1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 160.3 x 72.6 x 8.7 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and wider, while Find X5 is thicker. The Find X5 has a slightly larger overall volume making it feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 196g | Virtually identical weight, both will feel similar in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.55" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, which is good for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution means similar sharpness and detail. |
| PPI | 394 | 402 | Virtually identical pixel density, both will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks for an excellent viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 generally offers better sustained performance for demanding tasks like gaming, while the Exynos 2100 can have varied performance based on region. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 877,800 | Oppo Find X5 has better overall benchmark performance. This could translate to smoother gameplay and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 is generally considered superior for gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56") | Find X5 has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor for more detailed photos and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/2.74") | Find X5 offers higher resolution selfies, although the S21+ has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 13MP (f/2.4, 1/3.4") | The Oppo Find X5 has a dedicated telephoto lens providing optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide/Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/1.56") | Find X5 has a much higher resolution wide angle lens allowing for more detail and also functions as a macro camera, S21+ has a separate sensor for macro. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21+ can record 8K videos for maximum detail. Find X5 offers up to 4k60 with good image stabilization |
| DxOMark Score | Main 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | Main 114, Photo 124, Video 95 | Oppo Find X5 has slightly better overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom | Ultra stable video, Laser autofocus (LAF) | S21+ excels with 8k recording, Find X5 provides extra video stability and faster autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4800mAh | Similar battery sizes, expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Find X5 charges much faster, reducing charging times significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 30W | Find X5 offers faster wireless charging |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 10W | Find X5 can charge other devices wirelessly faster |
| Charger in Box | No | Not specified | S21+ does not include a charger, Find X5 may or may not include one. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- 8K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording.
- Dedicated Telephoto Lens: Provides better optical zoom capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio fidelity and richer sound for audiophiles.
Barometer Sensor: Offers environmental data for specific apps and purposes.
Practical Implications: Excellent for users who prioritize video recording at the highest quality and want a dedicated telephoto zoom camera and want the highest quality audio.
Oppo Find X5 Advantages
- Faster Charging (80W): Significantly quicker to charge.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger and more detailed images.
- Better Wide Angle/Macro Camera: Larger and more detailed images, more useful as a macro camera.
- Higher Benchmark Scores: Slightly better overall performance.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Newer Bluetooth standard with improved connectivity.
- Faster Wireless Charging: Significantly quicker to wirelessly charge the device.
- Better Video Performance Better scores on DxOMark.
Higher RAM Option 12GB option for better multi-tasking.
Practical Implications: Better for users who value a quicker charging experience, better camera quality with larger sensor, and more consistent performance.
Trade-offs
- S21+: Offers higher resolution video recording and telephoto, but has slower charging speeds and a slightly less performing GPU.
- Find X5: Offers higher performance and faster charging, but lacks 8k video and a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Video Enthusiasts: Users who want 8K video recording capabilities.
- Zoom Photography Lovers: Users who prioritize optical zoom.
- Audiophiles: Users who desire higher fidelity audio playback.
Specific Use Cases: Professional video recording, capturing zoomed-in photos of distant objects, listening to high-fidelity audio tracks with compatible devices.
Oppo Find X5 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who desire better overall performance.
- Photographers: Users who want great photos from main and wide angle cameras.
- Users Needing Quick Charging: Users who need to quickly charge their phone and get back on the go.
Gamers: Users who desire higher performance from their chipset.
Specific Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, playing graphics-intensive games, capturing everyday moments with a versatile camera system, and minimizing charging time.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The price point is unknown. However the price point should be taken into account for making a decision.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What's more important, video recording or quick charging?
- Do you value telephoto zoom capabilities more or a better main sensor?
- Are you a power user or more of an average consumer?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveller needing a quick charge.
- Recommendation: Oppo Find X5 due to much faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Social media content creator who wants the highest quality videos.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for 8K recording.
- Scenario 3: Avid gamer who prioritizes performance.
- Recommendation: Oppo Find X5 for better GPU and overall performance.
- Scenario 4: User wanting all-around good camera with all-around good performance.
- Recommendation: Oppo Find X5 for better main and wide angle camera and better performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Oppo Find X5.
Why? While the S21+ has advantages like 8K video and a dedicated telephoto lens, the Oppo Find X5 edges out in several areas that I find more valuable in my daily usage. The faster charging is a huge convenience. The superior main camera and wide angle lens are also more versatile and produce better photos. The benchmarks indicate a better overall performance for the Oppo, and the newer Bluetooth standard is also welcome. The lack of 8K video is a trade off I'm willing to make for the other improvements the Find X5 offers. Finally, the Oppo has a higher RAM option available for better multitasking.
