Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. vivo X100 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two smartphones, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm | The vivo X100 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 221g | The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown (Screen) | The S21+ has better screen scratch resistance with Gorilla Glass Victus. Protection of vivo's screen is not known. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Minimal difference; both offer a large screen experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800 | The vivo X100 Pro has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 452 | The vivo X100 Pro offers significantly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 Pro is drastically brighter, making it far better in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The vivo X100 Pro’s newer chip offers significantly higher performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 Pro delivers a much faster user experience, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100 Pro has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1" Sony IMX989 | The vivo X100 Pro should capture more detailed images in most lighting conditions, especially in low light due to a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung S5KGW2 | None | The S21+ offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities; the vivo lacks a dedicated sensor for this. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" Samsung S5KGD2 | The vivo X100 Pro is better for sharper and more detailed selfies in various lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | The vivo X100 Pro allows wide angle shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | None | The S21+ offers dedicated macro and wide angle capabilities. |
| Telephoto + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | The vivo X100 Pro offers dedicated telephoto and macro capabilites. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both record high-resolution video but the vivo does it at 30fps compared to 24fps on the Samsung. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Mobile: 150, Photo: 149, Video: 145 | The vivo X100 Pro demonstrates superior camera performance in all categories according to DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Multiple features including digital and optical zoom | Additional features such as Cinematic mode, Flicker sensor, and Gimbal for stabilization. | Both offer great options and features; vivo has more features that are specific to its camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5400mAh | The vivo X100 Pro is likely to last longer between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The vivo X100 Pro charges much faster than the Samsung S21+. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | The vivo X100 Pro charges wirelessly significantly faster. |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W Wireless | Reverse charging | Both support reverse charging, with the S21+ offering both wired and wireless charging. |
| In-Box Charger | No | Yes (likely) | The S21+ does not come with a charger in the box. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | The vivo X100 Pro ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The vivo X100 Pro is capable of faster Wi-Fi speeds with more advanced features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | The vivo X100 Pro supports a newer Bluetooth version, offering better speed and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, L1+L5 | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5 | The vivo X100 Pro has a more accurate GPS due to support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both support dual SIM and eSIM. |
Storage, Audio & Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The vivo X100 Pro offers significantly higher storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB/16GB | The vivo X100 Pro provides smoother multitasking and better performance for demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via MicroSD. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer excellent audio quality; Samsung has an extra mic for noise cancellation. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | The S21+ has a barometer but the X100 Pro has gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended holding and portability.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Offers additional zoom capabilities and portrait features.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Better call and sound quality.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
- Main Camera: Larger sensor with higher resolution for better image quality, especially in low light.
- Significantly Faster Charging: Both wired and wireless charging is much quicker.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: Ships with Android 14 and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Larger Battery: Better battery life.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 1TB storage
- Higher DxOMark Score: Better camera performance in photo and video.
- Additional camera features like Cinematic mode, Flicker sensor, and Gimbal for stabilization.
- More precise GPS: Support for more satellite navigation systems.
Trade-offs:
- The vivo X100 Pro is bulkier and heavier than the Samsung.
- The S21+ lacks the high camera performance of the vivo X100 Pro
- The S21+ has much slower charging, and no charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who value a lighter, more comfortable phone for everyday use.
- Users who want good zoom capabilities for photos.
- Users who need reverse wireless charging.
- Users on a budget and are willing to sacrifice camera performance and processing speed.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Casual photography with a need for zoom.
- Users who need to charge other devices wirelessly.
vivo X100 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed.
- Photographers and videographers who need high-quality results.
- Gamers who need the best performance from their devices.
- Users who need all-day battery life and fast charging.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile games and resource-intensive applications.
- Professional or semi-professional photography and videography.
- Outdoor use where high screen brightness is critical.
- Users who want the latest connectivity standards.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic use)
- How important is portability and weight to you?
- How much importance do you place on camera quality, display quality and battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a lightweight phone with decent all-round capabilities and basic zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a viable option, especially if price is a major constraint.
- If you want the best possible performance, camera quality, and battery life, the vivo X100 Pro is the superior choice.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro.
Here's why:
- Performance: The significant performance jump in the vivo X100 Pro makes it a much better choice for daily use, gaming, and multitasking. The faster chipset and GPU would provide smoother and more efficient use.
- Camera Quality: The camera quality is a significant upgrade. The much larger sensor, better low light performance, and higher scores at DxOMark make it a more appealing option for my photography needs.
- Display Brightness: The extremely high brightness of the display is important, especially when using the phone outdoors, and the higher resolution enhances the viewing experience.
- Charging Speed and Battery life: The vastly superior charging speeds and larger battery capacity will make using this phone much less of a hassle.
- Future Proofing: The fact the X100 Pro has the latest software and connectivity features makes it a more future-proof choice.
While the S21+ is lighter, the performance and camera quality are more important to me. The S21+ is a fine phone, but the X100 Pro wins in almost every other category. The trade-off in weight is well worth the performance benefits.
