Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. TCL 50 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | TCL 50 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-04-08 | TCL 50 SE is significantly newer, likely with more recent software and design trends. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm | TCL 50 SE is taller and slightly thicker, potentially less comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | TCL 50 SE is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen size, a negligible difference for daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Similar resolutions, meaning similar sharpness in the display. |
| PPI | 394 | 396 | Negligible difference in pixel density, sharpness will appear identical to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes, superior viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung's 120Hz offers smoother scrolling and animations compared to the TCL's 90Hz, a subtle difference that impacts perceived responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | Samsung's higher brightness is significantly better for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight, while TCL may be harder to see. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Samsung's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient, allowing for smoother overall performance and gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 250,000 | Samsung's score is drastically higher, indicating much better performance for demanding tasks like gaming, heavy multitasking, and resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | Samsung's superior GPU allows for more fluid gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5010mAh | TCL's slightly larger battery might offer marginally longer battery life, but not necessarily a significant real-world difference. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | TCL charges slightly faster, which could be useful for quick top-ups. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger in-box | Non-removable | Samsung offers wireless and reverse charging, and lacks a included charger which the TCL does not have. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | TCL has a higher resolution sensor for more detailed photos in good light, but individual pixel size is smaller on TCL. Samsung has larger pixels but less megapixels. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait capabilities while TCL does not. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | Samsung's selfie has more megapixels, which can result in slightly better detail, while TCL's wider aperture has the potential for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | TCL has a macro lens for close-up shots, which Samsung lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | Samsung has a wide angle lens, providing a wider field of view in pictures, while TCL does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung offers significantly higher video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution and HDR recording, and includes more stabilization than TCL. |
| DxoMark | 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | None | Samsung's camera quality is rated higher based on DxoMark scores. |
| Camera Features | Advanced including OIS and RAW | Basic features | Samsung offers OIS for stabilization, RAW capture for advanced editing, and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | TCL runs a more recent version of Android, but the S21+ has guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Samsung has faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks, and is future proofed. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | TCL has a slightly newer Bluetooth version but Samsung has support for a wider range of codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung offers more precise location tracking, supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Samsung allows for more flexibility with a virtual SIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Same storage options, which are suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 6GB | Samsung's 8GB RAM provides better multitasking capabilities compared to the TCL's 4GB or 6GB configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which could be a limitation for users with lots of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers a more immersive and clear audio experience with advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | TCL has a side-mounted sensor, which may be more convenient compared to the Samsung sensor type. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung uses superior glass for screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | None | Samsung provides a broader array of sensor to support more applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate (120Hz), and significantly brighter display (1300 nits) make for a superior visual experience, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better performance, suitable for gaming, heavy multitasking, and resource-intensive tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, a dedicated wide-angle lens, superior video recording (up to 8K), OIS, and RAW capture, providing much better versatility and quality, validated by a DxoMark score.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and noise canceling microphone deliver a more immersive and clear audio experience.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more precise GPS tracking, and eSIM functionality.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
TCL 50 SE Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched over three years later, comes with newer software and updated software, as well as newer Bluetooth version.
- Slightly Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Has a slightly larger battery and faster 33W charging.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which Samsung lacks.
- Side mounted finger print sensor: A sensor located on the side may be more convenient.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a significantly higher price point. While it excels in many aspects, it's an older device, meaning the cost may be better on the used market.
- The TCL 50 SE makes significant compromises in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities, but it does offer some useful features, such as the macro lens, and is a much newer device, likely at a lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatile, high-quality camera capabilities, including zoom, wide-angle, and video recording with OIS and RAW support.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for consuming content, including HDR video.
- Users who prefer premium audio: Those who value high fidelity audio output and spatial audio.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming and resource-intensive application usage
- High-quality photo and video recording/editing
- Outdoor usage with visibility in bright sunlight
- Immersive entertainment experiences
- Professionals who need high performance for day to day tasks.
TCL 50 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable smartphone for basic daily use.
- Casual Users: Those with basic needs such as social media, web browsing, and casual photography.
- Users that want something new: Those who need the newest version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication
- Everyday tasks like web browsing and email
- Occasional macro photography
- Users that need a functional smartphone on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? - The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is likely more expensive, especially when bought new, while the TCL 50 SE offers a budget-friendly option.
- How important is camera quality and performance? - The Samsung S21+ 5G offers a more powerful chipset and significantly better camera capabilities.
- How important is having the latest Android version? - The TCL 50 SE has the latest version of Android out of the box, while the S21+ is several versions behind despite having guaranteed updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User on a Budget: If you need a powerful device but are on a budget, consider the used market for the S21+, as it provides significant performance and camera boosts.
- Scenario 2: Casual User, Price Sensitive: The TCL 50 SE is a more logical choice if you value price above performance and want a phone that covers the basics of smartphone use, and prefer having the latest version of Android.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast with Budget Flexibility: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G provides a significantly better camera system, and will be a better investment if you take your photography seriously and want a lot of flexibility.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Despite being an older phone, the significantly superior display, performance, camera system, and additional features outweigh the benefits of the TCL 50 SE. For my personal use, I value a high-quality display for media consumption, a powerful processor for multitasking, and a versatile camera. The S21+ offers a much better experience in these areas that aligns more with my day to day activities. While the TCL 50 SE is a newer device, its compromises in key areas do not make it appealing for me, as a newer android version is not a must for me. I would opt to buy a used S21+ to save money.
