1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo A77 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.8 × 75.1 × 8 mm | S21+ is slightly shorter and thinner, A77 is negligibly narrower, both are similar. A77 is slightly taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 200g | 190g | Oppo A77 is 10g lighter, potentially noticeable for extended use, making it slightly more comfortable to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | S21+ offers a slightly larger display, potentially better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S21+ has significantly sharper images and text. A77's lower resolution may appear less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 394 | 269 | S21+ offers a much sharper and clearer display due to higher pixel density. Text and images will look noticeably finer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has better colors, contrast, and deeper blacks. AMOLED is also more power-efficient, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers significantly better visibility outdoors and in bright sunlight. Oppo A77 display brightness not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | S21+ offers much higher performance for demanding tasks, app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 42,000 | S21+ provides a significantly faster overall experience. The difference is substantial. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21+ has much superior graphics performance, suitable for high-end gaming. The A77 will perform much worse. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 3200mAh | S21+ has a significantly larger battery, likely to provide much better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Not Specified | S21+ charges faster. Charging speed not specified for the A77. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | No Wireless, No Reverse Charging | S21+ has Wireless and Reverse charging, Oppo has none, S21+ is more versatile. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a wider aperture for better low-light performance and detailed sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0 | Not Available | S21+ offers better zoom capabilities. The A77 has no telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | S21+ offers an ultra wide angle lens, the A77 does not have it. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | A77 has higher resolution and wider aperture on its selfie camera, potentially better selfies, although other factors can influence image quality. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video resolution for professional-quality recording. The A77 is limited. |
| DxOMark | 111 (overall), 118 (photo), 89 (video) | N/A | S21+ has a higher DxOMark score, indicating better camera performance overall. The A77 is not tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | A77 comes with a newer Android version out of the box and will receive less software updates than the S21+. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | S21+ has support for faster WiFi standards and provides better performance on modern routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 4.1 | S21+ has a more modern and efficient Bluetooth version, offering better range and stability. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS | S21+ has more advanced GPS support, offering more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | S21+ has eSIM capabilities for easy switching between mobile plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB | S21+ provides significantly more storage, which is crucial for heavy app use, media, and large files. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | S21+ has much more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which can be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21+ has superior audio quality and features (spatial audio, clearer calls and music) with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A77 uses a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ has more robust screen protection than Oppo A77. |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | S21+ has more sensor options for additional functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness providing a much better viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Enhanced Camera System: Features a versatile triple camera setup with telephoto and ultrawide lenses, better video recording capabilities (8K) and significantly higher DxOMark scores.
- Better Battery and Charging: Larger battery and faster charging (25W) with additional wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and has more features for Bluetooth and GPS.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers significantly more internal storage and RAM, supporting better performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Superior Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen protection
- More Sensors: Offers a more diverse set of sensors such as gyroscope, barometer etc.
Practical Implications of S21+ Advantages:
- Smoother, sharper, more vibrant experience when browsing, watching videos, and gaming on a much better screen.
- Snappier performance when using multiple apps and more resource intensive apps/games, due to more processing power and RAM.
- Better pictures and videos with more detail, better zoom capabilities, and higher quality recording in all conditions.
- Longer battery life and convenient wireless charging options.
- Future proof with more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Oppo A77 Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the box: Arrives with a newer version of Android OS but will receive less software updates than the S21+.
- Lighter Weight: Slightly lighter than the S21+, which might be more comfortable for some.
- Wider Aperture Front Camera: May offer better low light selfies, but final image quality can be influenced by other factors.
- More modern fingerprint sensor: Side mounted sensor could be preferable to a basic under screen option
Practical Implications of A77 Advantages:
- A slightly more modern Android version, but with less guaranteed long term software support
- Slightly More comfortable to hold due to being lighter.
- Potentially Better low-light selfies due to a wider aperture on the front camera
- Side mounted sensor can be more comfortable to some
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ trades a higher price point for significantly enhanced performance, display and camera capabilities.
- A77 trades higher performance, display quality, battery, storage and camera for a lower price, but overall compromises on the user experience significantly.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power users who demand fast performance for demanding apps, multitasking and gaming.
- Media enthusiasts who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography lovers who value versatile camera systems with zoom capabilities and better overall image quality.
- Users looking for future-proofing with the latest connectivity features and a smoother all round experience.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need high frame rates and smooth performance.
- Users who frequently watch videos and streaming content.
- Professionals who need to multi-task frequently or use demanding apps.
- Travelers who want reliable camera and long battery life.
Oppo A77 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a basic smartphone with some modern features and prefer lighter devices
- Users with basic smartphone needs who don't require high-end performance or camera capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Users who mostly make calls, send messages, and browse social media.
- Users who don't play demanding mobile games.
- Users with very light photography needs.
- Users who value having a more modern fingerprint sensor and the newer Android version out of the box
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a much higher price-to-value ratio due to its significantly better performance, display, camera, and features. Despite the higher price tag, it offers a premium smartphone experience.
- The Oppo A77 might seem cheaper, but its lower capabilities can compromise usability and user satisfaction.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget and am I willing to pay more for the best performance, display, camera and overall experience?
- How important are gaming, demanding app usage, high-quality media consumption, and advanced photography capabilities?
- What is more important to me: a premium user experience or a more budget friendly device for basic functionality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you prioritize performance, the best display quality and a versatile camera system, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Basic User: If your budget is very limited and your needs are minimal for basic smartphone tasks, the Oppo A77 is acceptable. However, be aware of the compromises.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a more well-rounded experience with strong performance, a great display, versatile camera with longer battery life and future-proofing, then choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G even if the price is slightly higher.
Personal Recommendation:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The significantly superior display, much better performance, versatile camera system, longer battery life, and added features like wireless charging make it a much more compelling option. While it's older and pricier, the user experience will be far superior and last longer, making it a better investment overall. The Oppo A77 is fine for very basic usage but falls short in nearly every area when compared to the S21+.
