Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Sony Xperia 1 V
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 1 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-28 | The Xperia 1 V is a significantly newer phone with potential for longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.3 mm | Xperia 1 V is taller and thicker, S21+ 5G is wider; slight difference in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 200g | 187g | Xperia 1 V is slightly lighter, making it marginally more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ 5G offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 V offers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals, enhancing text clarity and image detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 643 | Xperia 1 V boasts a much higher pixel density resulting in clearer visuals and smoother text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; negligible real-world difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G screen has dramatically higher brightness for better outdoor readability; Xperia 1 V brightness spec is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 V has a newer, more powerful processor for faster performance and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,365,441 | Xperia 1 V provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Xperia 1 V's GPU offers superior gaming and graphics processing capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 V has a slightly larger battery; may translate to slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xperia 1 V charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Bypass, Reverse, Reverse wireless | S21+ 5G offers wireless charging, while Xperia 1 V offers bypass charging which can help to preserve the battery long term by not charging while using. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | Xperia 1 V captures more detailed images with a higher resolution sensor; the larger sensor captures more light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera, offering more versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Xperia 1 V captures slightly better selfies in terms of low light, given the wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" | Xperia 1 V has dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 1 V offers a wider perspective, good for landscape and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21+ 5G has a macro mode, suitable for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | S21+ 5G can shoot higher resolution video; Xperia 1 V has higher frame rate options for smoother slow-motion video. |
| DXOMARK Score | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | S21+ 5G has a verified camera performance score; No information is available for the Sony. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Xperia 1 V is running a more recent OS version. S21+ 5G has more software updates available. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi Display | Wi-Fi 6 | S21+ 5G has Wi-Fi Display for external displays. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Xperia 1 V has a more recent Bluetooth version with improved efficiency and features. |
| GPS | Dual band GPS | Dual band GPS, QZSS | Xperia 1 V has better location accuracy thanks to its broader support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both have similar Dual SIM support. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Xperia 1 V offers higher base and max internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Xperia 1 V has more RAM for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21+ 5G has additional audio features such as Hi-Res Audio and a Noise Cancellation Microphone. |
| Security & Build Quality | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted sensor of the Xperia 1V is faster and more intuitive to use. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 1 V has the latest Gorilla Glass version for slightly better scratch and drop protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Slightly larger 6.7" screen may be more immersive for content consumption.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly brighter display for better outdoor visibility (1300 nits).
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of shooting higher-resolution 8K video, suitable for professional use.
- Hi-Res Audio: For those seeking superior audio playback quality.
- Macro Camera Offers a dedicated lens for detailed close-up images.
- Verified Camera Performance Has a DxOMark score, which can be a trusted indication for camera quality.
- Software Updates Offers more software updates for longer support and use.
- Wireless Charging: Allows for more convenient charging capabilities.
- Wi-Fi Display: Has the ability to connect to external displays for larger viewing capabilities.
Sony Xperia 1 V Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for significantly faster and more efficient performance.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals with much higher PPI.
- Larger Base Storage: Offers 256GB of internal storage as standard, with an option for 512GB.
- More RAM: 12GB of RAM for improved multitasking capabilities.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Captures more light and detail in photos.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities for long distance shots.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Allows for more variety of shots and perspectives.
- Latest Bluetooth Version: Supports the newest version of bluetooth for improved efficiency and more features.
- Newer Software Version: Ships with Android 13.
- Bypass Charging: Prevents battery degradation during charging while using the phone.
- Better GPS Support: Offers more accurate location tracking with QZSS support.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more intuitive to use, compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Newer screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers better protection against damage.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G has a brighter display, but Xperia 1 V has a sharper, more detailed display.
- S21+ 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera, but the Xperia 1 V has a more versatile telephoto lens alongside the inclusion of a wide-angle lens.
- S21+ 5G offers 8K video while Xperia 1 V offers 4K at a higher framerate, offering more versatility in shooting modes.
- Xperia 1 V offers better performance and battery, but at the cost of having no wireless charging capabilities.
- Xperia 1 V features a more modern version of bluetooth and GPS, whereas the S21+ 5G features a more up to date version of android.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger, brighter screen for media consumption, with wireless charging being a key feature. Those who prefer Samsung's UI and software ecosystem. Those looking for a phone capable of shooting high resolution professional content.
- Use Cases: Watching movies and shows in bright conditions, casual gaming, social media browsing, and content creation via video. Those looking to take the occasional close-up photo.
- Value: Offers a well-rounded experience with a high-quality display and useful features at a more accessible price point compared to the Xperia 1 V, while still having the capability to create high-quality 8K video.
Sony Xperia 1 V:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, a sharp display, and professional-grade camera capabilities. Those who don't require wireless charging and prefer a more stock Android experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography, video recording, multitasking, and anything that requires higher levels of RAM and processing power. Users who prioritize battery longevity and who want the phone to bypass the battery when plugged in.
- Value: Provides cutting-edge technology and pro-level features for a higher price, catering to users who are prepared to pay for top-tier performance and functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., media consumption, gaming, photography, productivity)
- How important is display quality, brightness, and size? (e.g., outdoors vs indoors, content creation)
- How important is performance, battery, and camera quality? (e.g., gaming, photography, casual use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a great choice. It offers a larger, bright screen for enjoying content, supports wireless charging, and provides a balanced experience at a more accessible price.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 1 V is the clear winner, featuring a faster processor, higher refresh rate, more RAM, and superior performance.
- For the Professional Photographer/Videographer: The Xperia 1 V, with its high-resolution camera, optical zoom and ultra-stable video is the better option. However the Galaxy S21+ can provide great quality in 8K.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers better value, balancing high-quality features with affordability. The Xperia 1 V will likely cost more.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 V. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has some great features, the significantly better performance, higher resolution display, updated software, larger main camera sensor and overall superior camera system of the Xperia 1 V make it the more compelling choice for me. Although the S21+ 5G has 8k video and wireless charging capabilities, the other upgrades of the Xperia 1 V outweigh those features. The Xperia 1 V is a more modern phone with greater software support, and is better built for my personal use case of gaming, media consumption and photography.
