1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 148 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm | S21+ is larger, potentially less comfortable in one hand. Zenfone 8 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 169g | Zenfone 8 is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. No foldable or unique builds. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 5.9" | S21+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Zenfone 8 is more suitable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp display; the difference in PPI is more significant. |
| PPI | 394 | 446 | Zenfone 8 has noticeably higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; no difference in display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; no difference in refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21+ is noticeably brighter, better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Zenfone 8's Snapdragon 888 generally provides better performance, especially in gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 891,700 | Zenfone 8 scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 in Zenfone 8 is better for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | Zenfone 8 has a much higher resolution main sensor, allowing for more detailed photos. S21+ has a slightly smaller sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, Optical Zoom | Not Available | S21+ offers an optical zoom capability, which is not available on the Zenfone 8. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | 12MP, f/2.45, 1/2.93" sensor | Zenfone 8 has a higher resolution and larger sensor for better selfies. S21 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Both are comparable in terms of wide angle lens. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps; 960fps slow-motion | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps, 1080p@240fps; 480fps slow-motion | Zenfone 8 offers higher frame rate 4K video recording and has slightly lower slow-motion fps. Both offer similar top level recording options. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111; Photo: 118; Video: 89 | Main: 116; Photo: 120; Video: 118 | Zenfone 8 has a higher overall score and significantly better video performance, generally better camera quality. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, Night mode. | Dual Camera | S21+ has an advantage in zoom capabilities and night photography, Zenfone 8 has less versatile options. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4000 mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life, particularly with the larger screen. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Zenfone 8 charges faster, reducing downtime, but with a smaller battery capacity it is not as efficient as the S21+. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, great for convenience and charging other devices on the go. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.7" screen is ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Higher Brightness: 1300 nits ensures better outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery: 4800 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Telephoto Lens Offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities, enhancing photographic versatility.
- eSIM support: Provides more flexibility in terms of carrier switching.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and geomagnetic sensors allow for more environmental readings.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is a better choice for users who prioritize a large display for media consumption, longer battery life, and wireless charging. It also has superior versatility in its camera system thanks to optical zoom capabilities.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact Size: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Higher PPI: The 446 PPI display results in a sharper, more detailed visual experience.
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers better overall performance in benchmarks.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging means less downtime waiting for the device to charge.
- Better Camera (DXOMark): Generally better picture quality and significantly better video recording compared to S21+.
- More RAM options: Up to 16GB of RAM is available.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports more modern Bluetooth codecs and technologies.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Includes QZSS, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5).
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 8 is better suited for users who prioritize portability, performance, gaming, and higher quality video recordings. It offers top-tier performance in a compact design.
Trade-offs:
- S21+: Larger, heavier, less sharp display, and lower performing chipset, but features a more versatile camera and wireless charging.
- Zenfone 8: Smaller display, smaller battery, no wireless charging, but has much higher performance and better video recording.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and TV shows on their phones will appreciate the large, bright display.
- Power Users: Individuals who require a phone that can last through a full day without needing a recharge and who value the convenience of wireless charging.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the flexibility of a versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
Specific Use Cases: Watching movies on the go, extended gaming sessions, all-day use without frequent charging, taking photos at a concert or sporting event where zoom is needed, and professional photography.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 8:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and superior GPU provide better gaming performance.
- One-Handed Users: Users who value a compact, easy-to-hold phone for comfortable one-handed use.
- Performance Seekers: Individuals who want a fast, responsive phone for smooth multitasking and demanding applications.
- Video Content Creators: Those who require high quality video recording.
Specific Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, daily phone use for communication and browsing, video creation, portability for running or biking, and those who prefer smaller phones.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones were flagship devices at launch. The S21+ would generally be available for a slightly higher price than the Zenfone 8 due to the wireless charging capabilities and overall better camera versatility. Value will ultimately depend on individual priorities and use case.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? Is it media consumption, gaming, photography, or something else?
- Do you prioritize portability and one-handed use, or a larger screen for media viewing?
- Is camera quality or battery life more important to you? Do you prioritize versatility or the best video recording quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media & Entertainment Focus: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its larger, brighter display and wireless charging.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Gaming: Choose the Asus Zenfone 8 for its superior performance, compact design, and higher RAM options.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balance, the Zenfone 8 offers very good overall performance and high quality video for a compact size. If you need more versatility in the camera and wireless charging then the S21+ is the way to go.
- Scenario 4: Battery Life Focus: The S21+ will provide the most battery longevity.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Asus Zenfone 8. Here's why:
While the Samsung S21+ 5G offers a larger screen and the convenience of wireless charging, my personal priorities lean towards a device that excels in performance and portability. The Zenfone 8's Snapdragon 888 chip, combined with its higher RAM options and compact form factor, would make it a much more appealing device for me. I also prefer the high quality video recording capabilities and the significantly better video recording quality offered by Zenfone 8.
While I recognize that many users might prefer the S21+ for its larger screen and wireless charging, my usage patterns and needs are better addressed by the Zenfone 8's performance and design. Ultimately, the best choice is subjective, but given my priorities, the Zenfone 8 is the better fit for me.
