Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip3 offers unique foldable design; S21+ is a traditional slab. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | Z Flip3 is slightly taller and thinner, while S21+ is wider, Z Flip3 is more pocketable when folded, S21+ has a larger overall volume |
| Weight | 200g | 183g | Z Flip3 is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have same display size; no difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | Z Flip3 has slightly sharper display due to a higher pixel count, but difference is minor |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 426 ppi | Z Flip3 has a marginally sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21+ has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better power efficiency for dark themes. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ is slightly brighter; better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Z Flip3's Snapdragon 888 generally performs better in demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 898,700 | Z Flip3 has a better performance, leading to smoother experience when using demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Z Flip3's Adreno 660 provides superior graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" sensor | S21+ has a larger main sensor for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | Not Available | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 13MP, 1/3.06" sensor | Z Flip3 offers wide angle capabilities whereas the S21+ offers a wide + macro lens |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.4 | S21+ has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ supports higher resolution video recording, ideal for content creators |
| DxoMark (Video) | 89 | 110 | Z Flip3 has superior video performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3300mAh | S21+ has significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21+ charges faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21+ supports wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max upgrade to 15 | Android 11, max upgrade to 14 | S21+ will receive one more major Android upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Z Flip3 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for faster data transfer. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Z Flip3 has a slightly more efficient connection. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1+L5, L1, B1, E1+E5a | Z Flip3 supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Sufficient for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support MicroSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, noise cancellation microphone | Stereo Speakers | S21+ has richer audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display | Side-mounted | Z Flip3 has a more accessible fingerprint scanner. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Battery Life: The significantly larger 4800mAh battery offers much longer usage time, making it ideal for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging is significantly faster than the Z Flip3's 15W.
- Better Camera System: Telephoto lens allows for better zoom capabilities. Main sensor is larger, providing better low light performance.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation for an enhanced multimedia experience.
- Brighter Display: 100 nits higher brightness making it better for outdoor visibility.
- Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
- One more Android update: Will get updated to Android 15.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Advantages:
- Unique Foldable Design: Offers a compact form factor when folded and a more portable design.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU provides a performance boost in gaming and demanding tasks.
- Better Video Quality: Higher DxoMark video score due to superior video recording performance.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Wi-Fi MiMO for faster data transfer.
- More Location Satellites: Better GPS accuracy with more satellite systems.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 for a more efficient connection.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more accessible and quicker fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
- Wide Angle Camera: Offers wider shots for landscape and group photos.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ Trade-off: Traditional form factor, lacks the unique portability of the Flip3.
- Z Flip3 Trade-off: Inferior battery life and slower charging compared to the S21+. Lacks zoom capabilities, wireless charging, and superior audio quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Ideal User
- Heavy Smartphone Users: People who need long battery life for a full day's use.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality audio and video playback.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need versatile camera features including zoom.
- Power Users: Users who need a reliable and consistent performance for a variety of tasks.
- Practical User: Users who prefer a traditional phone form factor without the hinge mechanism.
Use Cases:
- Long days without access to a charger.
- Watching movies and listening to music.
- Taking photos with zoom capabilities and using high quality audio recording.
- Multi-tasking across many apps.
- Consistent use for communications, browsing and productivity without worrying about battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: Ideal User
- Fashion-Conscious Users: People who value unique design and portability.
- Casual Gamers: Users who appreciate the performance boost for smooth gaming.
- Users Who Prioritize Compactness: Individuals who want a smaller phone that fits easily in pockets or bags.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who are interested in innovative technology.
Use Cases:
- Carrying the phone in small pockets or bags without any bulk.
- Playing graphic intensive games.
- Using for social media consumption and content creation.
- Seeking a unique design statement.
- Using it primarily for on-the-go activities and occasional tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Battery Life: Is having the longest possible battery life a top priority?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or the unique foldable design?
- Camera Needs: Do you require versatile zoom capabilities or do you primarily focus on standard and wide angle shots?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Long Battery Life: If you frequently find yourself away from a charger, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear winner due to its larger battery and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Compact Design & Gaming: If a unique design and compact form factor is a must have with a performance boost for gaming, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is better suited for you.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Multimedia: If you are someone who likes to take photos using zoom capabilities and want high quality audio, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better due to its advanced camera system and superior audio features.
My Choice
Given the choice between the two phones and after considering their various features and benefits, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
My main priorities when choosing a smartphone revolve around reliability, performance and practical usage, without any specific need for any advanced use case. The S21+ provides this in abundance by having a larger battery allowing for use throughout the day, a better camera system suitable for daily use, a brighter display for comfortable outdoor usage and advanced audio features to enhance multimedia consumption.
The Z Flip3's compact foldable design is appealing, but its shortcomings in battery life and camera features, outweigh its portability benefits. While the Z Flip3 may have a slight performance advantage, the S21+ is more than capable of handling my daily tasks and even gaming. Therefore, the practicality of the S21+ coupled with its longer battery life and superior camera features makes it a more suitable choice for me.
