Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Oppo Find X3 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X3 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 72.5 x 8 mm | S21 is more compact, X3 Neo is taller and slightly wider. S21 is more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 184g | S21 is lighter and more comfortable for long periods of use. X3 Neo feels heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | X3 Neo has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 402 | Both are sharp, difference is negligible in day-to-day use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 provides smoother scrolling and animations. X3 Neo feels less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21 has better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) | Both are high-end, but S21's 5nm chipset could offer slightly better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 743,500 | Similar performance for most tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 650 | Both handle gaming well, minor differences in graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh | X3 Neo likely provides longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | X3 Neo charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse | Reverse Charging | S21 offers more versatility in charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | X3 Neo has more detail in daylight photos due to higher MP count and slightly larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom, better portrait mode. X3 Neo lacks dedicated lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | X3 Neo captures more detail in selfies, slightly worse low light performance due to smaller aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | X3 Neo has telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 16MP, f/2.2 | X3 Neo has wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | X3 Neo has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 has wide angle and macro capabilities in one lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR | 4K@60fps, HDR | S21 captures higher resolution videos and offers better video recording versatility. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | 106 | S21 performs better on photo tests while X3 Neo excels in video. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | N/A | S21's selfie camera is better in terms of video and photo. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, RAW | CDAF, Dual Shot | S21 offers more pro features. X3 Neo has dual shot feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 11, up to 12 | S21 has longer OS update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 6, dual-band, MiMO | Similar performance, X3 Neo's Wi-Fi MiMO for faster download in certain areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | X3 Neo has newer Bluetooth for slightly better connection. |
| GPS | Dual band, Galileo | Standard | S21 offers enhanced GPS accuracy in dual-band. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | X3 Neo has more RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation | Hi-Res Audio | S21 has enhanced spatial audio. X3 Neo has hi-res audio support for higher quality playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21's screen is more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Pedometer | S21 has more environmental sensors while X3 Neo has basic pedometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and carry around, great for users with smaller hands or those who prefer pocketability.
- Brighter Display with Higher Refresh Rate: Better outdoor visibility and smoother visual experience, beneficial for gamers and media enthusiasts.
- Advanced Video Recording Capabilities: Shoots up to 8K resolution, providing more options for video creators.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch resistance.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: More convenient charging options.
- More Advanced GPS: dual-band GPS offers better accuracy.
- Better OS Support: Longer OS update support from Android 11 up to 15.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher DxOMark score.
- Better Main Camera: Higher DxOMark score.
Oppo Find X3 Neo Advantages:
- Larger Display: Immersive viewing experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Likely better battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 65W charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- More RAM: 12 GB of RAM allows for better multitasking performance.
- More Versatile Camera Setup: Telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses provide more photographic options.
- Newer Bluetooth version: slightly better connection.
- Better main camera in terms of resolution: Shoots 50MP photos with more detail.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio playback.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G trades battery capacity for a more compact design, wireless charging, and higher refresh rate.
- The Oppo Find X3 Neo trades the more compact design, wireless charging, and better screen protection for a larger battery and faster charging capabilities and versatile camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who value a compact design: Those who prefer a phone that's easy to handle with one hand and fits in pockets comfortably.
- Gamers and media enthusiasts: Those who want a high refresh rate display for smoother gaming and video playback.
- Video creators: Those who need 8K video recording for professional-grade content creation.
- Users invested in wireless charging: Those who rely on wireless charging at home or on-the-go.
- Users who prioritize long-term software support: Users who value the latest Android updates.
Oppo Find X3 Neo Ideal Users:
- Users who value long battery life: Those who need a phone that lasts a full day with heavy usage.
- Users who prefer faster charging: Those who want to charge their phone quickly, reducing downtime.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who like more versatility in their mobile photography with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses.
- Multitaskers: Those who run multiple apps or have heavy workloads on their phones.
- Audiophiles: Those who prioritize high-quality audio playback with Hi-Res Audio support.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Gaming, video recording, daily commuting, and general use where compact form is desired.
- Oppo Find X3 Neo: Long road trips, photography, media consumption, multitasking, and use-cases where battery life is essential.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority, battery or compact design? If you need long battery life choose Oppo X3 Neo, If you value a compact phone and don't mind slightly less battery life choose S21.
- How much do you value a smoother screen vs faster charging? If you prefer a 120Hz screen choose S21, if you prefer faster charging choose Oppo X3 Neo.
- How important is advanced camera features versus versatility? S21 is more feature packed for video recording, while Oppo X3 Neo excels in photo versatility with its multiple lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler who needs all-day battery and fast charging: Choose the Oppo Find X3 Neo for its longer battery and rapid charging.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer who wants smooth visuals and prefers compact design: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its 120Hz screen, compact size and higher refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: User who values high-end video capabilities: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its 8K video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Photography enthusiast who wants multiple lenses: Choose the Oppo Find X3 Neo for its telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lens options.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Oppo Find X3 Neo is a great device with a larger battery and faster charging, my personal needs align better with the S21. I prioritize a compact and lighter design for better handling. The 120Hz display is significantly more appealing to me for the smoother experience, both in general use and gaming. While the Oppo has a versatile camera, the S21 is no slouch and would be more than adequate for my needs. I also appreciate the wireless charging capability and the slightly more premium build quality with the Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
