Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Oppo A54s
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm | S21 5G is more compact, easier to handle and pocket. A54s is larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 5G feels lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. A54s is heavier, may cause fatigue over long periods. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown (Screen) | S21 5G has superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. The A54s's durability is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.52" | A54s has a larger display, better for media consumption. S21 5G is slightly smaller and easier to use with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | S21 5G offers sharper visuals with more detail for text, images, and videos. A54s has lower resolution, may appear less sharp. |
| PPI | 421 | 269 | S21 5G provides significantly sharper text and images, leading to a more pleasant viewing experience. A54s may appear less detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially in dark mode. A54s has a standard LCD, with less vibrant colors and weaker blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G has smoother animations and scrolling, which is particularly noticeable in games and fast-paced content. A54s will have a standard screen refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G offers superior outdoor visibility, allowing you to use the phone comfortably in bright sunlight. The A54s's outdoor visibility is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | S21 5G has a significantly more powerful chip for smoother multitasking, gaming, and faster app loading. A54s has a budget chip, suitable for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 110,490 | S21 5G offers a vastly superior user experience across all tasks and will feel faster and more responsive. A54s's performance will be noticeably slower. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 5G is better suited for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. A54s's GPU is less powerful for games or graphics-heavy apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/2.2 | Oppo A54s has higher resolution, but S21 5G has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, likely capturing better images in low light with better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | Not Available | S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for detailed shots from a distance, the A54s lacks this versatility. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Not Available | S21 5G offers a wide-angle perspective for capturing more in a single shot. A54s lacks a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 5G offers higher resolution selfies, while the A54s has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A54s offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; S21 5G lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A54s has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photos. S21 5G lacks a B&W sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G allows professional-grade video capture with higher resolution and more flexibility. A54s is limited to standard HD recording. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Available | The S21 5G has better image and video quality as validated by DXOMark. The A54s does not have a score. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Available | The S21 5G has significantly better selfie quality as validated by DXOMark. The A54s does not have a score. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, 4K Video, Optical Zoom | Basic features | S21 5G offers far more camera features for versatile photography, including better stabilization and low light capabilities. The A54s has basic features only. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo A54s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A54s may have longer battery life due to the larger capacity. Real-world battery life is affected by usage and software. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | No Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster via wired and wirelessly, and can also charge other devices wirelessly. The A54s does not support fast or wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Both phones have reverse charging, but only the S21 has wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, 120Hz, higher resolution, better brightness - offers a vibrant, smooth, and sharp viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much more powerful processor and GPU for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall speed.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto and wide-angle lenses, 8K recording, OIS, RAW support, and higher DXOMark scores, making it a much more versatile photography tool.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging offer more convenience and speed.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide a richer audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior durability against drops and scratches.
- More Advanced Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster, more reliable wireless connection.
Oppo A54s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery may offer longer battery life, especially for casual use.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be more ergonomic and convenient for some users.
- Dedicated Black & White Sensor: Allows for a dedicated black and white photo capture.
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Significantly more expensive, smaller battery, no macro camera.
- Oppo A54s: Inferior display, much lower performance, basic camera system, lacks fast and wireless charging, slower Wi-Fi, and basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium. Great for gaming, media consumption, and high-quality photography/videography.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, streaming high-resolution content, demanding mobile tasks, outdoor use in bright conditions, and anyone needing a very fast and responsive phone.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price, but offers premium features and performance.
Oppo A54s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, prefer a larger screen and value longer battery life. Not suitable for demanding gaming or heavy camera users.
- Use Cases: Basic social media, web browsing, casual media consumption, long battery life for travel, users with a limited budget.
- Price-to-Value: Low price point, suitable for basic needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic usage)
- How important is display quality? (e.g., resolution, brightness, color accuracy)
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you need a device for demanding gaming, editing, or professional photography/videography, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the clear choice due to its superior performance, display, and camera system.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If your main concerns are affordability and battery life, and you don't need top-tier performance or camera quality, the Oppo A54s is a budget-friendly option suitable for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a good balance of features and price and need a good camera the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G will be a better choice than the Oppo A54s.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
While the Oppo A54s has a larger battery, which is appealing, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities of the S21 5G is too significant to ignore. I value a fluid and responsive user experience, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a versatile camera system, all of which are areas where the S21 5G excels. Even though the S21 5G is older, the 2021 flagship is far superior in performance than the budget Oppo A54s, and that makes a big difference.
For me, the compromise on screen quality, processing power, and the camera experience on the A54s isn't worth the increased battery life. The fast charging capabilities of the S21 5G also help to mitigate the battery capacity difference to some degree. I would rather charge my phone a little more often while experiencing high-end performance, a great display, and excellent camera quality, making the S21 5G the clear winner for my needs.
