Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Oppo Find X5
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, highlighting the practical implications of each difference:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 160.3 × 72.6 × 8.7 mm | Oppo Find X5 is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 196g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying around. Oppo Find X5 is heavier, might feel more premium, but less comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.55" | Oppo Find X5 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. S21 5G is more compact but has a smaller viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer the same sharpness, meaning comparable image quality on display |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 402 PPI | Both have very similar pixel densities, so the image sharpness will be indistinguishable to the human eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, resulting in similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience for games and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer similar peak brightness, meaning comparable outdoor visibility |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Oppo Find X5's Snapdragon 888 tends to offer slightly better overall performance and efficiency in demanding tasks. S21's Exynos is still very capable but may be less optimized for gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 877,800 | Oppo Find X5 generally performs better in benchmarks, suggesting smoother performance in demanding games and heavy applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 generally offers superior graphics performance, giving an edge to the Oppo Find X5 for graphics-intensive games and tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | Oppo Find X5 has a higher resolution and larger sensor, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light, with more detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" sensor | S21 5G has a telephoto lens which can achieve better zoom while Oppo Find X5 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" sensor | Oppo Find X5 has a much larger sensor, promising better wide angle images, especially in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" sensor | Oppo Find X5 offers much higher resolution selfies. The Samsung camera has a slightly wider aperture, which could improve low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 5G supports higher video resolution, making it suitable for those who need professional-grade video content creation. Oppo Find X5 is excellent for standard 4K video needs. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 114 | Oppo Find X5 has a slightly better overall camera performance score. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 124 | Oppo Find X5 produces photos with higher image quality. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 90 | 95 | Oppo Find X5 has better video performance than S21 5G. |
| Features | 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Samsung S21 5G has the edge for 8K video recording, while Oppo Find X5 has ultra-stable video and other more advanced focusing modes. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4800mAh | Oppo Find X5 has a larger battery, providing better battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 80W | Oppo Find X5 charges much faster, enabling quicker top-ups and less downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 30W | Oppo Find X5 has faster wireless charging making it a more convenient option. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 10W | Oppo Find X5 has faster reverse wireless charging, making it useful for charging accessories on the go |
| In-Box Charger | No | Yes | Oppo Find X5 has a charger in the box, while Samsung does not, thus increasing costs for those wanting fast charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More compact and lightweight: Easier to handle and pocket-friendly, better for one-handed use.
- 8K Video Recording: Superior resolution for professional video needs and high-quality content creation.
- Specific Telephoto Lens Allows for lossless zoom
- Specific sensors: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic. Offers more sensors for gaming and enhanced reality.
Oppo Find X5 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Enhanced media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Performance: Faster processing, better graphics, and more efficient performance due to Snapdragon 888.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution and larger sensors on most cameras, generally better photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging both wired and wireless, reducing downtime.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, lasting throughout a day of heavy usage.
- More RAM (12 GB Option) Superior multitasking capabilities.
- More advanced focusing modes: (CDAF, LAF).
Trade-offs:
- Size and weight The Oppo Find X5 is more bulky and heavier than the Samsung S21 5G, making it less convenient for some.
- 8k Video Recording: The Samsung S21 5G has superior video recording capabilities, which may be very important to some.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize compact size, lightweight design, and high-resolution video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Users who value portability and ease of handling
- Video creators needing high-resolution recording
- Users who want advanced sensors for AR or gaming.
Oppo Find X5:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, superior camera capabilities, fast charging and longer battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Gamers and power users who need the best possible performance
- Photographers and videographers looking for high-quality images and video
- Heavy users who require all-day battery life with fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is compactness and lightweight design? If this is a priority, the S21 5G is better.
- Is superior camera quality and battery life more important? If yes, the Find X5 is the better choice.
- Does 8K video recording matter? If it does, the S21 5G is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-go, one handed use. Choose Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its compact size and lighter weight.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Gaming. Choose Oppo Find X5 for its larger display, superior performance and graphics.
- Scenario 3: Photography and videography. Choose Oppo Find X5 for its superior camera system, with the caveat that it doesn't record 8K video.
- Scenario 4: Daily Power User: Choose Oppo Find X5 for faster charging and longer lasting battery.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Oppo Find X5.
Here's why:
While I appreciate the S21 5G's compact size and 8K video capabilities, my priorities lie more with overall performance, camera quality and battery life. The Oppo Find X5's Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost, which would be beneficial for demanding tasks and gaming. The larger, more vibrant display is a significant plus for media consumption. Moreover, the superior camera system with larger sensors promises to take better photos, especially in low light. The significantly faster charging speeds and larger battery capacity of the Find X5 mean less worrying about battery life.
While the S21 5G is a great phone in its own right, the Oppo Find X5 offers a better balance of features that align with my personal usage scenarios, making it the more compelling choice for me, despite its larger size.
