1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | vivo X100 is slightly taller and thicker, may feel a bit larger in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 202g | Negligible difference, both will feel similar in weight. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Minor difference, virtually the same viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | vivo X100's screen will appear noticeably sharper with more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 452 | vivo X100 offers a sharper display, text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays will have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 will be significantly easier to view in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | vivo X100 has a newer, more powerful chip offering significantly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 will load apps much faster, multitask smoother, and handle intensive games with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.57, 1/1.31", Sony IMX920 | vivo X100 has a higher resolution sensor, wider aperture and a larger sensor that will result in better low light performance and more detailed images. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | None | Samsung has dedicated telephoto for zoom and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Samsung S5KGD2 | vivo X100 has a higher resolution selfie camera with better low light performance, resulting in higher quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | vivo X100 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom shots |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | vivo X100 has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | None | Samsung S21+ 5G has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 4K video | Samsung offers higher resolution video capabilities with 8k capture. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | No data | Samsung has tested scores, while vivo doesn't. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS | Cinematic Mode, Gimbal, LAF, OIS | Both phones have great camera features. vivo offers cinematic mode, gimbal stabilization and Laser AF, while Samsung has 8K Video capability. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | vivo X100 has a slightly larger battery, likely offering a bit more battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | vivo X100 will charge from 0-100% significantly faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless charging | None | Samsung offers convenient wireless and reverse charging options. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | vivo X100 ships with a more recent Android version with newer features and security enhancements. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | vivo X100 supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | vivo X100 has a newer Bluetooth version, may offer better power efficiency and connectivity |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | vivo X100 has more satellite systems, potentially improving location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Samsung offers the flexibility of an eSIM, while the vivo X100 supports Dual Nano Sims. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | vivo X100 offers much more storage, good for users with large media libraries or app collections. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | vivo X100 offers more RAM which means better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, user needs to choose the right amount of storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Samsung offers noise cancellation for microphone while vivo offers more advanced wireless audio codecs. |
Security and Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung offers superior screen scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Gravity sensor | Samsung includes a barometer, and vivo includes a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- 8K Video Recording: Offers significantly higher video resolution for professional-level footage.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenient charging options not available on the vivo X100.
- eSIM Support: Enables greater flexibility for managing multiple mobile subscriptions.
- Established Brand and Ecosystem: Benefits from Samsung's strong brand recognition and ecosystem.
- Verified screen protection: The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus
- Dedicated Macro lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots.
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers much faster processing and gaming speeds.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and much higher brightness make the display noticeably better.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main camera sensor with better low light performance, plus telephoto and wide-angle cameras.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more up-to-date Android version with the latest features and security.
- More Storage Options: Offers up to 1TB of storage, accommodating large media libraries.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for better speeds and efficiency.
- Advanced Camera Features: Gimbal stabilization and Laser AF.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers wireless charging, eSIM support, 8K Video and a Macro Lens but has much lower performance, an older OS, and an inferior display compared to the vivo X100.
- The vivo X100 has a significantly better camera system with dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, but lacks wireless charging, Macro Lens, and 8K video.
- The Samsung S21+ 5G has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus while the vivo's screen protection is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize convenience features like wireless charging and eSIM.
- Users who need high-resolution video recording (8K).
- Users who prefer macro photography.
- Users who prioritize brand recognition and familiarity with the Samsung ecosystem.
- Users who don't need the absolute best performance and are happy with good performance.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Casual video recording and photography, with a need for 8K resolution.
- Business users who benefit from eSIM for easy carrier switching.
- Users who frequently utilize wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
vivo X100 Ideal User:
- Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display, especially for outdoor visibility.
- Users who want the fastest charging speeds available.
- Users who desire a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Users who need large amounts of storage for media and apps.
Use Cases for vivo X100:
- Mobile gamers and heavy app users.
- Frequent travellers who need fast charging.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile camera options.
- Users who consume a lot of video content on the go, where display brightness is a necessity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance (gaming, multitasking)? If performance is critical, the vivo X100 is the obvious choice.
- How much do you value wireless charging and eSIM support? If these are essential, the Samsung S21+ 5G has the edge.
- How much do you value the camera system? If you value versatility, a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens, the vivo X100 has the edge.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is available at a significantly lower price than the vivo X100, it could be a decent budget option, but be aware of the performance and display trade-offs.
- Scenario 2: Power User: The vivo X100 is the better option for power users looking for top performance, fast charging, and a great display.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: The vivo X100's camera setup, combined with its powerful performance makes it a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Samsung Ecosystem User: If deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem and needing the wireless charging or eSIM feature, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G remains a good choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers some appealing features like wireless charging, the advantages of the vivo X100 are far more compelling in my opinion. The performance difference is substantial, which directly translates to a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience. Furthermore, the vastly superior display and advanced camera system makes the vivo X100 the clear choice for me. The faster charging and the larger storage capacity adds to the overall appeal. Even though I appreciate wireless charging, the 120W fast charging of the vivo X100 will make topping up the battery extremely quick, offsetting the need for wireless charging. The lack of verified screen protection on the vivo is a bit of a concern but not enough to make me choose the older and slower S21+. Ultimately, the vivo X100 offers a more complete and future-proof package.
