1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-25 | Oppo Reno11 is significantly newer, likely with better software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.4 × 74.3 × 7.9 mm | Oppo Reno11 is larger, potentially less pocketable but with a larger screen |
| Weight | 169g | 182g | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for long-term use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | Oppo Reno11 offers a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Negligible difference in sharpness in everyday usage |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 394 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's display is slightly sharper, though most won't notice it |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colours and deep blacks for both |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Oppo Reno11 display is slightly brighter, better for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Oppo Reno11 has a more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 923,559 | Oppo Reno11 benchmark scores are significantly higher, indicating better performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a more powerful GPU on paper, but real-world differences will be minor due to the CPU difference. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4800mAh | Oppo Reno11 has a much larger battery, offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Oppo Reno11 charges significantly faster, a major convenience |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" sensor | Oppo Reno11 captures higher detail and potentially better low-light photos due to the sensor. Samsung S21 has a bigger sensor, which can translate to better low light quality. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor | None | Samsung S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portraits |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" sensor | Oppo Reno11 has a higher-resolution selfie camera |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" sensor | Oppo Reno11 has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Oppo Reno11 has a dedicated ultrawide angle lens for landscape shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a dedicated wide angle lens with Macro capabilities |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can record higher resolution videos with more options. Both phones have good video stabilization |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo:118, Video: 90) | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's camera has been tested and rated well |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G's selfie camera has been tested and rated well |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14 | Oppo Reno11 has the newer OS out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | Similar Wi-Fi performance; Oppo has an extra feature in Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, LDAC, AAC | Oppo Reno11 has newer Bluetooth version and audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS | Both have accurate GPS, Samsung has additional frequencies |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Oppo Reno11 offers more internal storage, especially if you need a lot of space for photos and videos |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Oppo Reno11 offers more RAM in some models |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Basic Audio | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has better audio features, which translates to a better experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has stronger glass protection for the screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Accelerometer | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has more environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More versatile Camera system: Offers a dedicated telephoto camera and a wide angle + macro lens, providing flexibility for different photography needs. Also has higher video recording resolution up to 8K.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Superior Audio Quality: Includes Stereo speakers, noise cancellation microphone, and Dolby Atmos support.
- Advanced sensors: Includes barometer and compass, useful for outdoor activities or specialized apps.
- Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better drop and scratch protection.
Oppo Reno11 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched three years later, likely with longer software support.
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen offers a more immersive experience.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: A much larger battery and faster charging make it more convenient to use.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Offers higher-resolution sensors for its main camera and selfie camera, along with a dedicated telephoto and ultrawide.
- More Storage & RAM: Offers 512GB storage option, as well as up to 12GB RAM
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Has Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC and AAC codec support.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G sacrifices battery life, processing power, and software longevity for a more versatile camera and premium audio features.
- Oppo Reno11 sacrifices wireless charging, premium audio, and advanced sensors for a better display, longer battery life, processing power, and updated software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts who value a versatile camera system, users who prefer premium audio, people who value the brand name, or those who prefer a smaller, more compact phone.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various situations with its versatile camera array.
- Using wireless charging for convenience.
- Enjoying multimedia content with enhanced audio.
- Utilizing environmental sensors for outdoor activities and apps.
- Price-to-Value: The price should be lower because it's an older phone. Good value for its still capable camera and additional features like wireless charging.
Oppo Reno11:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, processing power, and a large display, as well as those that want a modern phone with up-to-date features.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and heavy multitasking due to the more powerful processor and increased RAM.
- Streaming videos and watching movies with the larger display.
- Extended usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Fast charging to get back to full power quickly.
- Price-to-Value: Offers more modern features and processing power for its price, making it a strong contender.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do I value more? Battery life and processing power or a better camera, premium audio, and wireless charging?
- How important is long-term software support? The Oppo Reno11 has the newer operating system out-of-the-box and will likely receive more updates.
- What is my budget? Compare the current market prices for each phone and factor in the value of the features you need.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focused): If you take a lot of pictures and value optical zoom, macro shots, and versatility, the Samsung S21 5G is a better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Battery Focused): If you are a gamer or need a long-lasting phone with the latest software, the Oppo Reno11 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a bit of both worlds, you should consider which features are more important to you. The Oppo is still the better choice here due to the performance and battery life, but if you value wireless charging and a good telephoto camera, the Samsung can be a good pick.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I would choose the Oppo Reno11. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more versatile camera system with unique features like wireless charging and a telephoto camera, the Oppo Reno11's newer processor, larger display, significantly longer battery life, and faster charging capabilities are more appealing for my daily usage. The modern software is also a very compelling point, and I would value that over the slightly better audio and camera features of the Samsung phone. The Reno11 is overall a more well rounded package for today's standards.
