1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find N2 Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Oppo Find N2 Flip offers a compact form factor when folded, and a larger display when unfolded. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a traditional slab design. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 166.2 × 75.2 × 7.5 mm | Oppo Find N2 Flip is taller and slightly wider, but thinner. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is more compact when unfolded. |
| Weight | 169g | 191g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a larger display, better for multimedia consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a slightly sharper screen, but the difference is minor. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 403 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, with a negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has superior display technology (AMOLED) with better contrast and more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Oppo Find N2 Flip is noticeably brighter, making it significantly easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm) | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a newer and more powerful chipset for better app performance, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,160,000 | Oppo Find N2 Flip shows better performance in benchmarks. Real-world apps will run more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a newer GPU, implying better graphics performance in games and apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4300 mAh | Oppo Find N2 Flip has slightly better battery life due to a larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 44W Fast Charging | Oppo Find N2 Flip charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | No Wireless Charging | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a higher resolution sensor and a larger sensor for better detail and light capture. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a significantly higher-resolution selfie camera, good for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a higher resolution and larger wide angle sensor than Oppo Find N2 Flip. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G supports higher resolution video recording, excellent for professional video creation. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a DxOMark score indicating good image quality (Note: the score is for main camera) |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a DxOMark score indicating very good selfie image quality (Note: the score is for selfie camera) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Oppo Find N2 Flip comes with a newer version of Android out of the box and will likely receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 (with MIMO) | Oppo Find N2 Flip has added Wi-Fi MIMO for better performance. Both support the latest standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Oppo Find N2 Flip uses newer Bluetooth standard for a stronger, more reliable connection and less power consumption. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Comprehensive + QZSS | Oppo Find N2 Flip supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Oppo Find N2 Flip offers higher internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Oppo Find N2 Flip offers higher RAM options for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has slightly better audio for calls and enhanced immersion because of the Noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic sensor | side-mounted sensor | Oppo Find N2 Flip has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, RGB | Both have comprehensive sensor suites, however, Samsung S21 5G features Barometer while Oppo Find N2 Flip features RGB. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: Easier to handle and carry in standard phone format.
- AMOLED Display: Superior display technology with better blacks and color contrast.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers dedicated optical zoom for better photography at a distance.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient and versatile charging options.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 8K recording, offering more options for videography.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Camera: Better wide-angle photographs with better pixel density.
- Comprehensive set of sensors: Equipped with Barometer for better environmental data, noise cancellation microphone for clear audio in calls, and a full array of sensors.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is more resistant to scratches and impacts.
- DxOMark scores: Higher scores for both main and selfie cameras.
Oppo Find N2 Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Compact form factor when folded, larger screen when unfolded, a unique proposition.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in bright sunlight.
- More Powerful Chipset: Better overall performance, especially in gaming and demanding applications.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging times, better convenience.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Detailed images with its higher resolution sensor.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Detailed selfies and video calls with better clarity.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android, more recent software updates.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: Better multitasking and more storage space.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Easier to use because of the side-mounted sensor.
- More satellite navigation systems: Better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G trades advanced performance and battery features for a lighter, more traditional phone experience with wireless charging and telephoto camera capabilities.
- Oppo Find N2 Flip sacrifices a telephoto camera, wireless charging, screen protection and a smaller display when folded, for a newer chipset, foldable screen and brighter display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prefer a traditional phone design and prioritize a lighter, more compact device.
- Users who value display quality and the benefits of AMOLED technology.
- Users who need a good all-around camera system with a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Users who rely on wireless charging for convenience.
- Users who create content and want to record video using the 8k capabilities
- Users that enjoy audio in calls or recording, as the phone includes a noise cancellation microphone.
- Users who value the added security and durability offered by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday use: Comfortable, lightweight, good for daily tasks and browsing.
- Photography: Versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-quality images.
- Video: Excellent video recording options, including 8k.
- Media Consumption: Enjoy vibrant colors and excellent contrast when watching movies.
Oppo Find N2 Flip is ideal for:
- Users who want a foldable phone for portability and unique form factor.
- Users who require a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who need fast charging for convenience.
- Users who want a device that's compact when folded and has a larger screen when unfolded.
- Users that take lots of selfies, or enjoy video calls with the higher resolution selfie camera.
- Users who enjoy multitasking or gaming, because of higher RAM.
Specific Use Cases:
- On-the-go use: The foldable form factor allows for pocketable size, convenient for quick tasks and using the cover screen.
- Gaming: Powerful processor for intensive gaming.
- Media consumption: Large, bright display for immersive video watching experience, when unfolded.
- Content Creation: Capture detailed photos, and make high resolution video calls.
- Travel: Better satellite navigation systems for more accurate location data.
Price-to-Value: *The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is older and will likely be available at a lower price point and offers solid performance. The Oppo Find N2 Flip will be more expensive but offers unique features like a foldable display and more advanced hardware, appealing to those willing to pay a premium.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a foldable form factor? If yes, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is the clear choice. If not, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a solid traditional smartphone experience.
- What is your primary use case for the camera? If you need optical zoom, 8K video recording or a high resolution wide angle camera, the S21 is better suited. If detailed selfies, or video calls are a priority, the Find N2 Flip has the advantage.
- Is portability and long battery life important? If portability and a more traditional feel is a priority, the S21 is a better option, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is a better choice for having a smaller form factor in the folded position and for faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler & Media Consumer: If you need a phone for travel, that offers quick charging, a brighter display, and good location tracking, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is the best choice.
- Scenario 2: Professional Photographer & Videographer: The Samsung S21 5G excels with optical zoom, better wide angle lens, higher video recording, and excellent still images.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User & Casual Gamer: If you need a well-rounded phone for daily tasks with good performance the S21 5G is more suited, but if you want a smoother experience and play more intense games, the Find N2 Flip is recommended.
- Scenario 4: User Seeking Wireless Charging & Traditional Design: If you prefer the ease of wireless charging and are not interested in foldable phones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a strong option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Find N2 Flip. Although the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a very compelling package, the innovative foldable form factor of the Oppo Find N2 Flip is something I find very appealing. I like the convenience of a smaller device when it is folded. This form factor also provides a larger display when unfolded, which is great for media consumption. The brighter screen also aligns with my outdoor usage habits. Even though the camera system of the S21 is superior, the camera on the N2 is good enough for my needs. While the lack of wireless charging is a trade-off, the faster charging makes up for it in my daily usage. The stronger chipset and additional RAM options also lean in favor of the N2 Flip, as they ensure the device will perform well for a longer time.
