Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-18 | Asus is significantly newer, with updated tech and features. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Asus is slightly larger and thicker; may be less comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 225g | S21+ is lighter; better for extended single-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Minimal difference, nearly identical viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same level of sharpness for both; clear and crisp images. |
| PPI | 394 | 388 | Both have similar pixel density; indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Asus provides smoother animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Asus is much brighter; far better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus has a newer, more powerful chip; faster performance, more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,020,000 | Asus offers dramatically superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Asus GPU is newer and more capable; better graphics for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Asus captures more detail in photos; potentially better prints. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Asus has larger sensor; captures more light for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens; offers optical zoom for better zoomed shots |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP | Asus provides an extra telephoto option for zooming. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | Asus captures more detail in selfies; sharper video calls. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | 13MP | Similar macro camera capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar high-resolution video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 | N/A | S21+ has been benchmarked; Asus does not have data. |
| Camera Features | Various | Various | Both have comprehensive features; Asus offers gimbal, S21+ offers PDAF and RAW |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5500 mAh | Asus has larger battery, typically providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | Asus charges significantly faster; less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21+ offers wireless charging convenience. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | None | S21+ can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Asus has a newer OS with the latest features and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Asus has faster WiFi; better for streaming and online gaming. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Asus has a newer Bluetooth version; more efficient and stable connections. |
| GPS | Multiple | More satellite systems | Asus offers better location accuracy; especially in challenging areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ has eSIM support; can be useful for traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | Asus has significantly more storage for media, apps, and games. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16/24 GB | Asus offers more RAM; smoother performance under heavy load. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | DTS/DTS X | S21+ offers a more comprehensive audio suite while Asus offers DTS enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has a slightly newer glass protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive + Barometer | Comprehensive - Barometer, + Gravity | S21+ offers additional environmental sensing capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for everyday use and single-handed operation.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Convenient for charging on the go and sharing battery.
- Dedicated Telephoto Camera: Offers optical zoom for better zoomed shots without digital artifacts.
- eSIM support: Useful for those needing multiple phone numbers or traveling abroad
- Comprehensive Audio Suite: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and a noise canceling microphone for clearer audio.
Practical Implications for S21+:
- More convenient for users who prioritize portability and everyday usability.
- Provides flexibility with wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities
- Better optical zoom and a more comprehensive audio experience.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Top-tier chipset and GPU; better for gaming and demanding apps.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother animations and more responsive feel.
- Much Brighter Display: Excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster recharge times.
- Significantly More Storage & RAM: Allows for massive game installs and smooth multitasking.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 and future updates.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Faster WiFi and Bluetooth, improved network performance.
- Additional Telephoto Lens: Offers added zooming capabilities
- Laser Autofocus: Faster autofocus times
- Gimbal: Enhanced video stabilization
Practical Implications for ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Unmatched performance for mobile gaming and other demanding tasks.
- Provides a significantly better viewing experience in bright sunlight.
- Longer battery life and faster charging, essential for heavy users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Weaker processing power, smaller battery, and slightly older software but has wireless charging and better audio features
- ROG Phone 8 Pro: Larger and heavier, no wireless charging and lacks some of the audio features of the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- General Users: Who prioritize portability, usability, and a premium build.
- Photography Enthusiasts: That are interested in a balance between image quality and ease of use with a good set of camera lenses.
- Users Interested in Wireless Charging: Those who value the convenience of wireless charging options and reverse charging functionality.
- Users Who Value Audio Quality: Users who value great audio quality for their music and videos.
- Users on a Budget: May be available at a more budget-friendly price point compared to newer flagships.
Specific Use Cases for S21+:
- Daily Communication: Browsing, social media, calls, and messaging.
- Multimedia Consumption: Watching videos and listening to music with good sound quality.
- Casual Photography: Capturing photos and videos in various settings.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Ideal User:
- Hardcore Gamers: Who need the highest levels of performance, responsiveness, and extended play sessions.
- Power Users: Who perform demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and other resource-intensive applications.
- Users Who Need the Best Display: Individuals that work outdoors or watch lots of videos and are keen on high-brightness, smooth display.
- Users Requiring Large Storage Capacity: Those that have lots of apps or games on their device.
- Technology Enthusiasts: Who always want the latest and greatest hardware.
Specific Use Cases for ROG Phone 8 Pro:
- Competitive Gaming: High frame rates, low latency, and responsive controls.
- Mobile Content Creation: Recording and editing high-resolution video.
- Outdoor Use: Excellent visibility under bright sunlight.
- Heavy Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general daily use)
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Do you need all-day battery or fast recharge?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for performance or value more features for less cost?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday User with Occasional Gaming
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, more balanced performance, wireless charging, and a more portable design
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, superior performance, a higher refresh rate screen, and a larger battery.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use & Content Creation
- Recommendation: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, higher brightness screen and performance for content creation.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, may offer a better price-to-value ratio, offering good enough features for a lower price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. My primary needs revolve around performance, gaming, and using the device for resource-heavy tasks. The ROG Phone 8 Pro's significantly superior chipset, larger battery, faster charging, and brighter screen align perfectly with my requirements. I do understand that the S21+ provides additional convenience with wireless charging, a telephoto lens, and audio features but, for me, the performance and battery life advantages of the ROG Phone 8 Pro make it a more compelling option. Additionally, the newer software and superior connectivity standards ensure a longer lifespan of use.
