1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.1 × 73.4 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider; Reno5 is a bit more compact and might be easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 172g | 200g | Reno5 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same Full HD+ sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel density; both screens look very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience in terms of panel technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S21+ has a smoother scrolling and animation experience due to the higher refresh rate, noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 750 nits | 1300 nits | S21+ offers much better visibility in bright sunlight and outdoor conditions, ideal for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 765G | Exynos 2100 (International) | S21+ has a significantly more powerful chipset, resulting in faster overall performance and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 325,000 | 749,100 | S21+ offers superior performance for gaming, video editing, and resource intensive applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21+ has a much better GPU suitable for smooth gameplay in demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | Oppo has higher resolution, but S21+ has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | S21+ offers telephoto zoom capabilities; Reno5 lacks optical zoom, relying on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.8µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Oppo has higher resolution for selfies, while S21+ has larger pixels and a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Reno5 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which S21+ lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | S21+ offers slightly higher resolution and larger pixel sizes for wider shots; both have similar apertures |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21+ offers higher video resolution (8K) suitable for professional content creation; Both have various frame rate options; Samsung has better slow-mo (960fps vs 240fps) and stereo sound. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | S21+ has been tested for Mobile camera (111), photo (118) and video (89); Oppo Reno5 5G has no public score yet for a performance comparison. |
Battery
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4300 mAh | 4800 mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life for daily tasks. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Reno5 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime; S21+ has slower charging speeds in comparison. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, dual-cell battery | Reverse Charging, Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging, No in-box charger | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, whereas Reno5 has faster charging with the dual-cell battery. |
Other
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS Upgrade | Android 11 -> 12 | Android 11 -> 15 | S21+ will receive more major OS updates, extending its software support longevity. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 | S21+ offers better speed and latency when used with a Wi-Fi 6 router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Reno5 has a newer Bluetooth version, but S21+ offers a wider array of Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21+ is more precise in navigation when using dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | S21+ offers the option of using an eSIM, useful for switching between different carriers without a physical sim card. |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | No expandable storage in both phones. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8GB | Reno5 has more RAM options, potentially better for heavy multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has superior audio features with Hi-Res support and a noise cancellation mic; Reno5 includes Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3+ | Gorilla Glass Victus | S21+ uses a superior protection screen; S21+ has better durability against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21+ has a barometer which is useful for tracking changes in atmospheric pressure; Reno5 does not have a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: For close-up photography.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 offers better connectivity and power efficiency.
- Dual-Cell Battery Offers faster charging
Practical Implications: The Reno5 is geared towards users who value portability, fast charging, and high-resolution selfies, with a focus on a comfortable user experience.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful Performance: Significantly faster chipset and GPU.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for better scrolling and animations.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: For higher-resolution professional video capture.
- Better Low-Light Photography: Main camera with larger pixels.
- Larger Battery: Provides better battery life.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Software Updates: Will receive 4 more major OS updates than the Oppo Reno 5 5G.
- Hi-Res Audio: For enhanced audio experience with compatible devices.
- eSIM Support For digital carrier switching.
- Better Screen Protection With Gorilla Glass Victus, the S21+ is more durable.
- Barometer For tracking atmospheric pressure. Practical Implications: The S21+ is designed for power users, gamers, and those who need the best performance, display quality, and camera capabilities with support for 8k videos, while having good battery endurance.
Trade-offs:
- Reno5: Lacks the raw power and camera versatility of the S21+ and has less screen brightness.
- S21+: Heavier, slower charging speeds, lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Reno5 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals who value a lightweight phone for daily tasks and want fast charging.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-resolution front-facing cameras.
- Users on a Budget The Oppo will be cheaper than the Samsung due to its specs
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and casual photography.
- Quick top-ups during the day.
- Users who prefer a smaller and lighter device.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users & Gamers: Demanding users who need top-tier performance and smooth graphics.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy high-quality video and need a bright display for outdoor use.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera capabilities, including telephoto zoom.
- Professionals: Users who need professional video recording capabilities.
- Users Who Want Durability The Gorilla Glass Victus protection offers higher durability to users
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Watching HDR content in bright conditions.
- Capturing high-resolution images and 8K video.
- Users who will use their phone for 3+ years.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Reno5 offers better value for users seeking a capable device with fast charging and a focus on selfies.
- The S21+ provides more value for power users requiring flagship performance and display/camera quality. The price will be higher.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
What is more important, performance or portability?
- If performance is more important, then the S21+ is ideal. If portability and comfort are more important, then the Reno5 is a better fit.
How important are camera capabilities?
- If versatile zoom and 8K video are key, choose the S21+. If you are a selfie user, the Reno5 will work well.
What is your budget and battery needs?
- If budget conscious, the Reno5 is a very capable option, whilst the S21+ is more expensive but offers significantly better battery endurance. Consider if wireless charging is a necessity, as the S21+ provides this feature.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: A user primarily uses social media, takes lots of selfies and needs a lightweight device that charges quickly.
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno5 5G.
Scenario 2: A user plays demanding games, edits videos on their phone, needs top-notch display quality, and good battery life.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Scenario 3: A user needs a balanced phone with a good screen, good cameras and does not need flagship specs, while still being budget conscious.
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno5 5G.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Oppo Reno5 5G is a solid mid-range phone with fast charging and a good selfie camera, the S21+ offers a superior overall experience. The dramatically better display, the much more powerful chipset, the versatile camera system with optical zoom and 8K video, and the additional features like wireless charging, make the S21+ a more compelling device for my use cases. I value having a great display, excellent performance, and high-quality cameras as my daily driver. Additionally, the longer software update support is a key factor for me when choosing a phone I plan to use for several years. Although, the faster charging of the Reno5 is enticing.
