1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold5 offers a unique, larger screen experience when unfolded, S21+ is a traditional smartphone |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm (Unfolded) | S21+ is taller and thicker; Z Fold5 is much wider when unfolded, more compact when folded |
| Weight | 200g | 253g | S21+ is significantly lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 7.6" (Unfolded) | Z Fold5 offers significantly more screen real estate for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1812 x 2176 | Z Fold5 has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 373 | S21+ has slightly sharper text and images due to slightly higher PPI |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | S21+ AMOLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy, we lack this information for the Z Fold5 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight, data missing for Z Fold 5, so not a fair comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Fold5 has a significantly faster and more power-efficient processor, resulting in better performance and potentially better battery life |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 delivers much smoother gaming, faster app launches, and better multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5 offers superior graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4400mAh | S21+ offers slightly better battery capacity |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support the same fast-charging speed |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No charger | Wireless, Reverse, Bypass | Both share features, Z Fold5 allows charging while playing |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Z Fold5 captures more detailed images and better low-light performance |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 10MP, f/2.4 | S21+ has higher resolution telephoto but Z Fold5 has an additional telephoto lens |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both have ultrawide lenses but the S21+ also includes Macro function, Z Fold5 has an additional wide angle lens |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar selfie camera specs |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer excellent video capabilities; Fold5 has slightly better framerate in 8k |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | 128 | Z Fold5 has a significantly better camera system |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 17) | Z Fold5 offers a more modern Android experience and will receive software updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Z Fold5 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Z Fold5 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with higher bandwidth |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage capacity |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold5 allows for smoother multitasking, more apps kept active in background |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD cards |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has superior audio features with additional Hi-Res and noise cancellation |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Z Fold5 has more accessible and efficient fingerprint reader |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both have great protection with the Z Fold5 having slightly better glass version. |
| Sensors | Full suite | Full suite with gravity | Z Fold5 includes a gravity sensor for gaming and additional functionalities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier for one-handed use and more portable.
- Potentially better display contrast: Due to AMOLED technology, though this information is missing for the Z Fold 5.
- Slightly Larger battery capacity: Could result in longer battery life.
- Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation microphone: Better overall audio experience
- Wider variety of cameras including macro: more versatile camera options.
- Lower price point: More affordable than the Z Fold5.
Practical Implications for S21+ 5G:
* More comfortable to hold for longer periods.
* A more typical mobile phone experience.
* Slightly longer battery life on average.
* Better audio experience with headphones.
* Better camera versatility.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Unique foldable form factor: Offers a large tablet-like display when unfolded, excellent for media, productivity, and multitasking.
- Significantly more powerful processor: Results in faster app loading, smoother performance, and better gaming experience.
- Significantly higher Antutu Benchmark: over 100% more powerful.
- More RAM: Better multitasking capabilities.
- Significantly more Storage capacity: up to 1024 GB of storage
- Newer software: longer software support and newer android experience.
- Significantly better camera performance: due to newer sensors and processing.
- Newer Wi-Fi standard: Better connectivity and faster download/upload speeds.
- Gravity Sensor: extra options for gaming and other functionalities.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for prolonged gaming without overheating the battery
Practical Implications for Z Fold5:
- A more versatile phone which folds out into a mini tablet for media.
- Far superior performance for gaming and other demanding tasks.
- More space for apps and games.
- Future-proof for longer with software updates and compatibility.
- Superior camera quality in nearly all areas.
- Faster internet speed and more reliable connections with Wi-Fi 7.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Lacks the large screen and advanced performance of the Z Fold5
- Z Fold5: Heavier and more expensive, less comfortable for one-handed use. Potentially missing information on display and brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight, traditional smartphone design.
- Individuals who want a good all-around phone at a more affordable price point.
- Users who value a comfortable one-handed experience.
- Users who value hi-res audio and noise cancellation.
- Users who want a more versatile camera array with macro functionality.
Specific Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Everyday phone usage, including social media, communication, and basic web browsing.
- Photography enthusiasts who appreciate macro mode.
- Users who value high-quality audio experiences.
- Users looking for a reliable and versatile daily driver.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Users who want a large-screen device for media consumption and productivity.
- Individuals who are power users and need top-tier performance.
- Professionals who need to multitask efficiently on the go.
- Users who want a unique, cutting-edge device.
- Users looking for the best camera experience.
- Users looking for the best gaming experience.
Specific Use Cases for Z Fold5:
- Multitasking on the go, such as editing documents, managing emails, and video conferencing.
- Watching videos, movies, and playing games on the larger screen.
- Professional users who need a mobile workstation.
- Users who appreciate cutting edge technology and design.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21+ 5G: Offers a good balance of features and performance at a lower price point.
- Z Fold5: Provides a premium experience but at a much higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (Z Fold5 is significantly more expensive)
- Do I need a large screen and multitasking capabilities? (Z Fold5 excels here)
- Is size and weight important for me? (S21+ 5G is more portable and lighter)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: If you're on a budget and want a good all-around smartphone, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is a sensible choice.
- Power User: If you need a powerful device for gaming, multitasking, and media, and don't mind the price, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the superior option.
- Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of videos and prefer a larger screen, the Z Fold5 is better, pending confirmation on screen specifications
- Comfort & One Handed Use: If you prefer a light weight device that can be comfortably used with one hand, the S21+ 5G is the better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. While the S21+ is a solid phone, the Z Fold5's unique form factor, superior performance, much larger screen, better camera, and more modern software experience are more compelling to me. The Z Fold5's ability to transform into a mini-tablet provides an unprecedented level of multitasking and media consumption that the S21+ can't match. The enhanced processing power, and a more powerful camera makes it a more appealing device. The only drawback is the cost, but for my specific use-case, it's worth the premium.
