1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip4 offers unique, compact foldability; S21+ is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.2 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | S21+ is wider and thicker; Z Flip4 is taller and thinner. Overall, S21+ has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | Z Flip4 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has slightly sharper display, though the difference may not be very noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 426 | Z Flip4's higher pixel density may result in slightly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21+ has superior AMOLED display technology, offering better contrast, deeper blacks, and superior power efficiency for dark themes. Z Flip4 display technology is not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21+ has better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 has a newer, more efficient, and significantly more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 delivers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4's Adreno GPU is generally superior for graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12.2MP | Similar resolution for main camera |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2.55" | S21+ has a larger sensor, generally better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP | None | S21+ offers dedicated telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle Camera | None | 13MP | Z Flip4 offers dedicated wide-angle camera |
| Ultra-Wide + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | None | S21+ offers ultrawide and macro capabilities |
| Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.4 | S21+ front camera has a wider aperture for potentially better low light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | S21+ supports higher resolution video, offering more flexibility for professional videographers. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | 112 | Z Flip4 has a slightly better overall score. |
| DxOMark Score (Photo) | 118 | 125 | Z Flip4 scores much better for photo quality. |
| DxOMark Score (Video) | 89 | 113 | Z Flip4 scores significantly better for video quality. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, RAW, Night Mode | Tracking AF, Dual camera | S21+ has additional features such as telephoto lens, while Z Flip4 has a tracking AF feature. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3700mAh | S21+ has significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, but Z Flip4 charges 50% in 30 min. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support 15W Wireless charging |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W | Reverse Charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, Bypass Charging, | Z Flip4 has additional features such as fast wireless charging, and bypass charging, which allows users to use the phone while it is charging without overcharging the battery. Both have similar charging capabilities, however, S21+ does not come with a charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity (4800mAh vs 3700mAh) provides considerably better battery life, making it ideal for heavy users.
- AMOLED Display Technology: Superior display technology provides better contrast, color reproduction, and black levels.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom, providing versatility when taking photos at a distance.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording professional-grade 8K video, ideal for users who need the highest quality video.
- Wider Aperture Front Camera: Better low-light performance for selfies
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique and highly portable foldable design, offering a smaller footprint when closed.
- Newer, More Powerful Processor: Significantly faster performance with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
- Better Camera Performance (DxOMark): Scores higher in overall camera performance, particularly in video and photo quality.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and modern fingerprint sensor placement.
- Bypass Charging: Allows to use the phone while charging without overcharging the battery.
- Wide Angle Camera: Allows more versatile photos, able to capture more of a scene
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Improved wireless performance
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Sacrifices portability and the latest performance for better battery life and camera versatility.
- Z Flip4: Trades better battery life and some camera features (telephoto) for portability, newer technology, and better main camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize battery life and need their phone to last all day with heavy usage (e.g., media consumption, gaming, etc.).
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom and 8K video recording.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for a high-end experience at a potentially lower price point, since the S21+ is an older model.
- Those who value a traditional smartphone form factor: People who are not interested in a foldable phone and want a traditional 'slab' phone form factor
Use Cases for S21+:
- Long Travel Days: Where charging opportunities are limited.
- Outdoor Photography: Leveraging the versatile camera system in varied lighting conditions.
- Professional Videography: Recording high-quality 8K video content.
- Heavy Gaming: Sustained gaming sessions due to the larger battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Ideal Users:
- Fashion-Forward & Tech-Savvy: Those who appreciate unique designs and the latest technology.
- Portability Advocates: Individuals who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- Social Media Content Creators: Those who need a great camera for social media pictures and videos.
- Users who prioritize daily camera performance: Users who want best overall camera performance
- Those who value innovation: People who like to have the latest cutting edge tech, in a unique and innovative form factor
Use Cases for Z Flip4:
- Quick Snaps & Social Media: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with a more advanced camera system.
- On-the-Go Lifestyle: Easily fitting in a pocket or small bag.
- Hands-Free Usage: Utilizing the partially folded design for hands-free video calls or content consumption.
- Unique Interaction: Taking advantage of the fold's versatility for photography and other tasks
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life? (If top priority, S21+ is better)
- Do you value cutting-edge technology and portability over all else? (Z Flip4 is a better choice)
- What kind of camera usage do you expect? (S21+ is more versatile, Z Flip4 has superior main camera quality).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Heavy User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior battery life and versatile camera.
- Fashion-Conscious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for its innovative foldable design, portability, and top-of-the-line performance.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers flagship features at a potentially lower cost.
- Everyday User: It depends on your values. If you value a better main camera and newer tech, choose the Z Flip4. If you value a longer battery life and versatility, choose the S21+.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. The appeal of the foldable design is too strong to ignore. While the S21+ has its advantages in battery life and camera versatility, the Z Flip4's cutting-edge processor and enhanced main camera performance, along with its portability, make it more attractive for daily use. The slightly smaller battery is a trade-off I am willing to make for the improved performance and unique form factor. I am not a heavy user of a telephoto lens, so not having one does not impact my decision much, and I value being able to easily pocket my phone more than a larger battery life. In conclusion, I would choose the Z Flip 4 due to it being more of a leap in tech and innovation.
