Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. vivo V29
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo V29 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-09-01 | vivo V29 is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm | vivo V29 is taller but narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | vivo V29 is lighter, which might be preferable for longer use periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference, both are large-screen phones providing ample viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo V29 has a noticeably sharper display with more detail due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 394 ppi | 453 ppi | vivo V29 has a crisper display with higher pixel density, leading to less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, important for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are very bright, ensuring good visibility even under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6 nm) | Samsung S21+ has superior performance with 21% higher score, leading to faster app loading and smoother overall experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 617,100 | Samsung S21+ demonstrates better performance in benchmarks, indicating an advantage in processor-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | Samsung Galaxy S21+ with Mali-G78 offers better graphical performance, beneficial for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4600mAh | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has slightly better battery life on paper, though real-world usage may vary. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | vivo V29 charges significantly faster, allowing for shorter charging times. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | None | Samsung offers more charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP f/1.8, 1.8µm | 50MP f/1.89 | vivo V29's standard camera has much higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed photos in good lighting. Samsung has larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/2.0 | None | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for better optical zoom. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP f/2.2, 1.22µm | 50MP f/2.0 | vivo V29 has much higher resolution for selfies, potentially offering sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | vivo V29 has a dedicated wide angle lens, allowing for capturing wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | vivo V29 has a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1.40µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung S21+ supports higher video resolutions, useful for professional-grade content creation. |
| DXOMark | Main 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a reputable DXOMark rating, suggesting strong image and video performance. |
| Features | 8K, optical zoom, RAW, night | basic | Samsung S21+ has more professional features for photography, like 8K Video, Optical Zoom, RAW and Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 13 (Up to 16) | vivo V29 has a newer OS out of the box and one more Android update, ensuring a longer period of software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Samsung S21+ has faster WiFi with WiFi 6 support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | vivo V29 has a newer version of bluetooth that enables faster data transfer with lower energy usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | vivo V29 has higher max storage option, useful for those who need large media storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12 GB | vivo V29 can be equipped with more RAM, enhancing multitasking and performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, restricting user to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Samsung Galaxy S21+ has premium audio quality with dedicated features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have a standard fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unkown | Samsung S21+ has better screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic | Samsung Galaxy S21+ includes more sensors for more advanced functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides notably better performance in benchmarks, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Better Graphics: The Mali-G78 GPU offers better graphical performance, making it better for gaming.
- Professional Camera Features: Offers 8K video recording, a dedicated telephoto lens, optical zoom, RAW capture, and a night mode. It also has a higher DXOMark score, which is a solid indicator of better image quality.
- Premium Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, and Stereo Speakers which is a very comprehensive package for audio lovers.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Provides wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Build Quality: Screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Wider connectivity options: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and additional Bluetooth profiles.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer, Hall, and Geomagnetic sensors.
vivo V29 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in a noticeably crisper display.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 50MP front-facing camera for higher quality selfies.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP primary camera for more detailed photos.
- More RAM: Option for up to 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB of internal storage.
- Wide-angle and Macro Lenses: Provides more shooting versatility.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Features Bluetooth 5.2.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers better performance, premium audio features, and more professional camera features at the cost of a slower charging speed and an older software.
- The vivo V29 provides a sharper screen and faster charging with more storage and newer software at the cost of not having the same level of processing power or premium audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: People who need maximum performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want advanced photography features like 8K video, telephoto lens, optical zoom, and RAW capture.
- Audiophiles: Individuals who appreciate enhanced audio quality, featuring Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers
- Users Needing Wireless Charging: Convenient option for those who use wireless charging frequently.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung S21+ 5G:
- Professional photographers/videographers needing high resolution capture.
- Mobile gamers who want smooth gameplay at maximum settings.
- Users who frequently engage in heavy multitasking, needing faster app switching and loading.
vivo V29 is ideal for:
- General Users: People looking for a well-rounded smartphone with a great display, fast charging, and good camera quality.
- Selfie Lovers: Individuals who prioritize high-quality selfies.
- Users needing long battery life: Fast charging capabilities, paired with a decent battery allows for fast charging and less down-time.
- Users needing more storage: Has a 512 GB storage option.
Specific Use Cases for vivo V29:
- Social media users who frequently take selfies and share photos.
- Those who need a device that charges quickly and does not run out of battery.
- Users who want a sharper, more detailed display for everyday use.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is likely available at a reduced price given its age, making it attractive to users looking for high-performance specs at a relatively lower cost.
- The vivo V29 is a newer device, which means it is likely at a slightly higher price point but has modern features and newer software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: How important is raw processing power and GPU performance for your usage?
- Camera Preferences: Do you prioritize professional camera features and advanced controls, or do you prefer higher resolution and wider lenses?
- Charging Convenience: How important is fast charging vs wireless and reverse charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming and Productivity: If you're a gamer or power user who needs peak performance and has a use case for advanced camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Social Media and Everyday Use: If you prioritize a high-quality display, fast charging, and great selfies, the vivo V29 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Features with Budget Considerations: If you are after a mix of performance and features, with a need for a larger storage and latest OS, the vivo V29 might be a better option, while the Samsung S21+ 5G might be a more budget conscious option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Here's why:
- I value the performance offered by the Exynos 2100 and Mali-G78 GPU. As someone who often uses demanding apps and plays graphically intensive games, the faster chipset is more important to me than the slightly newer features of the V29.
- I appreciate the premium camera features, especially the 8K video and the optical zoom. While the vivo V29 has a higher megapixel count, I prefer the more advanced camera features like RAW capture and the telephoto lens that are in the S21+.
- I use wireless charging frequently and find it a very convenient feature. The S21+'s wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities are something I would use daily.
- I am not bothered by the slightly older software as Samsung's updates are usually well-optimized.
- Although the charging speed on the vivo is significantly faster, I am fine with charging my phone overnight.
While the vivo V29 has an excellent display, better front camera, and faster charging, my personal preference leans toward the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G due to its balance of performance, camera quality, and premium features.
