1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-27 | ZTE is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech |
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | ZTE is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use |
| Weight | 200g | 228g | Samsung is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. ZTE is heavier, may feel more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Very similar display sizes, negligible difference |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | ZTE offers a sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 452 | ZTE has a noticeably crisper display, better for reading and detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | ZTE has a significantly faster and more power-efficient chipset, better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,579,720 | ZTE offers much better overall performance in benchmarks, translating to a much snappier user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | ZTE has a superior GPU, offering better graphics for gaming and other graphics intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5100mAh | ZTE has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | ZTE charges much faster, reducing downtime waiting for charging. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse charging | None (Non-removable) | Samsung has wireless charging, reverse charging capabilities. ZTE does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" | ZTE captures more detail with a larger sensor, wider aperture which leads to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 8MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Samsung's telephoto has significantly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06" | ZTE selfie camera captures slightly more detail but Samsung has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88" | ZTE offers a dedicated ultra-wide camera, enhancing versatility in different scenarios |
| Wide + Macro lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | Samsung offers wide angle macro capabilities, suitable for creative closeup shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Similar high-resolution video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Overall 111 | N/A | Samsung's camera has been rated in DxOMark, ZTE isn't. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, Gimbal, RAW, Night Mode | ZTE has additional gimbal stabilization and a flicker sensor for specific shooting conditions. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 | ZTE has a more recent Android version, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi MiMO | ZTE offers faster WiFi and reduced latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | ZTE has a newer version of Bluetooth with better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ZTE supports a wider range of GPS systems improving accuracy and reliability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Samsung has eSIM support for greater flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | ZTE has a significantly higher storage option for more media and apps. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB/16GB | ZTE offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | DTS / DTS X | Samsung offers more comprehensive audio features while ZTE offers DTS audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's screen has superior protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung has light sensor, hall and geomagnetic sensors while ZTE has Ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The S21+ is significantly lighter, which enhances comfort for extended use.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for compatible devices.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility in choosing carriers and managing multiple lines.
- Wider Telephoto Camera: Offers higher resolution images
- Wider Aperture in Selfie Camera: Allows more light and better performance in low-light situations.
- DxOMark Score: Known camera performance due to the DxOMark score
- More Environmental Sensors: Including a barometer and light sensor.
- Superior Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced spatial audio experience.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: Offers a wider range of creative photography options
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 offers much better performance and power efficiency.
- Higher Resolution Display: Results in a noticeably sharper display with greater detail.
- Higher Screen Brightness: Better visibility in outdoor and bright conditions.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 80W charging, minimizing downtime.
- Larger Battery: Offers a slightly larger battery capacity for longer battery life.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better low light performance with a larger sensor and wider aperture.
- Dedicated Wide Angle lens: Added camera versatility.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13, providing the latest features.
- Faster WiFi: Supports the latest WiFi 7 standard for enhanced speed and lower latency.
- More RAM & Storage: Available with higher RAM options and storage capacity.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Additional stability for enhanced video recording
- Flicker Sensor: For better image quality in specific light conditions
- Advanced GPS: Better location accuracy due to the inclusion of more GPS systems
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Older chipset and slower charging, lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera, heavier.
- ZTE: Lacks wireless charging, eSIM support, and a less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable design.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Users who want eSIM support for international travel or managing multiple lines.
- Users who prefer a well-rounded camera system with a macro lens and great zoom capability.
- Users who want good audio features and a well-known phone with lots of reviews available.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use for people who value portability and comfort.
- International travelers needing eSIM functionality.
- Users who enjoy multimedia consumption and appreciate high-quality audio.
- Users who take a lot of photos but also like to have macro-photography capabilities.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Ideal User:
- Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prefer a sharp and bright display for media consumption.
- Users who prioritize fast charging to minimize downtime.
- Users who want the most modern technology in terms of performance, battery and display.
- Users who would make extensive use of the wide-angle lens.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who want the best possible performance.
- Users who frequently stream video or watch content.
- Anyone who values fast charging and quick top-ups during the day.
- Users who need the extra storage for large media collections.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Convenience: Is top-tier performance and fast charging a higher priority than features like wireless charging and eSIM?
- Camera Needs: Do you value a macro lens for creative close-up photos, or a dedicated ultra-wide lens for group photos and landscapes more?
- Design and Ergonomics: Do you prefer a lighter phone with slightly smaller footprint or do you prefer a larger, more substantial phone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Power Users: The ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice due to its superior chipset, faster charging, and sharper display, and larger storage.
- For Casual Users Prioritizing Comfort and Features: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a lighter design, wireless charging, better telephoto zoom, and a versatile camera system.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: If zoom capability and a macro lens are important, then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may be more appealing. However, if you want a good wide angle lens and better low-light performance, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro will be the better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Although I appreciate the well-roundedness of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, the substantial performance difference, better display, significantly faster charging, and additional storage offered by the ZTE make it a more compelling option for my use cases. The gimbal stabilization is also a welcome addition for my video recording needs, and the wider angle lens will allow for more versatile photography. While I would miss the wireless charging feature and the eSIM support from the S21+, the performance benefits and the newer technology in the ZTE Z50S Pro are more important for my personal needs and worth the trade-offs.
