Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. vivo V30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo V30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-03-04 | vivo V30 is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from updated technology. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm | vivo V30 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling sleeker in hand, but the S21+ is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 200g | 186g | vivo V30 is noticeably lighter, which could be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference in practice. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo V30 has a sharper display, leading to clearer text and more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 453 | vivo V30's higher PPI results in a more crisp and less pixelated visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21+ offers significantly better visibility under bright sunlight. Brightness data missing for vivo V30, which is a limitation to note. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | vivo V30 uses a newer and more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 866,863 | vivo V30 is faster in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 720 | Different GPUs; vivo V30's Adreno 720 is generally more powerful for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | vivo V30 has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | vivo V30 charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | Samsung offers additional battery features, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" | vivo V30 captures more detailed photos, with a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | vivo V30 has an ultrawide and Samsung S21+ has a wide angle lens with macro capability |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | vivo V30 has a higher resolution selfie camera with better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | Samsung S21+ offers higher video resolution (8K), while vivo V30 is limited to 4K. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | Not Available | Samsung S21+ has been tested by DXOMark and is a reliable camera. There are no dxomark score for vivo V30 |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, 8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, Night Mode | Dual Camera, 4K Video, OIS | Samsung has features that the vivo doesn't and the vivo has features that the Samsung does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | vivo V30 ships with a newer OS, ensuring longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar WiFi support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 | vivo V30 uses a newer, more efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, Galileo | Similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Samsung S21+ offers eSIM for more flexible carrier use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | vivo V30 offers a 512 GB storage option for heavy media users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | vivo V30 offers a 12GB RAM option for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21+ has better audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's display has superior scratch and damage protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21+ has additional sensors, which is suitable for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness (1300 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio features such as Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Offers both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens allows for better optical zoom capabilities.
- eSIM support: Offers eSIM for easy switching between digital carriers.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer and hall sensors for environmental tracking and advanced features.
- 8K Video: Captures professional grade video in 8K resolution
vivo V30 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset & Higher Performance: Faster performance with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset (16% higher benchmark).
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with a higher resolution and PPI.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Larger battery (5000 mAh) and much faster 80W charging.
- Better Camera Main & Selfie: Higher resolution main and selfie camera sensors, potentially better in low-light.
- Newer Bluetooth: Utilizes a more efficient Bluetooth 5.4 standard.
- More RAM Option: Available with up to 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- More Internal Storage Option: Available with up to 512GB of internal storage.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, offering extended software support and features.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: Slightly more compact and lightweight, enhancing portability.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Trades newer tech and performance for better display visibility under direct sunlight, audio, charging options and telephoto zoom.
- vivo: Trades some legacy features like wireless charging for newer chipset, performance, camera, storage and charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is Ideal For:
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will benefit from its high display brightness.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of media, such as videos, will appreciate the enhanced audio features.
- Travelers: eSIM support enables easy switching between mobile networks in different countries.
- Photography focused users: Users who use telephoto often and would like to capture high resolution videos in 8K.
- Users who prefer charging options: Users who would like to have multiple ways of charging their phone, either wired, wireless or reverse wireless.
- Users seeking robust protection: Those who require a high level of screen protection due to the risk of dropping the phone.
vivo V30 is Ideal For:
- Gamers & Power Users: Those who require smoother multitasking and demanding games will benefit from the superior chipset, and 12GB RAM option.
- Frequent Photographers: The main and selfie camera sensors are better.
- Users Prioritizing Battery & Charging: Users who prefer a larger battery capacity and fast charging.
- Users Seeking Future-Proofing: A newer OS ensures longer support and more advanced features.
- Users Who Prefer Compact Phones: Thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to use for long periods.
- Users Seeking More Storage: A 512 GB storage option available, ideal for users who take a lot of photos and videos.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, being an older model, might be available at a lower price than a new vivo V30. However, the vivo V30 offers newer technology, a better camera and overall better value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight?
- If yes, the Samsung S21+ 5G might be preferable due to its brighter display.
- Do you need the latest performance and a focus on camera quality?
- If yes, the vivo V30's faster processor, better main and selfie cameras, and newer software make it a better choice.
- Is a larger battery with fast charging or wireless charging more important for you?
- If faster charging is paramount, and wireless charging is not a priority, the vivo V30 is better. If you use wireless charging often, the Samsung S21+ 5G is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a photographer who travels a lot, you use the phone a lot in outdoor sunny days and prefer to capture some videos in high quality - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its brighter display, 8K video capability, wireless charging, and telephoto lens.
- Scenario 2: You're a gamer who prefers fast charging and likes the latest technology - Recommendation: vivo V30 for its superior chipset, faster charging and better main and selfie cameras.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize long battery life and the latest android OS updates - Recommendation: vivo V30 for its larger battery, faster charging, and newer operating system.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the vivo V30. While the Samsung S21+ 5G has its strengths, particularly the brighter display and wireless charging, the improvements that the vivo V30 brings to the table with its performance, camera, faster charging, and a more up-to-date operating system, make it a more appealing choice. The significantly faster charging and the newer chipset, coupled with the higher resolution screen and bigger storage options make the vivo V30 a better choice for my needs. The absence of the telephoto lens and wireless charging on the V30 are drawbacks, but I value overall speed and the newest software and hardware over these features. The missing brightness specification for vivo V30 is a limitation, but assuming it is still a decent display, I would prefer the overall performance and newer technology that the V30 offers.
