Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. OnePlus 10 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | OnePlus 10 Pro is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. S21 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 201g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended holding and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | OnePlus 10 Pro offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 10 Pro provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed image. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 525 PPI | OnePlus 10 Pro's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 5G's AMOLED has better contrast and deeper blacks. OnePlus 10 Pro display technology not specified. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro has a newer and more powerful chip, offering faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 900,491 | OnePlus 10 Pro has superior benchmark scores, indicating generally better performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | OnePlus 10 Pro's Adreno 730 offers a newer and more efficient graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 10 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No charger in-box | 50W Wireless, Reverse wireless charging | OnePlus 10 Pro offers faster wireless charging; both have reverse charging and don't include chargers in box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | OnePlus 10 Pro captures more detailed photos with its main sensor. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.43" | OnePlus 10 Pro has a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 64MP | None | S21 5G offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP | OnePlus 10 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for expanded field of view. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2 MP | None | S21 5G offers wide angle with macro functionality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | OnePlus 10 Pro captures higher-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a wider aperture, letting in more light for better selfies in low light. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.74" | OnePlus 10 Pro has a larger sensor for better selfie performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording with HDR & EIS. OnePlus 10 Pro offers 4K@120 fps. |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 480fps | S21 has higher slow motion frame rate. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 | 122 | OnePlus 10 Pro achieves a higher score, indicating better overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark (Photo) | 118 | 124 | OnePlus 10 Pro scores better in photo tests than Samsung Galaxy S21. |
| DXOMark (Video) | 90 | 119 | OnePlus 10 Pro has significant edge in video performance. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Specified | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a high score in the selfie test but OnePlus 10 Pro score is not present for comparison |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 12, upgradeable to 14 | OnePlus 10 Pro comes with a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 10 Pro supports newer Wi-Fi, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | OnePlus 10 Pro has a newer and more energy-efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5) | Both have dual band GPS for improved accuracy. OnePlus 10 Pro has more accurate BeiDou. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a 12GB option for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | OnePlus 10 Pro has 3 microphones, potentially offering superior audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices have high level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy S21 has additional environmental sensors (Barometer). OnePlus 10 Pro features a RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry in pockets due to its smaller size and weight.
- Superior Display Tech: AMOLED provides excellent color contrast and deep blacks for a better visual experience, especially in darker environments.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated 64MP telephoto lens for zoom capabilities in addition to a wide angle lens with macro.
- Higher Slow Motion Frame Rate: Offers 960 fps slow motion video compared to 480 fps on OnePlus 10 Pro.
- More Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer for atmospheric pressure data.
- Better Selfie Scores: While not directly comparable because the OnePlus 10 Pro lacks a DxOMark score for its selfie camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a good score for the selfie camera.
OnePlus 10 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Provides a more immersive experience with higher resolution and pixel density.
- More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and higher benchmark scores deliver superior performance for demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and significantly faster charging speed.
- Newer WiFi & Bluetooth: Supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.2 for more efficient wireless performance.
- Higher-Resolution Main Camera: Better detail and a larger sensor for improved low-light photos.
- Dedicated Wide Angle & Telephoto Lens: Offers more flexibility in taking photos.
- More Storage Options: Includes a 512GB storage option.
- 3 Microphones: Potentially improved audio capture quality for calls and videos.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Achieves higher scores on DxOMark for its main camera, especially in video.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G sacrifices performance and battery for a more portable design.
- The OnePlus 10 Pro is larger and heavier, and its display technology is not specified but the S21's AMOLED panel is likely superior.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Users who value the vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED display.
- Users who want a good all-around camera with a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who prefer a lighter device for extended usage.
- Users who want slow motion video at higher frame rate.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Daily commuters who need a compact device for travel.
- Users who frequently capture photos and zoom-in on subjects.
- Casual gamers who appreciate smooth performance without extreme requirements.
- Those who appreciate high-quality HDR content consumption on-the-go.
OnePlus 10 Pro is Ideal For:
- Users who need top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who value a larger, sharper display for immersive media consumption.
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Users who are serious about mobile photography and videography, and want a better camera performance.
- Users who like to have the latest connectivity and audio standards.
- Users who like to take a variety of pictures with wide angle and telephoto lenses.
Use Cases for OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Power users who frequently engage in mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Content creators who want a good display for editing media and a high-quality camera.
- Users who travel frequently and need all day battery life.
- Those who prioritize cutting-edge technology and seamless multitasking.
- Those who frequently use the wide angle lens.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 10 Pro, being the newer phone, is likely more expensive.
- If budget is a concern, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G may offer a great balance between price and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize portability or a larger display? (S21 5G favors portability, OnePlus 10 Pro favors larger screen)
- Is performance or battery life more important for your usage? (OnePlus 10 Pro wins on both counts)
- How crucial is having a dedicated zoom lens versus a wide angle lens, or vice versa? (Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has telephoto lens; OnePlus 10 Pro has a wide angle lens)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Professional: If you need a reliable device for on-the-go work, emails, and document editing, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more pocketable form factor and an AMOLED display for crisp text.
- For the Mobile Gamer: If you spend hours gaming, the OnePlus 10 Pro will provide the superior performance, battery life, and larger display needed for immersive gaming sessions.
- For the Content Creator: If you frequently shoot photos and videos, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers superior main camera capabilities and a higher-resolution display for editing, along with better video and photo scores based on DxOMark.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If you need a good all-around device without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G might offer a good balance between cost and features, while offering a vibrant AMOLED display and good camera.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 10 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a great phone, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers several advantages that align more closely with my priorities:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including some gaming and content creation, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides a noticeable performance boost.
- Battery and Charging: The larger battery and significantly faster charging are a huge convenience for my lifestyle.
- Camera System: Despite the Samsung's dedicated telephoto lens, I prefer the overall picture quality and added versatility of the OnePlus 10 Pro's main and wide angle lens.
- Display: Although the display tech of the OnePlus 10 Pro isn't specified, the larger size and higher resolution enhance the overall viewing experience for me.
- Future Proofing: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth versions mean I won't feel the need to upgrade in near future due to wireless connectivity.
The larger size and heavier weight of the OnePlus 10 Pro are a compromise I'm willing to make for its superior performance and capabilities, making it a more future proof device that fits my diverse needs. The fact that it also includes 3 microphones and a more flexible lens setup is an added bonus.
