Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip5's foldable design offers pocketability but requires unfolding for full use. The S21+ is a traditional slab design. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | The Z Flip5 is taller and narrower, but slightly thinner. S21+ is wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | The Z Flip5 is slightly lighter, making it marginally more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same size screen for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | The Z Flip5 has a slightly sharper display, which might be noticeable for fine text and details |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 425 ppi | The Z Flip5 offers a slightly clearer image due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | - | The S21+'s AMOLED display offers superior contrast and color vibrancy; Z Flip 5 display technology not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Z Flip5's newer Snapdragon chip offers significantly faster performance and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,531,700 | The Z Flip5 has much higher performance, leading to faster app launches and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | The Z Flip5 has a newer, more powerful GPU for better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.8 | Both have comparable main cameras. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0 | None | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality at distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.4 | S21+ has a slightly brighter aperture selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip5 has a wide-angle camera, allowing for wider shots and more versatility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21+ has dedicated wide-angle and macro lens combination for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ can record at higher 8K resolution, Z Flip 5 capped at 4k |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111 | 127 | Z Flip5 has a significantly better camera rating. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3700mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both offer the same fast charging speed. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Z Flip5 has bypass charging, which can help with battery health when gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | The Z Flip5 has a newer version of Android, potentially with more features and security updates at launch, while S21+ can be upgraded to a later version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Z Flip5 supports MIMO for potentially faster WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Z Flip5 has a newer version of Bluetooth with potentially better energy efficiency and features. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1+L5, L1, B1, E1+E5a | Z Flip5 supports additional GPS frequencies for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both support dual sim use with physical and digital sims |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The Z Flip5 offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have the same RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers enhanced audio features for better audio experiences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Flip5's side-mounted sensor is a more convenient fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have robust glass protection for the display. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity | Both share key sensor for core functionality and Z Flip 5 offers additional gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery (4800mAh vs 3700mAh), providing longer usage times.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers a dedicated telephoto camera with optical zoom for better quality when zoomed in.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise-cancellation microphone for a richer audio experience.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution, useful for pro-level content creators.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lens combination for versatile close up shots
- Digital Image Stabilization: Enhanced video stabilization through software
Practical Implications: The S21+ is ideal for users who prioritize battery life, optical zoom capabilities, and high quality audio and video recording.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Compact and pocketable when folded, offers a unique user experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: The screen is much brighter, providing superior outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score suggests better photo and video quality
- Newer Bluetooth Version Bluetooth 5.3 LE has better energy efficiancy and features
- Wider Angle Lens The wide-angle lens can be used to capture more of a scene in a shot
- Bypass Charging Can be used while playing games to preserve battery health.
- More Storage Options Max 512gb vs 256 gb on the S21+
Practical Implications: The Z Flip5 excels for users who desire a unique design, top-tier performance, and better camera quality along with better outdoor visibility.
Trade-offs:
- The S21+ trades performance and compactness for a larger battery and enhanced audio features.
- The Z Flip5 trades battery capacity for foldable design, and improved performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a long battery life to get through a full day of heavy usage.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who prioritize audio and high-resolution video, and need the best possible audio and video capture quality.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who value optical zoom capabilities and versatility in camera lenses.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a capable phone, without paying a premium for the latest cutting-edge tech.
Specific Use Cases:
- All-day usage without frequent charging.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos at various zoom levels.
- Enjoying movies and music with high-fidelity sound.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Ideal User:
- Trendsetters: Those who like unique designs and the latest in smartphone technology.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who value top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and productivity.
- Travelers and On-the-Go Users: Those who want a compact phone for easy pocketability and usage.
- Casual Photographers who want great photo quality from a modern sensor.
- Outdoor users that need better visibility in bright light conditions.
Specific Use Cases:
- Easy and compact storage in pockets or small bags.
- Smooth and fast mobile gaming experiences.
- Taking wide shots or creative pictures with the wide-angle lens.
- High-performance phone for work, play, and everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Is battery life or pocketability more important? The S21+ has significantly better battery life, while the Z Flip5 is much smaller when folded.
- Do you need optical zoom and enhanced audio features, or cutting edge performance and an improved camera system? The S21+ has the telephoto lens and enhanced audio features while the Z Flip 5 has a much faster chipset and improved camera system.
- Are you willing to sacrifice battery life for a unique design and foldable form factor? The Z Flip5 offers a unique experience but compromises on battery performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For heavy users who need long battery life and value good audio/video features: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- For users who want the latest technology, top-tier performance, and a unique, compact design: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5.
- For budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a versatile camera system: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. While the S21+ offers a larger battery and some additional camera features like optical zoom and digital image stabilization, the overall user experience of the Z Flip5 would be more enjoyable for me. The drastically improved processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with the better brightness, camera and unique foldable design, makes it more desirable for daily use. The ability to have a modern phone with top tier performance and camera in a compact form factor is a big win. Even though battery life may not be as long as the S21+, the advantages of the Z Flip5 outweighs the battery compromise. I value the modern tech and design that the Z Flip 5 has to offer.
