1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.7 × 75.6 × 8.6 mm | Tecno Spark Go 2024 is slightly taller and thicker, impacting pocketability and feel in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 0g (Note: likely an error, should be around ~190g) | The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is 200g. A weight of 0g for the Tecno is incorrect, its likely lighter. The real world impact is that a lighter phone is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Samsung's slightly larger screen provides a more immersive experience for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1612 | Samsung's higher resolution offers significantly sharper visuals with more detail, better for reading and viewing photos/videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 267 | Samsung's higher PPI results in clearer text and images. Individual pixels are less noticeable, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. It is also more power-efficient when displaying dark content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung’s higher refresh rate enables smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user interface. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Note: Likely an error. Should be around ~400-500) | Samsung's higher peak brightness ensures better visibility in bright sunlight. The Tecno's brightness is unknown but likely inferior. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Samsung's 5nm chipset is much more powerful, providing better performance, faster app loading and better multitasking capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 249,000 | Samsung provides a significantly better performance experience, smoother UI, and is more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung's GPU provides a much higher gaming performance and graphics rendering than the Tecno. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP (f/1.8) | 13MP (f/1.9) | Tecno has a slightly higher megapixel count, but Samsung's wider aperture lets in more light, potentially better low light performance. |
| Secondary Camera | 64MP Telephoto + Portrait, 12.2MP Wide Angle + Macro | None | Samsung provides significantly more camera versatility with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens options. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Samsung has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record higher quality video for professional applications. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, 4k/8k recording, zoom etc | Basic features, no OIS or high-res video | Samsung provides more professional tools and features for both photo and video. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | Not Tested | Samsung's camera performance has been independently verified to be superior. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Tecno has a slightly larger battery but this does not guarantee better battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 10W | Samsung can charge the phone much quicker. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | None | Samsung offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Tecno ships with a newer operating system out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Samsung has a newer Wi-Fi standard and supports faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have Bluetooth 5.0 but Samsung has more advanced features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | Samsung supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Samsung offers eSIM support for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64GB or 128 GB | Samsung offers up to 256GB storage option compared to 128GB on the Tecno |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Samsung's higher RAM offers smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers a more feature-rich audio experience, with Hi-Res audio and a noise canceling microphone |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Tecno provides better fingerprint scanner placement on the side of the device |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's display is more durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung has more sensors providing more functionality and more gaming features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, PPI, refresh rate, and brightness. This translates to a far better viewing experience with vivid colors, sharpness, and smooth motion.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides much faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and smoother gaming performance. This is a significant advantage for demanding users.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, combined with higher quality video recording and additional software features (OIS, 4K/8K video), offers much greater photographic flexibility.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more comprehensive GPS for better location tracking.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, and e-SIM support.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides enhanced screen durability.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a better overall listening experience.
- More RAM/Storage: Offers more RAM for better multitasking, and up to 256GB of storage.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: While this might translate to marginally longer battery life, it may not be significantly different in real-world scenarios.
- Newer OS out of the box: Ships with Android 13, might receive longer software support.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: A more ergonomic scanner position.
- Lower Price: Likely available at a significantly lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21+ has a much higher price point
- The Tecno suffers from having an inferior display, chipset, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, content creators, professionals.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth performance and vivid graphics.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile productivity tasks like video editing or multitasking with many apps.
- Enjoying high-quality streaming and content consumption.
- Users who need fast performance and want a future-proof device.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price, but delivers premium features, performance, and quality.
Tecno Spark Go 2024:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, first-time smartphone buyers, casual users, those with basic phone needs.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Simple mobile gaming.
- Long battery life is more important than high-end features.
- Price-to-Value: Budget-friendly option, but lacks high-end features and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? Is it gaming and content creation, or just basic communication and browsing?
- How important are display and camera quality to you? Do you need a premium viewing and photography experience?
- What is your budget? Is it fixed or are you willing to spend more for better performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Quality Focus: If you need the best performance, display, and camera quality and have the budget, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious, Basic Needs: If budget is a primary concern and you only need basic functionality, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 might be sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Value and Performance: If you want a balance, consider looking at other options in the mid-range category. The Tecno won't deliver the experience a Samsung does, and the Samsung is overkill for basic use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
- Superior User Experience: The significantly better display, performance, and camera system of the S21+ offer a noticeably superior user experience. The AMOLED display is a game-changer for consuming content, and the more powerful chipset makes the phone much more responsive and future-proof.
- Professional Capabilities: As a tech enthusiast, I highly value good camera and video features. The flexibility of the S21+'s telephoto and wide angle lenses, coupled with professional-grade video features, makes it much more versatile for various creative purposes.
- Long-Term Investment: While the S21+ is more expensive, its superior features and build quality make it a more worthwhile long-term investment. I am willing to pay more upfront for a phone that provides better overall performance and capabilities. The Tecno is a very budget phone, and will feel very slow, and will not be able to take good photos/videos.
- Features I need: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, and more secure location tracking through advanced GPS systems. I also value premium audio output. The S21+ delivers in these areas, offering much higher value to me.
Although the Tecno might appeal to users on a very tight budget, the performance limitations, basic camera, and inferior display will make it a frustrating experience for most users looking for more than basic functionality. The S21+, while older, is the better choice for those looking for good all around value and quality.
