1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | ROG Phone 8 is slightly larger and thicker, impacting pocketability and single-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 225g | S21+ 5G is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size, both offer large screens for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both are FHD+ displays. |
| PPI | 394 | 388 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both displays appear sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 offers a smoother visual experience, especially during fast-paced gaming or scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 is significantly brighter, making it much more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 8 has a newer, more powerful chipset, offering superior performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 demonstrates significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8's GPU is much more powerful for demanding graphics tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 8 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charge in-box | Non-removable | S21+ 5G offers wireless charging options, while the ROG Phone 8 lacks these features |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 8 captures more detail due to higher resolution, while S21+ 5G has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | N/A | S21+ 5G offers a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar ultrawide capabilities, ROG Phone 8 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar top-tier video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW | Gimbal, Laser autofocus (LAF) | S21+ has PDAF, while ROG Phone 8 offers Gimbal and Laser AF |
| DxoMark | Main Score: 111 | N/A | S21+ 5G's camera has been benchmarked with specific scores, ROG Phone 8 isn't in the list |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | ROG Phone 8 has a more recent OS with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | ROG Phone 8 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | ROG Phone 8 has the latest Bluetooth version for improved stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 8 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ 5G offers eSIM support for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have a 256GB variant, S21+ has a 128GB version too |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | ROG Phone 8 provides more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and enhanced performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | S21+ 5G is equipped with Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio, while the ROG Phone 8 features DTS / DTS X, catering to different audio preferences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both have excellent screen protection; ROG Phone 8 has slightly newer technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ 5G includes a barometer; ROG phone 8 has a Gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Telephoto Camera: Includes a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom and portrait photography.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier options.
- Dolby Atmos & Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio features for an immersive experience.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides substantially better performance in all tasks including gaming, app loading, and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Offers a smoother visual experience, especially for gaming.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging speeds for less downtime.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Newer OS & Software Support: Comes with the latest Android 14 and will likely get further software updates than the older S21+.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3: Latest connectivity standards for faster data transfer and better stability.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Laser AF & Gimbal: Improved camera features for faster and more stable shooting.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: Trade-off in performance and battery for a lighter design, wireless charging and telephoto camera.
- ROG Phone 8: Trade-off in size and weight, and lack of wireless charging for significantly better performance, display, and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a sleek, lightweight design and comfortable handling.
- Individuals who value wireless charging and the convenience of reverse wireless charging.
- Users who take a lot of portrait and zoom photos.
- Those looking for a well-rounded flagship experience at a potentially lower price point (given it's an older device).
Use Cases:
- Everyday usage, social media, casual gaming, multimedia consumption.
- Users who need a reliable camera for varied scenarios, including portrait and telephoto.
- Users who prefer wireless charging over faster-wired charging.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Ideal User:
- Gamers who demand the highest performance, smooth graphics, and fast response times.
- Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight conditions.
- Those who want the fastest possible charging speeds and longer battery life.
- Users who prioritize performance and the latest features over a slimmer design.
- Users who prefer a more modern experience with the latest OS.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming, demanding applications, intensive multitasking.
- Users who prioritize speed, performance and visual experience.
- Those who need a long-lasting battery for all-day use.
- Users who use mobile cameras for macro and detailed pictures.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? Gaming, photography, daily use, or a mix?
- How important is battery life, charging speed and wireless charging to me? Do I prioritize fast charging or wireless convenience?
- Do I value a lighter phone or better performance and features? Is design or power more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Casual User: If you mainly browse social media, make calls, and watch videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a capable phone that will still deliver a good user experience and is likely available at a lower price.
For the Mobile Gamer/Power User: The Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear choice due to its superior performance, smoother display, longer battery life, and faster charging. It excels in demanding scenarios.
For the Photo Enthusiast: If you prioritize telephoto capabilities and wireless charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may be preferred. If you need macro and want the best photo detail and stable camera features, the Asus ROG Phone 8 might be better.
For the tech Enthusiast If you want the latest and greatest in technology then the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the superior choice because of its newer OS, WiFi and Bluetooth technology.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a capable device, the ROG Phone 8's sheer performance advantage, significantly better display with higher brightness and refresh rate, larger battery with much faster charging, and more modern operating system are compelling. I value responsiveness and future-proofing, and the ROG Phone 8 delivers on those fronts. I also enjoy mobile gaming, so the superior performance and gaming features of the ROG Phone 8 would be greatly appreciated. I can easily live without the wireless charging and telephoto lens, and the ROG Phone 8's macro lens and Gimbal would be more useful in the long run.
