Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Oppo Reno8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Oppo Reno8 Pro, along with an analysis of their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 161.2 × 74.2 × 7.3 mm | The Reno8 Pro is noticeably taller and wider but thinner, which may affect single-handed use and pocket comfort. |
| Weight | 169g | 183g | S21 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. Reno8 Pro has a bit more heft, potentially feeling more premium. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | The Reno8 Pro offers a larger screen for a more immersive experience, better for media consumption and gaming. The S21 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have very similar FHD+ resolutions; differences are negligibly small. |
| PPI | 421 | 394 | The S21 5G has a slightly sharper display, with a higher pixel density, although the difference is unlikely to be noticeable to the naked eye for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratio. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 900 nits | The S21 5G is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm) | Both are on a 5 nm process; Dimensity 8100 Max in Reno8 Pro generally performs better in benchmarks and in some real-world tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 837,000 | Reno8 Pro generally has a slightly better performance for gaming and resource intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G610 MC6 | The GPU differences suggest that the Reno8 Pro may have a slight edge in graphics-heavy tasks such as gaming. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | The Reno8 Pro will likely offer longer battery life, lasting more hours on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Reno8 Pro charges much faster, enabling quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W | None | S21 5G offers versatile charging options; wireless charging and reverse charging increase flexibility. Reno8 Pro focuses on rapid wired charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm pixel size (Sony IMX555) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm pixel size (Sony IMX766) | The Reno8 Pro's main camera has higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, suggesting better detail and low light performance, however the pixel size is smaller |
| Telephoto + portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm pixel size (Samsung Bright S5KGW2) | Not Available | The S21 5G has dedicated telephoto for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel size (Sony IMX374) | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm pixel size (Sony IMX709) | The Reno8 Pro's front camera has a much higher resolution and slightly larger sensor for better selfies, albeit with a smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel size (Sony IMX563) | 5MP, f/2.2 | The S21 has a better wide angle lens on paper. The Reno8 Pro's wide angle lens is not that impressive on its own. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm pixel size (Omnivision OV02B10) | The Reno8 Pro offers macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; slow-mo: 960fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080@240fps, EIS; slow-mo: 240fps | S21 5G offers higher resolutions and frame rates for video recording. Both have EIS. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 Mobile; 132 Selfie | 114 Mobile | Oppo Reno8 Pro has a slightly better camera quality, especially in video performance, although S21 Selfie score is much better. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW and many more. | 4K Video, Digital zoom and many more. | S21 has more advanced camera features, like optical zoom and RAW for more manual control and post-processing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages
- Superior Display Brightness: Significantly brighter screen for better outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers telephoto lens, optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture and 8K video, providing greater creative control and better image quality in various scenarios.
- Versatile Battery Features: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Smaller and Lighter: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Better Screen Protection: Utilizes the more durable Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Better front facing camera and video recording experience
Oppo Reno8 Pro Advantages
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging times.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life on a single charge.
- Better Main Camera (on paper): Higher resolution main sensor for potentially more detailed images.
- Better benchmark scores
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 support for improved connectivity.
- Has a Macro lens: Macro lens for taking close-up shots.
Trade-offs
- S21 5G: While it has an amazing feature set, it has a smaller battery and slower charging speeds, and it is older (though still getting updates).
- Reno8 Pro: Lacks some advanced camera features such as optical zoom, OIS and 8K recording and wireless charging options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera features including optical zoom and RAW image capture.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen for easy viewing in direct sunlight.
- Tech Savvy: Users who appreciate cutting-edge features like wireless charging, reverse charging and the more powerful processor and better screen protection.
- Users looking for high video quality: Users who are keen on high quality video recording will find S21 to be superior in this regard.
- Users who like smaller devices: Those who prefer pocketable and lightweight designs.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography
- Outdoor activities in bright sunlight
- Fast paced gaming
- Frequent travelling and those who rely on wireless charging
- Those who require an excellent front facing camera.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Ideal User
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a larger display for movies, videos, and gaming.
- Power Users: Those who need a long-lasting battery and fast charging.
- Social Media Users: Those who prioritize taking selfies.
- Budget Conscious: User looking for slightly better specs, at a potentially lower price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video watching, general browsing.
- Long days away from a charger.
- Users who want a modern looking phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How important is camera versatility, optical zoom, and 8K video? If these are critical, the S21 5G is the better choice. If you mainly use basic camera features, the Reno8 Pro would be more than sufficient.
- Do you prioritize battery life and fast charging, or wireless charging and convenience? The Reno8 Pro offers better battery life and much faster charging, whereas the S21 5G has wireless and reverse wireless charging options.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? The S21 5G is much better for outdoor viewing in bright conditions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its advanced camera features like telephoto lens, optical zoom, and RAW capture.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Mobile Gamer: Choose the Oppo Reno8 Pro for its larger display, longer battery life and faster charging, and overall higher benchmark scores.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Needing Portability and Bright Screen: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its smaller size, brighter display and wireless charging.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User Who Needs Great Battery Life & Fast Charging Choose the Oppo Reno8 Pro for its better battery life and charging speeds.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Despite being an older model, its superior display brightness, and advanced camera features including optical zoom, OIS, and the ability to capture RAW images align better with my personal priorities. The versatile wireless charging capabilities are also a big plus for me. While the Oppo Reno8 Pro offers a larger battery and faster charging, the S21 5G's overall balance of features and capabilities makes it the better option. The S21 5G also provides a better front facing camera, making it more convenient for video calling.
