Alright, let's break down these two contenders, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Oppo Reno12 Pro. We've got a bit of a clash between a seasoned veteran (the S21 FE, released in early 2022) and a fresh-faced newcomer (the Reno12 Pro, mid-2024). Let's dive deep and see which one comes out on top for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed spec comparison. I'll be focusing not just on the numbers, but on what they actually mean for you.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm | The Oppo is taller and thinner; both have similar widths and feel comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 177g | 180g | Both phones are lightweight and won't feel like a brick in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Oppo has a slightly larger display, better for watching videos and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp, clear images; the Oppo has a negligibly higher vertical resolution. |
| PPI | 403 | 394 | Both screens offer nearly identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in daily usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones; great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; a pleasure to use for everyday tasks. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Oppo has a slight edge for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4nm) | The S21 FE has the more powerful processor based on benchmark scores; the Oppo boasts a more efficient fabrication process for better battery use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 702,140 | The S21 FE is noticeably faster for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Adreno 660 in the S21 FE provides better graphics processing for demanding games |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm) | Oppo's higher resolution sensor captures more detail, but S21 FE's larger pixels may result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm) | 50MP (f/2.0, 0.64µm) | The Reno12 Pro provides dedicated telephoto lens while the S21 FE uses digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.14µm) | Similar wide-angle performance in practical situations. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.2, 0.8µm) | 50MP (f/2.0, 0.64µm) | Oppo’s higher resolution selfie captures more detail; wider aperture of Reno12 Pro allows for more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 50MP (f/2.0, 0.64µm) | Oppo Reno 12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens while S21 FE does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Both capable of high-quality video, the Oppo’s optical stabilization is better for shaky hands. |
| DXOMARK | S21 FE: Mobile 117, Selfie 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a known benchmark; the Oppo lacks official benchmark numbers. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, OIS, RAW, Noise Reduction | S21 FE has a dedicated night mode while Oppo utilizes a noise reduction feature. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Oppo’s larger battery offers potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Oppo charges significantly faster for quick top-ups. |
| Features | 15W wireless, reverse wireless charging | N/A | The S21 FE offers more versatile charging options but no charger included in-box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | The Oppo comes with a newer OS, offering a more modern software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | The Oppo has a newer and more energy-efficient Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Oppo supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Oppo offers more storage space for photos, videos, and apps; but both lack storage expansion options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | Oppo has much more RAM for seamless multitasking and smoother gameplay. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE offers richer audio with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and a dedicated noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint security for unlocking your device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both are durable; the Oppo uses a slightly newer generation of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 FE includes additional environmental sensors and compass; Oppo includes gravity sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 chipset still packs a punch, making it great for heavy apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Audio: With Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, this phone is great for media consumption and offers excellent sound quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility.
- Established Camera: Solid camera capabilities that have been tested and proven in DXOmark with an overall mobile score of 117 and a selfie score of 127.
- Better Sensor Suite: Has more sensors, including a barometer and a compass, which is great for various types of applications.
Oppo Reno12 Pro Strengths:
- Modern Design: A sleek, more recent device with a slightly thinner profile.
- Larger Display: The slightly bigger screen provides a better viewing experience for media.
- Better Battery: Larger capacity coupled with faster charging means less time plugged in.
- Superior Selfie Camera: The 50MP selfie camera is great for those who love taking portraits and group shots.
- More RAM: Higher RAM options allow for much smoother multitasking and gaming.
- More Storage: Higher storage options give users more room for photos, videos, and files.
- Modern Software: Comes with the latest Android version for a more current experience.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Provides dedicated telephoto camera features.
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers the latest Bluetooth 5.4 for enhanced connectivity.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Older chipset, no charger in the box, and lacks a dedicated telephoto camera lens.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro: Slower processor in comparison to the S21 FE, no wireless charging, and less refined audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Let's figure out who each of these phones is best for:
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, heavy app users, and anyone who prioritizes raw processing power.
- Multimedia Lovers: Users who enjoy watching videos and listening to music with enhanced audio quality.
- Wireless Charging Fans: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Established Camera Users: Users who prefer proven camera setups with known benchmarks
Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Modern Users: People who want a sleek, modern device with the latest software.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who take a lot of selfies and want the best quality possible.
- Storage Hogs: Users who need ample storage space for all their files and media.
- Multitaskers: Users who use lots of apps and need as much ram as possible to provide a smooth experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize raw performance or battery life and charging speed? If raw power is your main focus, the S21 FE is the choice. If you value long battery life and fast charging, go for the Reno12 Pro.
- Do you value advanced audio and wireless charging features? The S21 FE is the better choice if you value richer audio and wireless charging capabilities.
- Do you need the latest software and more storage and ram? The Reno12 Pro offers a more up-to-date OS, more RAM, and more storage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the S21 FE. Its superior processor and GPU will give you the best gaming experience.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The Reno12 Pro is your pick. Its large battery and fast charging mean less downtime.
- The Social Media Star: The Reno12 Pro is ideal for you with its impressive 50MP selfie camera and ample storage for all your content.
- The Media Lover: The S21 FE excels here, thanks to its Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a superior multimedia experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, but with a caveat. For me, raw performance is still a major deciding factor as I use my phone for some moderately demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 888 still holds its own, and the bonus of wireless charging is always a plus. The sound quality is excellent and a huge part of my daily usage. The proven camera setup and DXOMark ratings provide more reliability for photography compared to the Oppo Reno12 Pro. If battery was my main concern, I would consider the Oppo, but as a more balanced package, I think the S21 FE is the better choice for me.
However, this doesn't mean that the Reno12 Pro isn't a great choice. It's the newer phone, with a bigger battery, faster charging, more RAM and storage. For those who prefer to have the latest devices and a smoother user experience, the Reno12 Pro would be the better option.
Ultimately, the 'best' phone depends on what you value most. I've laid out all the cards on the table; the decision is yours! Let me know if you have any other questions!
