.
- Higher DXOMARK Score: Higher overall mobile camera score than the S21+.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ users trade raw performance for a slightly larger screen and potentially better video performance with a higher frame rate for 8K videos.
- S23+ users trade the included charger and slightly worse photo/video DXOMARK score for faster charging, vastly superior chipset and a much brighter display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a premium Samsung phone experience at a potentially lower price.
- Media consumers: Users who prioritize a slightly larger screen for watching videos and browsing.
- Users who need an in-box charger: Users who prefer not to purchase a charger separately
- Users who need a noise cancellation microphone: Users who need to make high quality calls.
- Users who need to take higher frame rate 8K videos: Users who are looking to get higher frame rate videos.
Specific Use Cases for S21+:
- Watching videos and movies.
- Casual gaming (less demanding games).
- Basic social media usage and web browsing.
- Taking high frame rate 8K videos.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and power users who need the best performance.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Those who need a screen that is highly visible in direct sunlight.
- Users who prioritize future-proofing: Those who want a phone with a newer OS that will receive longer software updates.
- Users who need more storage: Users who need more than 256GB.
- Users who need faster charging: Users who dislike waiting long to charge their phone.
Specific Use Cases for S23+:
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Heavy multitasking and app switching.
- Taking detailed photos in varying light conditions.
- Reliable performance for many years.
- Using the phone for extended periods without charging the battery.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21+ offers good value for users who can compromise on processing power for a lower cost and a larger display.
- The S23+ provides a much more powerful and premium experience, justifying a potentially higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need the fastest possible performance for gaming and heavy tasks, or is adequate performance sufficient?
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a slightly larger screen, or is a brighter display for outdoor use more important?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend for a premium smartphone experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget & Casual Use: If you're on a tighter budget, mainly use your phone for basic tasks, and prefer a slightly larger screen, the S21+ is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Power User: If you're a heavy gamer or need top-tier performance, and value a much brighter display, the S23+ is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Future Proofing: If you want a phone that will stay up to date longer and offer software updates for longer, the S23+ is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23+. Here's why:
While the slightly larger display of the S21+ is appealing, the performance gap between the Exynos 2100 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is massive. I value the significantly faster processing speeds and better GPU offered by the S23+, as I prioritize smooth performance, especially for gaming and demanding applications. Also, the greatly improved brightness on the S23+ would be highly beneficial for outdoor use. Finally, the newer OS and additional software updates on the S23+ would provide a longer and more optimized user experience. While I would miss the slightly faster 8K video recording and a charger in the box, the overall benefits of the S23+ outweigh these minor trade-offs, making it a much more appealing option for my needs.
