Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of key specifications, focusing on their practical implications for users:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip6 is foldable, offering a unique compact design when closed. The S21+ is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Z Flip6 is taller and thinner, S21+ is wider and thicker. The S21+ has a slightly larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | Z Flip6 is slightly lighter, which is noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both phones offer the same screen size for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2640 | Z Flip6 has a slightly sharper screen; however, the difference may not be noticeable for most users. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 426 ppi | Z Flip6 offers a marginally sharper display, but the real-world difference is minor. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | S21+ has AMOLED, which typically delivers better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency. The Z Flip6 display technology is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ provides significantly better visibility in direct sunlight due to its higher brightness, The Z Flip6's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Z Flip6's chipset is more powerful and energy-efficient, leading to better performance in demanding tasks and longer battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,250,000 | Z Flip6 has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating a much smoother and faster overall experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Z Flip6's GPU is far more powerful, resulting in better gaming and graphics-intensive app performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Z Flip6's higher resolution main camera captures more detailed images. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | Not Available | S21+ provides a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots and better portrait mode capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 10MP (f/2.2, 1.22µm) | Both have similar selfie camera specs for everyday use. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 12MP (f/2.2) | Z Flip6 provides a wide-angle lens, allowing for more flexible photography scenarios. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | Not Available | S21+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots in addition to the wide angle lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ supports higher resolution video recording with 8K capability. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Main: 132, Photo: 132, Video: 128 | Z Flip6 has significantly superior camera performance based on DxOMark scores. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Tracking AF, Noise reduction, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Both have similar features, but the S21+ offers more manual controls and 8K recording while the Z Flip6 has a more modern AI-powered experience. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4000mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, which generally translates to better battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Fast charging 25W, 50% in 30 min, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable | Z Flip6 supports bypass charging for longer gaming sessions and can charge faster. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Z Flip6 comes with a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and better long-term software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | Z Flip6 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for a better Wi-Fi connection. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Z Flip6 has the newer Bluetooth version for better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip6 offers more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + eSIM) | S21+ supports using two physical SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Z Flip6 offers higher storage options for storing more files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Z Flip6 has more RAM, which improves multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21+ has enhanced audio features for a richer listening experience. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Z Flip6 is generally considered more convenient. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Flip6 offers slightly improved screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Gravity | Z Flip6's gravity sensor could improve motion-based interactions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 4800mAh battery offers longer usage between charges, making it suitable for users who need reliable all-day power.
- Better Brightness: A significantly brighter screen (1300 nits) allows for much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Telephoto + Portrait camera: Dedicated lens for zoomed shots and portrait capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher-resolution video recording if you need high-quality video content.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone for a superior audio experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique and compact form factor when folded, making it very pocketable.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers much faster app loading, better gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Superior Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark scores indicate much better image quality, especially in video.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Comes with more RAM and storage options.
- More Modern Software: Ships with the latest Android version, offering more features and longer-term software support.
- Wider Angle Camera: Has a wider angle camera which is versatile when taking photos and videos.
- More Accurate Location Tracking: Supports more satellite systems for better GPS accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy S21+ has a larger battery but inferior performance. The Z Flip6 has much better performance, but the smaller battery may not last as long on a single charge.
- The Galaxy S21+ has more versatile camera features like an optical zoom and macro lens, while the Z Flip6 offers a better camera system overall, according to DxOMark scores and a wide-angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need their phone to last all day without worrying about charging.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a screen that remains easily readable.
- Users Who Need Versatile Camera Features: Users looking for specific features such as the macro lens, optical zoom and 8K video recording.
- Users Prioritizing Enhanced Audio Quality: Users who appreciate features like Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience.
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Long trips or outdoor activities where charging is difficult.
- Professional videography or photography where 8k recording and specific lens options are needed.
- Daily use with heavy media consumption and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Ideal Users:
- Fashion-conscious Users: Those seeking a unique and stylish phone that stands out.
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who prioritize high-quality images and videos with the convenience of a modern AI-powered camera system.
- Users Who Like a Smaller Phone: Users who need a more compact phone when they are not using it.
Use Cases for Z Flip6:
- Gaming and resource-intensive tasks
- High-quality photography and videography for social media.
- Easy to carry around and fits easily in your pocket or purse when not in use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is battery life to you? If battery life is paramount, the S21+ might be better. If you can charge more frequently and prioritize performance, the Z Flip6 is a better option.
- Do you need a foldable design? If you want a unique design and a highly compact phone, then the Z Flip6 is the clear choice.
- How do you value camera quality? If you need high-quality video content and a superior overall camera experience according to DxOMark scores, the Z Flip6 is much better. If you prioritize camera versatility and specific lens types the S21+ might be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a business professional who needs a reliable phone with a great screen that is visible outdoors. You occasionally record videos but need all-day battery. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is likely better because of its battery life and screen brightness.
- Scenario 2: You are a student who plays a lot of mobile games, takes photos for social media, and values having a stylish device. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 would be better because of the performance, modern camera system and unique design.
- Scenario 3: You are an amateur filmmaker who needs a high-quality camera with 8k video recording for content creation. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may be better due to its 8K recording option and optical zoom capability.
- Scenario 4: You are someone who values a sleek and compact phone that is easy to carry around while still having high performance. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 due to its design and performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6.
Here's why:
While the Galaxy S21+ has a larger battery and a brighter screen, the significant performance improvements, superior camera system, more modern software, and unique foldable design of the Z Flip6 make it a more compelling device overall. I value having a phone that feels fast and responsive for daily tasks and demanding applications. As someone who takes photos and videos often, the significantly higher DxOMark score of the Z Flip6's camera is a major factor. The enhanced GPS, and more future-proof software further solidify my preference for the Z Flip6. The smaller battery could be a drawback, but given today's charging solutions, and I am willing to trade that for the other benefits it provides. Lastly, the foldable form factor would be a unique and convenient experience.
