Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. vivo V21 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo V21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mm | S21+ is slightly larger, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. V21 is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 176g | V21 is significantly lighter, better for extended use or one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.44" | S21+ has a larger screen, more immersive for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, text and images will appear clear on both. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 409 PPI | Both offer very similar pixel density, display quality is comparable |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ screen appears smoother when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | S21+ is much better for use in bright sunlight. Vivo brightness information is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | S21+ offers significantly faster app loading and smoother multitasking. Better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 343,150 | S21+ delivers far superior overall performance, likely to handle intensive tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC3 | S21+ provides a superior gaming experience with higher graphic fidelity and frame rates. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 64MP f/1.79 | V21 has a higher resolution sensor for potentially more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. S21+ has better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP f/2.0 | Not Available | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait shots with a dedicated lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 | 44MP f/2.0 | V21 takes higher-resolution selfies, and has wider aperture and larger sensor leading to improved low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | S21+ combines wide-angle and macro. Vivo offers a separate wide angle lens but lower resolution |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP f/2.4 | V21 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ can capture higher resolution videos, ideal for professional-grade content. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | S21+ has a verified camera quality, while vivo is untested by DxOMark |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4000mAh | S21+ likely offers longer battery life, less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | V21 charges faster, reducing downtime for a quick power boost. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21+ provides more flexible charging options, acting as a power bank and wireless charging pad. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradeable to 15 | Android 11 | S21+ offers an extended software support life and latest Android OS features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ offers faster Wi-Fi, better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | V21 offers a more recent Bluetooth version, and LDAC. S21+ offers broader Bluetooth functionality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Standard | S21+ has more accurate location data, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ has a more flexible SIM management, can use an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both good for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer additional storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | S21+ has far better audio quality for media consumption, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security, no advanced biometric options on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has more robust scratch and impact protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive including Barometer | Standard | S21+ has additional environmental sensors like barometer, useful for altitude tracking and weather monitoring, enhanced gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and general app usage.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display offers smoother animations and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness makes the screen very visible outdoors, even in bright sunlight.
- Advanced Camera Features: Telephoto lens for optical zoom, better video recording up to 8K, more image processing options (RAW, Night Mode).
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers for a much more immersive audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless charging with reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility with dual SIM management.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6, advanced GPS capabilities.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch resistance.
- More Sensors: Additional environmental sensors for improved fitness tracking and environmental data.
- Software Support: Guaranteed upgrades to Android 15.
vivo V21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended periods of use.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging to quickly top up the battery.
- Higher Resolution Selfie: 44MP selfie camera offers greater detail, larger sensor, and wider aperture.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: A dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- More Recent Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC for higher quality audio connections.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21+ offers higher performance and features but is heavier and may be larger.
- The Vivo V21 is lighter and has faster charging, but lacks the power and advanced features of the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, media consumers.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intense mobile games at high settings.
- Creating and editing high-resolution videos and photos.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Multi-tasking with multiple resource-heavy applications.
- Long days away from a charger and the need to rely on wireless charging.
- Those who appreciate better audio quality and immersion.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but offers premium features and top-tier performance.
vivo V21 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users, social media enthusiasts, users seeking a comfortable and lightweight phone.
- Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality selfies.
- Quickly charging the phone when needed.
- Comfortable handling for daily use.
- General browsing, social media, and content consumption.
- Occasional macro photography.
- Price-to-Value: Lower price point, focusing on essential features and ease of use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multi-tasking?
- Camera Priorities: Are you more focused on selfies or a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and better video recording?
- Ergonomics and Battery: Is a lightweight design with fast charging more important, or are you willing to trade for features like wireless charging and slightly longer battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User/Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior chipset, smooth display, enhanced gaming capabilities, and comprehensive features.
- For the Casual User/Selfie Enthusiast: Choose the vivo V21 5G for its lightweight design, faster charging, high-resolution selfie camera and comfortable daily use.
- For the Budget-Conscious: Choose the vivo V21 5G, given its focus on essential features and lower price point, while acknowledging performance compromises.
- For the Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G due to its superior video recording capabilities, the enhanced audio quality, and extended software support.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My primary consideration is performance. The Exynos 2100 chipset offers a significant advantage, especially when multitasking, running demanding applications, and playing mobile games. The brighter 120Hz display significantly enhances the user experience, and the versatile camera system, with its telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities, is a considerable advantage for content creation. Finally, features like wireless charging and the better audio quality add to the overall experience and would make it a more enjoyable daily driver. While I appreciate the V21 5G's lightweight build and faster charging, the S21+ offers more features and a higher overall performance that aligns better with my use case.
