1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | S21+ 5G is slightly wider and thinner, potentially impacting grip and pocketability. |
| Weight | 188g | 200g | OnePlus 8T is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ 5G has more advanced screen protection, offering better resistance to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 394 PPI | Virtually indistinguishable in sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ 5G is brighter, leading to better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (International) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both offer flagship-level performance for smooth multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. Exynos 2100 is fabricated on a smaller node, which can lead to better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 749,100 | Near identical performance in synthetic benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Both GPUs are capable of handling demanding games at high settings. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | OnePlus 8T has a higher resolution, but S21+ 5G has larger sensor pixels, which impacts low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | S21+ 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality zoomed-in photos. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both capture wide-angle shots, however the S21+5G ultrawide also supports macro functionality |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 8T has dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | The OnePlus 8T has a higher resolution, but the S21+ 5G has a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21+ 5G can record higher resolution videos, suitable for professional use. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 111 | S21+ 5G has a DxOMark Mobile score of 111. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 107 | N/A | OnePlus 8T has a DxOMark Selfie score of 107. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | OnePlus 8T charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | S21+ 5G supports wireless charging for convenient power-ups. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | No | 4.5W | S21+ 5G can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches. |
Software & Other
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | The S21+ 5G is expected to receive one additional year of major Android updates compared to the OnePlus 8T |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, meaning you're limited to the internal storage you purchase. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Both offer modern Bluetooth capabilities, however the OnePlus 8T has a slightly newer version, but the S21+ 5G supports a wider variety of audio and connectivity profiles. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Potentially Lower Price: Older model, might be available at a lower price point.
- More RAM (in some configurations): The 12GB RAM option offers better multitasking.
- Ultrawide and Macro Lens: The inclusion of these two lenses allows for unique photo and video opportunities.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and drop resistance.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits improves outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom for better zoomed-in photos.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option without cables.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Hi-Res Audio + Noise Cancellation Microphone: better audio immersion and quality.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for travel
- Potentially Longer Software Support: May receive Android updates for a longer period.
- 8K Video Recording: For professional-grade video content creation.
- Barometer: Environmental data
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 8T trades a telephoto lens for a dedicated macro lens.
- OnePlus 8T trades wireless charging for significantly faster-wired charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T - Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Fast charging ensures minimal downtime.
- Users on a Budget: May offer better value for money than the S21+ 5G.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
Use Cases:
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Taking detailed photos of small objects like flowers or insects.
- Multitasking with many apps open simultaneously (with 12GB RAM).
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Versatile camera system with telephoto lens and high DxOMark score (mobile).
- Users who Value Durability: Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Multimedia Consumers: Brighter display and wireless charging for comfortable viewing and charging.
- Users requiring long-term software support: Greater android support.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality zoomed-in photos at concerts or sporting events.
- Watching videos outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Wirelessly charging the phone on a desk or bedside table.
- Using reverse wireless charging to power up wireless earbuds.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is fast charging to you? (OnePlus 8T excels)
- How much do you value camera versatility and zoom capabilities? (Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G excels)
- Is wireless charging a must-have feature? (Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers it)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user who needs fast charging: OnePlus 8T is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Photography enthusiast who wants versatile camera: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: User who wants the most durable and feature-rich phone: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
Which phone would I choose and why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the OnePlus 8T offers faster charging, the S21+ 5G provides a more well-rounded package with a brighter and more durable display, a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, wireless charging, and potentially longer software support. The enhanced audio features and barometer also add value for my personal use cases.
