1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | S21 slightly taller & wider, Zenfone slightly thicker; Zenfone 8 has a slightly larger volume |
| Weight | 169g | 169g | Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 5.9" | S21 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption; Zenfone more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same clarity, pixel-per-inch is slightly higher on Zenfone due to smaller screen size. |
| PPI | 421 | 446 | Zenfone 8 has marginally sharper display due to higher pixel density, but hard to notice in normal use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21 offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Zenfone 8's Snapdragon chip has better raw performance, especially for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 891,700 | Zenfone 8 scores higher, indicating better overall and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 typically performs better in gaming scenarios. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4000mAh | Both should have similar battery life for general use. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Zenfone 8 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | Non-removable | S21 offers wireless charging and reverse charging for added convenience, but no in box charger; Zenfone 8 no wireless capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | Zenfone 8 has much higher resolution for detail; S21 has slightly larger sensor for better light capture. |
| Rear (Telephoto) | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21 offers optical zoom for detailed shots; Zenfone 8 lacks optical zoom. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" | Zenfone 8 has higher resolution, slightly smaller sensor, Samsung has wider aperture for low light. |
| Rear (Wide/Macro) | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Comparable ultra-wide performance for both phones. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record high quality video with stabilization; Zenfone has slightly more options at 4K. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 116 | Zenfone 8 has a slightly better camera performance, mainly for video. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | Samsung has a good selfie camera |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Optical zoom, Night Mode | Dual camera, | S21 offers more flexibility with dedicated zoom, but Zenfone has higher resolution main camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 11, up to 13 | S21 guaranteed to get more software support from Samsung. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast, modern Wi-Fi for quick downloads and streaming. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Zenfone 8 offers a slightly newer Bluetooth version for more efficient pairing. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Multiple | L1+L5, Multiple | Zenfone 8 offers more accurate positioning with wider satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both allow for Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer ample storage, but neither can be expanded. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8/12/16GB | Zenfone 8 provides options for higher RAM, better for multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both have stereo speakers, Zenfone 8 has Hi-Res audio for better quality and better microphones for calls; S21 has Dolby Atmos for more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint scanner for device security |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both are well protected against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | Gravity | S21 has additional environmental sensors; Zenfone has gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Offers significantly better outdoor visibility with its higher peak brightness.
- Telephoto Camera: Dedicated telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities not available on the Zenfone 8, making it better for detailed zoomed shots.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides added convenience for charging, and can charge other devices.
- Dolby Atmos: More immersive sound experience.
- More Software Support: Likely to receive more OS updates than the Zenfone 8.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer, for more precise readings.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher DXOMARK score and wider aperture.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a noticeable edge in benchmarks and heavy gaming.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging means quicker refills.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 64MP main sensor captures more details in good lighting.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB for smooth multitasking.
- Better GPS: More accurate positioning.
- Superior Video Performance: The Zenfone 8 has a significantly better video score.
- Hi-Res Audio and Additional Microphones: Better for clear calls, voice recordings and higher quality audio.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21: sacrifices slightly better processing power and the main camera resolution for better screen brightness, wireless charging, optical zoom and better selfie camera performance.
- Asus Zenfone 8: sacrifices features like telephoto camera, wireless charging, and slightly less bright display for better raw performance and better video performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Everyday User: Prefers a premium experience with a great screen, good cameras, and wireless charging.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Appreciates the great selfie camera and the versatility of multiple lenses, including optical zoom.
- Outdoorsy Person: Values the brighter display in sunny conditions.
- Those interested in sound: The Dolby Atmos feature adds to a more immersive experience.
Use Cases for S21:
- Everyday Photography & Videography: Versatile camera system performs well in varied conditions.
- Mobile Gaming: Solid performance for casual gaming.
- Video Streaming and Content Consumption: Bright display, wireless charging.
Asus Zenfone 8 Ideal User:
- Power User & Gamer: Needs top-tier processing power and more RAM for demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Prefers a high-resolution main camera and better video performance.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Hi-Res audio and better microphone system for high quality sound.
- Those who prefer a smaller phone: Compact design for comfortable one-handed use.
Use Cases for Zenfone 8:
- High-End Gaming: Snapdragon 888 and high refresh rate offer a very smooth gaming experience.
- Mobile Photography & Videography: High-resolution main camera and better video for better shots and videos.
- Professional Audio: High quality audio playback, clearer calls and voice recordings.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones are high-end devices. The S21 was launched with a higher price tag, but is usually available at a more competitive price now, which can make it good value. The Zenfone 8, has a good balance of performance and features for its price tag.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Prioritize performance or features?: Is having the best possible processing power a priority (Zenfone), or are features like a brighter display, wireless charging and a more versatile camera system more important (S21)?
- Camera flexibility or main camera resolution?: Do you want telephoto zoom and a versatile camera system(S21), or do you prioritize resolution from the main camera and better video performance (Zenfone)?
- Is size a big factor?: Do you value portability (Zenfone), or is a slightly larger display for better media consumption preferred (S21)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-end Gaming and High Performance: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its raw processing power, higher refresh rate and excellent performance for gaming.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Use with a Versatile Camera & Wireless Charging: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its bright display, multiple camera lenses, wireless charging and Dolby Atmos.
- Scenario 3: Prioritizing video quality and better audio: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for better video performance, audio quality and better microphones for clear calls.
My Choice
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 8. While I appreciate the brighter display and wireless charging on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, my priorities lean towards performance and camera capabilities. The Snapdragon 888 chipset, coupled with the higher resolution main camera, and better video and audio performance, would be more beneficial for my typical usage, which includes gaming, and mobile photography/videography. The Zenfone 8 also provides better audio features, which are important for high quality audio playback. The higher RAM options also make it better for future proofing and heavy use. Although it lacks the telephoto lens of the S21, for my use case, I would rather have the better main lens, overall video capabilities, and better audio capture.
