1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-25 | Xperia 5 V is much newer, potentially having better long-term software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 154 x 68 x 8.6 mm | S21+ is larger and wider, less pocketable; Xperia 5 V is thicker but narrower, better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 182g | Xperia 5 V is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | S21+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption; Xperia 5 V is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 V has slightly more vertical pixels, a bit sharper overall. |
| PPI | 394 | 449 | Xperia 5 V has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. Xperia 5V brightness not specified, a crucial unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 V has a much more powerful, faster, and more efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,370,000 | Xperia 5 V offers significantly better performance in all aspects, such as faster loading, better multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Xperia 5 V's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics in games and demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 V has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 5 V charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | S21+ offers wireless charging, Xperia 5V offers bypass charging, reducing heat and battery wear during gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | Xperia 5 V has higher resolution, larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots; Xperia 5V does not offer this flexibility. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Xperia 5 V has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 V has a wide-angle lens for capturing wide, landscape, or group photos; S21+ lacks a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ has an ultrawide lens for capturing wide, landscape, or group photos with macro capabilities; Xperia 5V lacks this lens combination. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | S21+ supports 8K video, useful for professionals, Xperia 5 V supports smoother 4k video. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 118, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | Xperia 5 V has better overall camera performance and superior video capture. |
| Features | Triple Camera, 8K Video, Night Mode | Dual Camera | S21+ offers telephoto capabilities, 8K video; Xperia 5V includes dedicated dual camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Xperia 5 V has a newer OS out of the box, and may receive longer updates, although it is one version behind the S21+. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Xperia 5 V has a newer WiFi standard, better performance on newer networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Xperia 5 V has newer Bluetooth with more features for connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc.. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc.. | Xperia 5 V supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both have similar dual SIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both provide similar multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21+ offers superior audio quality with dedicated audio enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 V offers a faster and more reliable fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones offer robust screen protection; Xperia 5V is one generation ahead. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Full suite + Geomagnetic | Full suite + Pedometer | Both have comprehensive sensor sets, with minor unique extras. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Brightness: 1300 nits offers superior outdoor visibility.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher video resolution for professional use.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient and versatile charging options
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio Superior sound quality.
Practical Implications for S21+ 5G:
- Better for users who prioritize large displays for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Ideal for those who need to use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Suitable for creators who need high-resolution video recording.
- More audio focused with better quality speakers.
Sony Xperia 5 V Advantages:
- Newer, More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers significantly higher performance.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and pocketable.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for sharper text and images.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better low-light performance in photos.
- Wide Angle Lens: Adds versatility to the camera system.
- Faster Charging: Allows for faster battery top-ups.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13, potentially longer software support.
- Better Video and Photo Scores: Higher rated camera experience, especially for video.
- Better Bluetooth and WiFi Provides more modern wireless functionality.
Practical Implications for Xperia 5 V:
- Better for users who prioritize performance and responsiveness.
- More suitable for those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone.
- Ideal for photographers who need good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens.
- Better for gamers and multitaskers due to powerful chipset.
- Preferred for users who want the latest software features.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ users sacrifice raw performance for a larger screen and higher brightness.
- Xperia 5 V users lose the dedicated telephoto lens and 8K recording in favor of better performance and a wide-angle lens. S21+ does have a telephoto lens, but in this comparison, Xperia 5V does not have a telephoto, instead having a wide angle lens.
- S21+ has better audio enhancements, while the Xperia 5V does not.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse the web, or play games and need a large display.
- Outdoor Users: People who often use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Casual Photographers/Videographers: Users who occasionally take photos and videos and want 8K resolution, telephoto lens and macro functionality.
- Users who want good audio: Those who use headphones, like playing games with sound, or often use their phone to play videos or podcasts.
Specific Use Cases for S21+:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a large, vibrant display.
- Navigating or using the phone in bright sunlight.
- Recording high-resolution videos for professional or personal use.
- Taking portrait photos with optical zoom.
- Casual users who appreciate audio enhancements
Sony Xperia 5 V is Ideal For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand the best possible performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Compact Phone Lovers: Users who prefer a smaller, more comfortable to hold device.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who need a capable camera system with good low-light performance.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps and need fast processing speeds.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest software and features.
Specific Use Cases for Xperia 5 V:
- Playing graphically intensive games without lag.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Using the phone efficiently one-handed.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ 5G was a high-end phone when released and may now offer a better price-to-value ratio considering its age.
- The Xperia 5 V is newer and offers more advanced technology, but may come at a higher price point. The value proposition will vary based on the available discounts and user priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance, compactness, or a large display? This will determine which design is more suitable for your needs.
- What is more important to you: the best possible camera experience or features like telephoto, 8k recording or wireless charging? The S21+ offers telephoto capabilities, while the Xperia 5 V offers better photo and video quality.
- Do you value the latest software and connectivity features, or is an older device acceptable? The Xperia 5 V has a newer OS, Bluetooth, and WiFi.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption and Bright Sunlight Usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its larger, brighter display, but if performance or camera is needed look at the Sony.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Portability: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 V for its powerful processor and compact design, while still having a good camera.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 V for its higher quality photo/video, if telephoto and 8k is not needed, otherwise choose the S21+
- Scenario 4: Casual Use and Audio: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its good general performance, good audio features, and a larger screen if portability and power is not a huge issue.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 5 V.
Here's why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is a significant leap ahead of the Exynos 2100 in the S21+. The Xperia 5V will offer a much faster and smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks and gaming. While the S21+ is still a capable phone, the difference in performance is considerable, and for me that is more important than some other features.
- Camera: While the S21+ has a telephoto lens, the Xperia 5 V's main camera sensor and the overall image quality as measured by DxOMark is better. I value low-light performance, which the Xperia excels at, along with the flexibility of a wide-angle lens over a telephoto and macro lens. Additionally, the superior video performance is very appealing.
- Software & Connectivity: The Xperia 5 V's newer Android version, Bluetooth and WiFi are all very relevant to my usage as a tech savvy user who wants access to the newest features, and I would rather have the better performance and a newer OS than the better brightness and telephoto lens.
- Compact Design: I personally prefer the more compact and lightweight form factor of the Xperia 5 V. It fits better in my pockets and is more comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
- Battery Features: The Xperia 5V provides a fast charging speed, along with the bypass charging which would significantly help with preserving the lifespan of the battery.
While the S21+ is a good phone and is strong in some aspects, the advantages of the Xperia 5 V in performance, camera quality, software, and modern connectivity options make it a better fit for my needs. However, if the user really needs wireless charging, 8k recording, and a much brighter screen, the S21+ is the correct option for them. The Xperia 5V is a better all-around phone with a more modern set of features, despite missing a telephoto lens.
