Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Sony Xperia 5 III
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, along with their practical impact on user experience:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 157 x 68 x 8.2 mm | S21+ is larger, may be less comfortable for single-hand use; Xperia 5 III is more compact, fits better in smaller hands/pockets. |
| Weight | 200g | 168g | Xperia 5 III is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | No practical impact without specifics. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard form factor. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking; Xperia 5 III is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 III has a slightly sharper display due to its slightly higher resolution (5% more pixels) |
| PPI | 394 | 449 | Xperia 5 III has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density, meaning text and images look clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both phones have excellent display technologies; differences are minor for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is far superior in outdoor visibility due to higher brightness, enabling easier viewing under direct sunlight; Xperia 5 III brightness is not available. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Xperia 5 III's Snapdragon chipset generally offers slightly better raw performance compared to Exynos. The Exynos 2100 is also very capable, so most users would not notice performance issues in daily use. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 880,000 | Xperia 5 III benchmarks significantly higher, meaning faster app loading and smoother multitasking in intensive situations. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 660 | Xperia 5 III has a better GPU, better gaming and graphics performance than the S21+ |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xperia 5 III charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S21+ has more versatile charging options; Xperia 5 III has "Bypass Charging" (charging the phone directly without charging the battery) which can be very beneficial for gamers. Both have non-removable batteries. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm, Sony IMX555 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm, Sony Exmor RS | Similar quality standard cameras; Xperia 5 III has slightly wider aperture, which may improve low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm, Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens that allows for more flexibility in zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm, Samsung S5K4H7 | S21+ captures higher-resolution selfies with a larger sensor, whereas the Xperia 5 III has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance; both are solid. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS, pixel size not available | Xperia 5 III has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, Sony Exmor RS, pixel size not available | Xperia 5 III has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm, Sony IMX563 | N/A | S21+ features an ultra-wide lens with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, EIS, HDR, stereo sound | Up to 4K@120fps, OIS, EIS, HDR | S21+ has higher resolution; Xperia 5 III has superior stabilization, 4K video at 120fps. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 960 fps | Up to 120 fps | S21+ captures super-slow-motion footage at a higher frame rate. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Main score), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | N/A | S21+ camera has objective testing with scores, while Xperia 5 III is unknown, no conclusion can be made. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Max version 15 | Android 11, Max version 13 | S21+ will likely receive more Android OS updates, offering extended software support and feature upgrades; |
| WiFi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Both have fast WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 III has the latest Bluetooth standard, which may offer more efficient pairing and better audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 5 III has more satellite support, potentially higher location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ offers additional eSIM support, good for travel or work setups. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have ample storage options for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both have sufficient RAM for smooth performance and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has microSD support, limiting total storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has noise cancellation, better call quality, better audio separation, and immersion. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 III sensor is more convenient and faster to unlock the phone with a side-mounted fingerprint. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | S21+ has better scratch and drop protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S21+ has all core sensors with a geomagnetic sensor, useful for advanced apps, mapping and better gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger and brighter display: Better for media consumption and outdoor use.
- Versatile camera system: Includes dedicated telephoto and wide-angle with macro lenses, plus higher resolution selfie camera.
- More versatile battery features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and a slightly larger battery capacity.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable than Gorilla Glass 6.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better sound and clearer calls in loud environments.
- Geomagnetic sensor: More advanced mapping and better gaming capabilities.
- Higher maximum Android OS support: Longer software support and feature updates.
- 8K video recording: Captures high quality video content
Sony Xperia 5 III Advantages:
- More compact and lighter design: Better for one-handed use and portability.
- Sharper display: Higher pixel density for improved clarity.
- Faster charging: 30W charging gets you up and running quicker.
- Better overall performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides superior performance in benchmarks and real-world usage.
- Better GPU performance: Adreno 660 provides improved gaming experience than the S21+.
- More advanced Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2, enabling better audio options.
- Better location accuracy: More satellite system support for GPS.
- Bypass charging: Allows to power the phone directly through the charger without charging the battery which is ideal for gamers.
- Superior video stabilization: Great for video quality and stability
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G sacrifices some portability and benchmark performance for a larger, brighter screen and more camera features with a more comprehensive set of software features.
- The Sony Xperia 5 III prioritizes a smaller, sharper, more portable design and performance, with superior video stabilization and loses in some camera versatility and battery features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos, browsing social media, and reading articles on a large, high-quality screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Needs versatile camera options with high resolution photos and videos and different camera lenses.
- Power Users: Wants a phone with wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and good battery life
- Software-Oriented Users: People that prefer a phone with longer software support.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various situations with a plethora of software options and lenses.
- Using for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
- Those seeking latest software versions.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Mobile Gamers: Appreciates the better performance, and bypass charging features for extended gaming sessions.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Prefers a smaller, lighter phone that is easy to carry around.
- Audiophiles: Desires the best audio experience with advanced Bluetooth codecs.
- Performance-Driven Users: Demands a fast and snappy smartphone experience with a preference for high benchmark scores.
- Video Content Creators: Demands superior video stabilization and 4K/120fps recording.
Use Cases for Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Listening to high-resolution audio tracks with Bluetooth headphones.
- Capturing video and taking advantage of advanced image and video stabilization features.
- Using maps with high-precision GPS.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may be a better value for those who prioritize the display, versatile camera setup, better battery features, software support and those who like to capture videos in 8k.
- The Sony Xperia 5 III may offer better value for users who prioritize performance, a compact design, sharper display, better audio and excellent video stabilization, while sacrificing battery features and camera versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider:
- Size and Portability: Do you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption (S21+) or a more compact and lighter design for better handling (Xperia 5 III)?
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility: Is top-tier raw performance and gaming more important (Xperia 5 III) or a more versatile camera system and battery features (S21+)?
- Software vs. Hardware Features: Do you prioritize longer software updates and support (S21+) or better hardware features for gaming, audio, and video (Xperia 5 III)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption & Photography): If you primarily watch videos, browse, and take photos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Mobile Gaming & Performance): If gaming, performance, audio quality and video quality are a priority, the Sony Xperia 5 III is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday User, Balanced Needs): If you want a balanced smartphone for all uses, you'll need to decide whether display and software (S21+) or portability and performance (Xperia 5 III) are more important.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 III. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a larger, brighter screen and better battery features, the Xperia 5 III's superior performance, more compact size, and better GPU for gaming with "Bypass Charging" are more aligned with my personal preferences and use cases. I also value the sharper display, the advanced video stabilization, better audio features and the ability to capture high quality videos and photos in a wide variety of situations. While not as versatile, the Sony still excels in the camera department with good quality photos and videos and the inclusion of a telephoto and wide angle lens.
