1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-18 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly newer, meaning it has more advanced tech. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 225g | S21 5G is much lighter, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays with similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 421 | 388 | S21 5G's slightly higher pixel density may result in marginally sharper text and images, though likely imperceptible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 Pro's higher refresh rate results in smoother animations and a more fluid experience, especially noticeable while gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 Pro is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a much newer and more powerful processor, providing better performance in all tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 Pro scores much higher, indicating superior performance in demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance, crucial for high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ROG Phone 8 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 5G offers more flexibility with wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, while both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" (Sony IMX555) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" (Sony IMX890) | ROG Phone 8 Pro captures more detail with its higher resolution and larger sensor, although the S21 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 5G has a dedicated Telephoto and Portrait lens. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" (Sony IMX374) | 32MP, 1/3.2" (Omnivision OV32C) | ROG Phone 8 Pro captures selfies with much higher resolution and detail. |
| Telephoto lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" (Omnivision OV32C) | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers more optical zoom capability with dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" (Sony IMX563) | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3" (Omnivision OV31B) | Both have similar capabilities, but the S21 5G has a slightly larger sensor for wider perspective. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording capabilities, with EIS support. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | S21 5G has been tested for camera quality with scores, ROG Phone 8 Pro is untested. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, RAW | Gimbal, LAF | S21 5G offers RAW capture and Phase Detection Autofocus, while ROG Phone 8 Pro features Gimbal and Laser AF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 Pro ships with a newer OS and will likely receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version, offering potentially better connections and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | ROG Phone 8 Pro supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro offers significantly more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16/24 GB | ROG Phone 8 Pro has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancel. | DTS/DTS X, 3 Microphones | Both have stereo speakers, S21 5G includes Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling, while ROG Phone 8 Pro includes DTS and 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both offer robust screen protection, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 being marginally more durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, etc., Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, etc., Gravity | S21 5G has a Barometer, while ROG Phone 8 Pro has Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Significantly lighter (56g) and smaller, making it easier to handle and carry, fitting better in pockets.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding flexibility.
- Established Camera Performance: Has been tested and scored by DXOMark for both main and selfie cameras, providing an idea of the camera's capabilities.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Features PDAF for quick and accurate focusing.
- RAW Image Capture: Captures RAW images for advanced editing, appealing to photography enthusiasts.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer and much faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset leading to vastly improved app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance.
- Larger Display with Higher Refresh Rate: Larger screen and higher refresh rate (165Hz) result in a smoother and more immersive experience, especially for gaming.
- Brighter Display: Much higher brightness (2500 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Significantly larger battery and faster charging (65W) offering potentially much longer battery life and quicker refills.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Generally higher resolution sensors on primary and selfie cameras for sharper and detailed images. Telephoto lens provides more optical zoom capability.
- More RAM and Storage: Provides significantly more RAM and internal storage for demanding users and extensive media libraries.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster connections.
- Gimbal and Laser Autofocus (LAF): Includes gimbal and LAF for better camera stabilization and focus.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G sacrifices performance, battery life, and screen size for its compact form and wireless charging capabilities.
- The ROG Phone 8 Pro sacrifices portability and wireless charging for its power, screen quality, and superior camera specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users, those who prioritize portability and ease of use, and those who value wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who appreciate a smaller phone that fits easily in a pocket.
- Individuals who benefit from wireless charging for convenience.
- Users who take occasional photos and videos and don't need the absolute best in low-light performance, but want the option for RAW editing.
- Price-to-Value: Suitable for those looking for a premium Samsung experience at a lower price point (given its age), but still with many of the modern features and capable enough for most users.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Hardcore gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance, screen quality, and battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games, and e-sports.
- Multitasking with demanding applications.
- Users who want the best possible display for media consumption.
- Those who value fast charging and a very large battery.
- Users who want more detailed photos and videos.
- Price-to-Value: While more expensive, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers excellent value for those who prioritize performance, gaming, and a high-end mobile experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize portability and ease of use, or a larger, more immersive screen and performance? This will help decide between the S21 5G's compact size versus the ROG Phone 8 Pro's larger build.
- What is your primary use case? Casual tasks vs gaming, power-user usage, photography?
- Are wireless charging and portability more important than battery life and performance? This highlights the key trade-offs between the two phones.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual Everyday User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Rationale: The S21 5G's lighter design, wireless charging, and still capable performance are more than sufficient for everyday use.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Power User
- Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Rationale: The ROG Phone 8 Pro's superior performance, larger high refresh display, battery life, and high-resolution cameras make it the best choice for gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Rationale: Although S21 5G has better DXOMark scores, its age makes it less relevant compared to the modern camera tech inside the ROG Phone 8 Pro. The ROG Phone 8 Pro provides more flexibility, more resolution, and overall better capabilities, including a dedicated telephoto lens.
My Choice and Why:
I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has its merits in portability and wireless charging, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a significantly superior experience in nearly every other aspect that is important to me. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers a level of performance that the S21 5G simply can't match. The larger, brighter, and higher refresh rate display would greatly enhance media consumption and gaming. The battery life and faster charging would keep my phone going for longer, and I prioritize overall camera quality and its versatility. While the ROG Phone 8 Pro is bulkier, the benefits it provides greatly outweigh this. My preference is always for the most powerful and versatile device available.
