Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two devices, primarily due to their release dates and form factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Plus, launched in early 2021, typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. The Galaxy Z Flip5, released in mid-2023, also benefits from Samsung's policy of four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will extend further into the future compared to the S21 Plus.
• Physical Durability: The S21 Plus features a traditional rigid design with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Z Flip5, as a foldable device, incorporates Ultra Thin Glass for its main display and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its cover screen and back. It carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, but lacks official dust resistance due to its folding mechanism. The folding hinge introduces a mechanical component that can be a point of consideration for long-term durability.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the traditional form factor of the S21 Plus generally offers a more straightforward repair process compared to the intricate design of a foldable phone like the Z Flip5.

Performance capabilities vary between these two models, reflecting advancements in mobile processing technology over time and differences in battery capacity.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a more recent generation processor, which provides enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive gaming. The Galaxy S21 Plus, while still capable, uses an older flagship processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly but may show limitations with the most intensive current applications compared to the Z Flip5.
• System Responsiveness: Users will generally experience quicker app loading times and smoother transitions on the Z Flip5 due to its newer internal components. Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for managing multiple applications simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus is equipped with a larger 4800 mAh battery, which typically translates to longer usage times on a single charge for many users. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a smaller 3700 mAh battery, and while its newer processor is more power-efficient, heavy users might find themselves charging it more frequently.

The display experience is a primary differentiator, with the Z Flip5 offering a unique foldable design and a secondary external screen.

• Main Display Technology: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S21 Plus has a flat 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels. The Z Flip5 also has a 6.7-inch main screen when unfolded, with a resolution of 2640x1080 pixels, but it is a foldable panel.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones offer an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate on their main displays, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. Peak brightness levels are generally high on both, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Unique Cover Screen: The Galaxy Z Flip5 stands out with its 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, which allows users to view notifications, control media, take selfies, and interact with widgets without unfolding the device. The S21 Plus does not have a secondary display.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but with different configurations and strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. This telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zooming in on subjects. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Plus is noted for its detailed photos across wide and telephoto ranges, with good performance in well-lit indoor shots and portraits. The Z Flip5's cameras are considered dependable for everyday use, with its foldable form factor enabling unique hands-free shooting angles and the use of the main rear cameras for high-quality selfies via the cover screen.
• Video Recording: The S21 Plus supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, offering high-resolution video capture. The Z Flip5 records video at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two Samsung smartphones.

• Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S21 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The newer Galaxy Z Flip5 offers updated connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing potentially faster and more stable wireless connections.
• Physical Design and Handling: The S21 Plus is a larger, rigid device, measuring 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighing 200 grams. The Z Flip5's foldable design makes it significantly more compact when closed (85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm), enhancing portability, while unfolding to a similar screen size (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm) and weighing slightly less at 187 grams.
• Biometric Security: The S21 Plus features an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Z Flip5 integrates its fingerprint sensor into the side power button. Both offer reliable methods for secure unlocking.