Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 6
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on practical user experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-07-13 | ROG Phone 6 is significantly newer, implying potentially longer software support and newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle with one hand; ROG Phone 6 is larger, bulkier. |
| Weight | 169g | 239g | S21 5G is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use. ROG Phone 6 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 6 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming; S21 5G is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2448 | Both offer sharp visuals; minor difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 395 ppi | S21 5G has slightly sharper text and images, although the difference is minimal. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 provides smoother scrolling and animations, particularly beneficial for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 5G is slightly brighter, better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 6 has a newer and more powerful chip, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 has significantly higher performance, suitable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6 has a more powerful GPU, better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, less time plugged in. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger | Bypass Charging, 10W Reverse Charging | S21 5G has wireless charging capabilities; ROG 6 has bypass charging to reduce heat generation while gaming and charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | ROG Phone 6 has higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better image quality; S21 has wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP | None | S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, which is useful for far away objects. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | ROG Phone 6 has slightly higher resolution and a wider aperture, potentially better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP | 13MP | ROG Phone 6 features a dedicated ultrawide camera; S21 wide is combined with macro lens |
| Macro | None | 5MP | ROG Phone 6 features a dedicated macro camera; S21 wide is combined with macro lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record high-resolution video with stabilization; ROG Phone 6 supports 120 fps for 4k recording |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | Not Available | S21 5G has been benchmarked for camera performance (111), a general reference; No score for the Rog Phone 6. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | Not Available | S21 5G has been benchmarked for selfie camera performance (132). No score for the Rog Phone 6. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Continuous AF, Optical Zoom | OIS | S21 5G has better zoom capabilities in its camera module. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 15 | Android 12, max 13 | ROG Phone 6 ships with a newer OS but older max OS. S21 5G will likely have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | ROG Phone 6 has slightly more advanced WiFi with MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has a newer and potentially more stable Bluetooth connection with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple | Multiple, NavIC | ROG Phone 6 has support for a wider range of GPS constellations and NavIC for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | ROG Phone 6 offers up to 512GB storage, more capacity for large files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12/16GB | ROG Phone 6 has more RAM options (12/16GB), enabling better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS, Hi-Res Audio, 4 Mics | ROG Phone 6 features a more advanced audio system, with more mics for clear voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both use standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | None | S21 has barometer which can be used for altimeter and weather information. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Compact and Lighter Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Slightly Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience for charging on compatible pads.
- Optical Zoom Camera: Telephoto lens with optical zoom capabilities for better long-range shots.
- Barometer: Can measure atmospheric pressure to determine altitude and aid in weather predictions.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip results in a 61% faster Antutu score, faster app loading, better multitasking, and superior gaming.
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for gaming and media consumption.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and a more responsive experience, particularly useful for gaming.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Longer battery life, reducing the need to recharge as often.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging for less downtime.
- Better Audio: DTS, Hi-Res Audio, and quad microphones improve audio playback and recording.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM for better multitasking and more demanding games.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lenses Better for landscape and macro photos.
- More Advanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy.
- Bypass Charging: Can help mitigate thermal throttling by powering the phone directly from the charger instead of the battery.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 5G: Lacks the gaming-centric features of the ROG Phone 6, has a smaller battery and is less powerful, not ideal for heavy gaming.
- Asus ROG Phone 6: Significantly larger and heavier than the S21 5G and does not have wireless charging
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- General users who prioritize a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and a compact, lightweight design.
- Users who prefer a smaller phone that is easy to handle and carry.
- Users who value the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who often take photos and videos in a variety of situations, especially those who use a telephoto lens.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: Excellent for calls, texts, emails, and social media.
- Casual Photography: Good for everyday photos and videos, especially with optical zoom.
- General Media Consumption: Suitable for watching videos and browsing the web.
Asus ROG Phone 6 is ideal for:
- Hardcore Gamers who need the best possible performance, smooth display, and long battery life.
- Power Users who require a large screen and powerful processor for intensive tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Users who value superior audio for gaming and media consumption.
- Users who require a macro and wide angle camera lens for diverse photo opportunities.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-End Gaming: Excellent performance for demanding games at high refresh rates.
- Multitasking: Runs multiple apps simultaneously without performance issues.
- Media Consumption: Large, vibrant screen for an immersive movie-watching experience.
- Video Recording: Records smooth 4k 120fps video for professional results.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, general use, photography, battery)
- Do I prefer a compact phone or one with a large display?
- How important are features like wireless charging vs. superior performance and battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User Seeking a Balanced Phone: If you primarily use your phone for communication, social media, and basic photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a good choice with its balance of features and compact design.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Gamer Seeking Top Performance: If you are a serious mobile gamer who prioritizes top performance, smooth gameplay, long battery life and a wide angle lens the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Power User on the Go: If you require long battery life, a large display, and the ability to multitask and run demanding applications, the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the best option.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Asus ROG Phone 6. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a well-rounded phone, the ROG Phone 6's focus on performance, battery life, and a more immersive experience caters to my preference for a device that can handle demanding tasks and long hours of use. As someone who often games on my phone and consumes a lot of media, the larger screen, higher refresh rate, and superior performance offered by the ROG Phone 6 make it the more suitable device for my needs. The lack of wireless charging is a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the benefits I'd receive in other areas.
