1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and Sony Xperia 1 IV, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | S21+ is wider, slightly thinner; Xperia 1 IV is taller, slightly thicker. Xperia might be better for one handed use due to width. |
| Weight | 200g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer excellent scratch and shatter resistance. |
| ### Display |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, slightly less pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has much higher resolution, resulting in sharper, more detailed images and text. |
| PPI | 394 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV's significantly higher pixel density means notably sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz display experience, great for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has significantly higher brightness for clear visibility in bright sunlight. Brightness for Sony is not stated so it is hard to compare on real use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's chipset is newer and faster, offering generally better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV has significantly higher performance, faster app loading and more responsive UI. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV has a slightly larger battery, may translate to slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV charges slightly faster reducing waiting time. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger in Box | Bypass Charging, Non-Removable | S21+ has more wireless charging features. Xperia 1 IV can power through the charger to avoid battery heat. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.80µm | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS, 1.80µm | Both have similar specs; Xperia 1 IV might perform slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2, 0.80µm | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto for zoom and portrait shots, which is more flexible in these use cases. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 1 IV has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera, which may provide clearer selfies in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 Exmor RS, 1.00µm | Xperia 1 IV has a dedicated telephoto for better zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV has a dedicated wide angle lens for landscape shots |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | Xperia 1 IV's sensor is helpful for better depth information for AR apps. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | None | S21+ has a separate wide angle lens with macro capabilities. |
| Video | 8K@24fps HDR, EIS; 4K@60fps HDR, EIS, various 1080p options, slow motion at 960fps; slow motion yes, 960fps | 4K@120fps HDR, OIS, EIS; 1080p@120fps, slow motion at 960fps; slow motion yes, 960fps | S21+ shoots at 8k but Xperia 1 IV shoots at up to 120fps at 4k with better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | 105 (Photo: 107, Video: 92) | S21+ scores higher overall in photo, while Xperia 1 IV has slightly better video performance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits) for much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- 8K Video Recording: Allows for high-resolution video capture.
- Telephoto+Portrait Camera Offers more flexibility for zoomed and portrait photos.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera Offers versatility in closeup and landscape shooting.
- Wireless Charging Features: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Noise cancellation microphone Enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls.
- More mature OS: Samsung phones usually have a better OS.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density.
- Faster Chipset: Newer and more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for better overall performance and gaming experience.
- More RAM: Offers more RAM for better multitasking.
- Better Bluetooth Version: Features the latest bluetooth version.
- Better Camera Setup: Has dedicated telephoto and wide angle lenses, plus ToF for improved depth.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging time with 30W fast charging.
- Better Video Performance: Slightly better DxOMark video performance and faster 4k capture.
- More storage: comes in more storage options.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ trades camera versatility (wide angle + macro, telephoto for zoom) for better outdoor visibility and an 8k recording mode. It has less powerful internals.
- Xperia 1 IV trades brightness for a sharper screen, a newer processor, and a more robust camera setup overall with a better video mode.
- Both do not have expandable storage.
- Both feature very different design philosophies.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Social Media Creators: Users who value 8K video and wireless charging for content creation.
- General Users: Those who prefer a balance of solid performance, good camera, and wireless charging features.
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Bright Sunlight Photography/Videography: The bright display ensures that what is being captured is visible even when shooting on a sunny day.
- Wireless Charging: A convenient way to charge the phone during the day with reverse wireless charging as a bonus.
- Multimedia Consumption: Large, vibrant screen great for media enjoyment.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal Users:
- Power Users & Gamers: Users who need top-tier performance and appreciate a sharper display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good zoom capability.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a high resolution screen for great media consumption.
- Audiophiles Who appreciate the better bluetooth version for improved sound quality.
Use Cases for Xperia 1 IV:
- High-Performance Gaming: The newer processor provides smoother gameplay, higher frame rates and better multitasking capabilities.
- Professional Photography/Videography: The versatile camera lenses provide greater creative flexibility and capture better video.
- Precision Viewing: A high resolution display allows for a sharper viewing experience.
- Battery Conscious Users: The bypass charging helps users game with the charger without damaging the battery.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions buyers should consider:
How important is screen brightness to you?
- If you often use your phone in direct sunlight, the S21+ is better. If you are not often in bright sunlight, the Sony is a better option.
What is more important to you; photo capabilities or video capabilities?
- If you prioritize photos the s21+ might be the better option but if video is more important, the sony xperia is the winner.
Do you prioritize faster performance or better multimedia quality?
- If you need a fast phone that will run smooth, the Sony xperia is for you, if you want a phone for multimedia consumption, the Sony xperia wins as well as it has a sharper screen.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Outdoor Photographer/Videographer: If screen visibility in direct sunlight is crucial, go with the Samsung Galaxy S21+. If camera features are more important, go with the Sony.
- Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 1 IV is the clear choice for a better gaming experience due to the superior processor and GPU, as well as a more vibrant screen.
- Everyday User: The choice is dependent on user preference: If you want a simple experience with good photo capabilities, go with the Samsung; If you want performance, go with the Sony.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 1 IV is better suited for those that consume media due to a sharper screen and a better bluetooth version.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Here's why:
- Performance: The newer Snapdragon chipset offers a noticeable performance increase for everyday tasks and gaming, which is very important to me.
- Camera Versatility: While the S21+ has a telephoto and macro option, I value a more versatile camera with dedicated telephoto and wide angle lenses, especially the 4k video capabilities of the Xperia.
- Sharp Display: The higher resolution screen is something that I would value over screen brightness since I do not often use my phone in direct sunlight.
- Overall Experience: The Sony offers a more modern, premium experience with its display, camera features and processing power.
While the Samsung S21+ is a good phone, the improvements in performance and camera capabilities of the Sony outweigh the extra brightness of the Samsung, making the Sony a better choice for me overall. Both are very good phones but the Sony is better suited for my needs.
