Galaxy A53 5G Vs Galaxy S21+ 5G

Galaxy A53 5G
Galaxy A53 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:119.00

Versus €459.00 new

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Galaxy S21+ 5G
Galaxy S21+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:200.00

Versus €1,299.99 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, released in April 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021, represent different segments of Samsung's smartphone offerings. While both devices operate on the Android platform and support 5G connectivity, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was a flagship model at its release, emphasizing high-end performance and advanced camera capabilities, whereas the Galaxy A53 5G focuses on delivering a balanced experience with strong battery life and extended software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it approximately a year older than the Galaxy A53 5G, which debuted in April 2022. This difference in launch dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A53 5G is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, potentially extending its support until Android 16 and security patches into 2027. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also received four major Android OS updates, with its final major update being Android 15, and security updates concluding around early 2026.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a glass front and back with Gorilla Glass Victus protection and an aluminum frame, offering a robust build. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A53 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, with a plastic back and frame, and carries an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2022

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, equipped with a processor that was flagship-tier at its release, handles demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking with notable responsiveness. The Galaxy A53 5G features a mid-range processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday use and most common applications, though it may exhibit less speed with very graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer configurations with 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, without an option for expansion. In contrast, the Galaxy A53 5G also offers 128GB or 256GB storage variants, but includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which can be beneficial for users who require more space for media and files.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A53 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times, often lasting more than a full day for many users. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 4800 mAh battery, which also delivers strong battery life, capable of lasting a full day of heavy use or potentially two days with lighter usage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, influencing the visual experience for all content.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy A53 5G comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, also known for its rich color reproduction and contrast.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones share a similar resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A53 5G offers up to 800 nits of peak brightness, which is generally sufficient for outdoor use but may be less luminous in direct sunlight compared to the S21 Plus.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during interactions and gaming. The S21 Plus 5G's display is adaptive, adjusting its refresh rate based on content to optimize battery consumption.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 12MP main lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with OIS, offering 3x hybrid zoom. The Galaxy A53 5G has a quad-camera system with a 64MP main lens (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. While the A53 has a higher megapixel count on its main sensor, the S21 Plus's dedicated telephoto lens provides more optical zoom versatility.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is noted for capturing bright and sharp photos in daylight, with good performance in low-light conditions and versatile camera modes. The Galaxy A53 5G also delivers good image quality in daylight, with a versatile setup that includes an ultrawide camera and night mode, though some users note that its image quality can be good but not exceptional, particularly in challenging lighting.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, offering high-resolution video capture. The Galaxy A53 5G records video at up to 4K at 30fps. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the A53 5G featuring Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience.

Main camera

64 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device handling.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G includes Wi-Fi 6 and Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, offering advanced wireless capabilities. The Galaxy A53 5G supports Wi-Fi 5. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A53 5G also incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor. Both devices offer face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has dimensions of 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 200g, featuring a premium build with glass and aluminum. The Galaxy A53 5G is slightly more compact and lighter at 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm and 189g, with a design that integrates a plastic back and frame.

Weight

189 g

200 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G for its strong performance, vibrant display, and capable camera system, particularly its telephoto lens and 8K video recording. Some users appreciate its premium build quality and the inclusion of wireless charging. Criticisms sometimes point to the lack of expandable storage and the absence of a charger in the box.

The Galaxy A53 5G is frequently praised for its excellent battery life, extended software support, and the inclusion of expandable storage. Its display is also a common positive, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Some users have noted that its performance, while generally good for daily tasks, might not be as snappy as higher-end devices, and its camera performance, while versatile, may not always match flagship-level detail in all conditions. The lack of wireless charging is also a point of consideration for some.

Users prioritizing a device with a more powerful processor for demanding applications, a dedicated telephoto camera, and premium build materials with wireless charging capabilities may find the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value longer software support, expandable storage, and superior battery life for extended use, along with a capable everyday camera, might lean towards the Galaxy A53 5G. Both models offer a reliable Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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