Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-18 | Asus ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, offering updated technology |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus is larger and may be less comfortable in hand; Samsung is more pocketable |
| Weight | 169g | 225g | Samsung is significantly lighter, easier for extended use; Asus is heavier but may feel more robust |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | Asus offers a larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same crispness, no visible difference in sharpness |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 388 ppi | Samsung's display is slightly sharper but negligible in practice |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Asus's display will feel smoother and more responsive, especially in gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Asus offers superior visibility in direct sunlight; better readability outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus has a much more powerful and efficient processor for better gaming and multitasking |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 2,020,000 | Asus offers significantly faster performance; snappier app loading, smoother gameplay |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a much better GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus offers significantly longer battery life for extended usage without needing a recharge |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Asus charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Samsung has wireless charging features, Asus has faster charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | Asus captures more detailed images; Samsung is better in low-light conditions based on the aperture |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | Not available | Samsung offers better zoom and portrait capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 32MP | Asus captures higher-resolution selfies; more detail |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 5MP (f/2.4) | Asus can take detailed close-up photos; good for capturing tiny details |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 13MP (f/2.2) | Asus captures slightly higher-resolution wide-angle photos |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer high-quality video recording, Asus has slightly better slow-motion |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | Not tested | Samsung's camera performance is rated, Asus is not tested |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | Not tested | Samsung's selfie camera performance is rated, Asus is not tested |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | OIS, Gimbal, LAF | Asus has better stabilization features and faster autofocus, Samsung has RAW capture |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Asus offers a newer OS version, getting the latest features and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus offers faster Wi-Fi, more efficient connection, future-proof |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Asus has newer Bluetooth, improved connection stability, power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, etc. | Asus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have enough storage space, Asus doesn't have a 128 GB variant |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Asus offers more RAM for better multitasking performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has an SD card slot |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have stereo speakers; Samsung has Dolby Atmos and Noise Cancellation Mic while Asus has DTS/DTS X and 3 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar basic fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has newer Gorilla Glass protection on the display, slightly better scratch resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Samsung has a barometer for measuring altitude, Asus has gravity sensor, different use cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The S21 5G is significantly lighter and smaller, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and more pocketable.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding flexibility in charging options.
- Rated Camera Performance: DXOMark provides ratings for both the main and selfie camera performance, offering objective data on its capabilities
- Barometer: Includes a barometer sensor for measuring altitude
- Wider aperture standard lens: Provides slightly better low-light performance
- RAW format: Supports RAW image capture, which may be preferred by photography enthusiasts
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers much higher performance, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 165Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother visual experience, particularly noticeable in games and fast-scrolling content.
- Larger Battery: The 5500mAh battery provides a significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging means quicker top-ups and less downtime.
- Superior Brightness: Much brighter screen (2500 nits) for excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera Resolution: Higher megapixel main camera for more detailed photos.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots.
- Newer OS and WiFi Standards: Comes with newer OS and supports WiFi 7 for the latest tech.
- More RAM: Has an option for more RAM for improved multitasking and gaming performance
- Gimbal Stabilisation and Laser Auto-focus: Improved stabilisation and faster focus
Trade-offs:
- Samsung:
- Older chipset and lower performance.
- Smaller battery capacity.
- Slower charging.
- Heavier on the features; doesn't have Gimbal stabilization or Laser Auto-focus.
- Asus:
- Larger and heavier.
- Lacks wireless charging features.
- No DXOMark rating
- Lower resolution standard lens and lacks RAW image capture
- No Barometer sensor
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- General User: Those who prioritize a compact and light device for everyday tasks, with good performance and reliable camera quality.
- Wireless Charging Enthusiasts: Users who benefit from the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users that require RAW image capture.
- Users wanting a smaller display: Prefer a smaller, pocketable design with one-hand usability.
- Budget-Conscious: Users looking for a solid device at a potentially lower price point (as it's an older model).
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media.
- General photography and video recording.
- Casual mobile gaming and browsing.
- Use in areas where wireless charging is convenient
Asus ROG Phone 8 Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who demand the best performance and a smooth display experience for intense gaming.
- Power Users: Users who need a device for heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Content Consumers: Those who prioritize a large, high-quality display for watching videos and multimedia.
- Outdoor Users: People who need excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Users needing longer battery life: Users who need extended usage without the need to charge frequently.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who require Gimbal stabilization and Laser Auto-focus features
Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming.
- Video editing and graphic design on the go.
- Watching movies and streaming content.
- Use in bright outdoor environments
- Long trips away from a power source
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, general use, content consumption, photography)
- Do you prefer a compact, lightweight design or a larger, feature-rich device?
- Do you need wireless charging or longer battery life and faster charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, browsing, and casual photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a solid choice, offering a lightweight design and wireless charging capabilities, but has slower performance and older tech.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Gamer: If you are a gamer or require heavy processing power and the best display performance, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner due to its superior processing power, display, and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you are a photography enthusiast who values low-light performance and RAW image capture with a compact build, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a better option. If you value stability, autofocus, and having a dedicated macro lens, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is a better option.
- Scenario 4: Long trips: If you are frequently travelling and can't charge frequently, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is a superior choice due to its large battery and fast charging
My Choice:
I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a capable phone, the ROG Phone 8 offers significant improvements in key areas that align with my priorities. The superior performance, larger battery, and much brighter display, combined with faster charging, make it a better all-round device for demanding tasks. I value having a smooth display with a higher refresh rate for daily use, which the 165Hz screen provides. Although I appreciate the compact build of the S21 and its wireless charging capabilities, the significant performance advantage, superior display and much longer battery life offered by the ROG Phone 8 outweigh these factors. Additionally, the upgraded camera features with Gimbal Stabilisation and Laser Auto-focus are very attractive features. The ROG Phone 8 is simply the better device.
