1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-22 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Size | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | S21+ is larger and potentially less comfortable for one-handed use; Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption and multitasking; Xperia 5 IV is more manageable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly sharper display, making text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent contrast and color reproduction; the difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a very smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Sony spec appears to be a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in faster performance and better power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV shows a significantly higher performance benchmark score, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU, offering a better gaming experience and smoother graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly larger battery, likely offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Wireless, Reverse, No In Box Charge | Bypass Charging, Reverse | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; Xperia 5 IV has bypass charging (less heat while gaming). |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 12MP f/1.7, 1/1.7" | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto+portrait lens, enabling greater flexibility for zoom and portrait photography. |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a higher resolution selfie camera and wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/2.4, 1/3.5" | Xperia 5 IV offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has a dedicated wide-angle+macro lens for capturing macro shots. |
| Video | 8K@24, 4K@60 HDR, EIS | 4K@120 HDR, OIS, EIS | S21+ can record 8K video, while Xperia 5 IV offers higher frame rates in 4K and OIS for better stability. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Xperia 5 IV is rated higher overall, especially for video performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, Autofocus etc, Night Mode, 8K Video | OIS, EIS, Autofocus etc, Ultra Stable Video | Both have a wide range of features, S21+ features 8K video and Night mode while Xperia has Ultra stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | S21+ offers a slightly newer max Android version (15) which means more long-term software support.. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones feature similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV has newer and slightly better Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xperia 5 IV supports more satellite systems, which results in better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Both offer similar SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both are good for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has a noise cancelling microphone providing clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Xperia 5 IV offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both use the same screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ features a geomagnetic sensor providing more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is better for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Brighter Screen: Significantly higher brightness (1300 nits) for superior outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight.
- 8K Video Recording: Ability to capture higher resolution videos (8K) for those who need professional-grade quality.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers added convenience for charging without cables.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Provides clearer calls.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Provides a comprehensive sensor suite for gaming and augmented reality applications.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- More Compact & Lighter: More comfortable to hold and carry around, especially for users with smaller hands.
- More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers better performance and efficiency.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density means clearer text and images.
- Better Battery Performance: Slightly larger battery and more efficient chipset.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging speeds.
- Better Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark scores, and dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses for greater photography flexibility.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better audio quality and range.
- More Advanced GPS: Better location accuracy using more satellite systems.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered by many to be more ergonomic than in-display sensors.
- Ultra Stable Video: For smoother videos.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Larger size may be less convenient for some; slightly older chipset and lower performance.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Smaller display might not be ideal for users who prioritize large-screen media consumption and lower brightness. No macro camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos, play games, and consume content on their phones will appreciate the larger, brighter display.
- Users Needing Long Term Software Support: Users who want the best long term software support.
- Users Who Need Wireless Charging: Users who want the convenience of wireless charging
- Photo and Video Hobbyists: Users who want an 8K video recording ability and Night Mode.
- General All-Around Users: Those who want a large display and a reliable overall performance phone.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile cameras and a more advanced photography experience will appreciate the dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses and the higher DXOMark score.
- Power Users: Those who need better overall processing performance, smoother graphics and a better battery.
- Users who value portability: Users who prioritize a comfortable one handed use and a lightweight device will prefer the compact size and weight.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Those who prefer the more ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who want the latest features: User who prioritize the latest connectivity features like Bluetooth 5.2.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G: Ideal for watching movies on the go, playing graphically intensive games, editing videos, and providing reliable performance for everyday tasks, and content creation.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Ideal for taking high-quality photos and videos, fast multitasking, gaming, and people who prioritize a compact design for everyday carry.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Size Preference: Do you prioritize a larger display for media consumption (Samsung S21+) or a more compact, pocketable design (Sony Xperia 5 IV)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the absolute best performance and latest processor (Sony Xperia 5 IV) or will a capable, but slightly older, phone suffice (Samsung S21+)?
- Photography Needs: Do you value versatility and slightly better image quality (Sony Xperia 5 IV) or prefer the convenience of 8K video (Samsung S21+)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media User, Outdoor Use: Choose the Samsung S21+ for its larger, brighter display even though it is not the latest performance.
- Scenario 2: Photo and Performance Focused User: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV for its high performance and camera versatility.
- Scenario 3: Compact and Lightweight Everyday User: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is better for users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Scenario 4: Long Term Software Updates: If long-term software support is important, the Samsung S21+ has a newer max Android version.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a significant upgrade, offering better overall performance, smoother gaming and better efficiency than the Exynos 2100 in the S21+.
- Camera: While the S21+ has an 8K recording capability, the Xperia 5 IV offers a more versatile camera system, better image quality, and additional features like a telephoto and wide-angle lens, which aligns more with my personal use case.
- Compact Form Factor: I prefer a phone that is easily manageable with one hand. The Xperia 5 IV's compact size and lightweight design are big advantages for everyday use and carrying around.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: I find the side-mounted fingerprint sensor more convenient than the in-display sensor.
- Newer Technology: The Xperia 5 IV benefits from a newer Bluetooth version, faster charging, and better overall GPS.
While the larger and brighter display on the S21+ are attractive features, the overall performance, camera versatility, and more compact design of the Sony Xperia 5 IV better fit my preferences and user needs. The data suggests that the Sony has a brighter screen but the spec table lists it as zero, this might be a data error as it makes no sense. Also the better DxOmark score is a major advantage.
