Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the OnePlus 12, launched globally in January 2024, represent different generations of Android smartphones. While both offer a premium experience, the OnePlus 12 benefits from newer technology, particularly in performance and camera capabilities, reflecting its more recent release. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing a familiar software environment for users.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the duration of software support it receives.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, has received major Android OS updates up to Android 14 and is expected to receive Android 15, with security updates concluding around January 2026. In contrast, the OnePlus 12, launched in January 2024, is projected to receive Android OS updates up to Android 18 and security patches until January 2029, offering a considerably longer period of official software support.
• Build and Protection: The Galaxy S21 5G features a Gorilla Glass Victus front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against immersion. The OnePlus 12 incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass on the back, encased in an aluminum frame, and carries an IP65 rating, which protects against dust and water jets but not full submersion.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software updates and the latest Android features will find the OnePlus 12 more aligned with their needs due to its newer release and longer support window. The Galaxy S21 5G, while still functional, is nearing the end of its official software support cycle.

Performance differences between these two devices are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting app loading, multitasking, and gaming experiences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G delivers capable performance for everyday applications and moderate multitasking, reflecting its status as a former flagship device. The OnePlus 12, being a more recent release, offers current-generation flagship performance, handling demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with greater fluidity and responsiveness.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily tasks. The OnePlus 12 offers more generous RAM configurations, starting from 12GB and extending to 16GB or even 24GB in some variants, providing substantial headroom for heavy users and ensuring smoother transitions between numerous open applications. Both devices offer ample internal storage options without expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use but may require more frequent charging for heavy users. The OnePlus 12 features a larger 5400 mAh battery, designed to offer extended usage times, often lasting beyond a full day even with intensive use.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with distinct characteristics in technology, resolution, and brightness.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), offering clear and vibrant visuals. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3168 pixels), providing a sharper image with more detailed content. The LTPO technology in the OnePlus 12 allows for more dynamic refresh rate adjustments, contributing to power efficiency.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a smooth viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The OnePlus 12 significantly surpasses this with a peak brightness of up to 4500 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor use and HDR content.
• Viewing Experience: Users who prefer a more compact device will appreciate the Galaxy S21 5G's smaller screen size. Those seeking an expansive and highly detailed viewing area, particularly for media consumption or productivity, will find the OnePlus 12's larger, higher-resolution display with superior brightness more immersive.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems, but the OnePlus 12, with its newer hardware and software optimizations, presents a more advanced photography and videography experience.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a triple camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, capable of capturing detailed photos and 8K video. The OnePlus 12 features a more contemporary triple camera system co-developed with Hasselblad, comprising a 50MP wide-angle lens (Sony LYT-808 sensor), a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens, also supporting 8K video recording.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The OnePlus 12's larger main sensor and Hasselblad color science contribute to improved low-light performance and more natural color reproduction. While the Galaxy S21 5G delivers good results in well-lit conditions, the OnePlus 12 generally offers greater detail and dynamic range across various scenarios.
• Front Camera and Video Quality: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 5G has a 10MP front camera. The OnePlus 12 features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, providing more detailed self-portraits. Both phones support 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, offering high-resolution video capture.