Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Oppo Find X5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Find X5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.7 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | Oppo is taller and thicker, Samsung is slightly wider. Both are large, but Samsung is a bit more pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 218g | Samsung is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical size; similar immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | Oppo has a sharper display with more detail, especially noticeable with text and high-resolution images. |
| PPI | 394 | 525 | Oppo's higher pixel density results in a crisper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Samsung's AMOLED panel generally provides deeper blacks and better contrast, although the Find X5 Pro is not specified so is hard to compare. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are equally bright, offering good visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Oppo's Snapdragon chipset offers better performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking, particularly for gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,138,104 | Oppo is significantly faster, suitable for heavy users and gamers. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Oppo's Adreno GPU is generally more powerful, offering superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Oppo captures more detailed images with better low light performance due to a larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | Samsung offers telephoto zoom capabilities for closer shots and portraits, although the X5 Pro does have a separate telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Oppo captures higher-resolution selfies, although Samsung's sensor is better in some use cases with it's larger pixel size and wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.0µm | Oppo has a dedicated telephoto lens offering zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Oppo provides higher-resolution ultrawide photos with a larger sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | Samsung records 8K video, which is beneficial for content creators. Both record high quality 4K video |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 111/118/89 (Main/Photo/Video) | 130/130/126 (Main/Photo/Video) | Oppo's camera scores are significantly higher, implying better image and video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Oppo has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer usage times, but battery life is heavily dependent on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | Oppo charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Oppo charges wirelessly much faster. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 10W | Oppo can reverse wireless charge faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Oppo offers newer software out of the box, but is not upgradeable to the same number of Android versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO | Similar performance, but Oppo has a slight edge with MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Oppo offers a newer Bluetooth version, potentially better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1) | Oppo supports more GPS systems, potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM functionality, however the Samsung allows 2 nano sims instead of an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Oppo offers larger base storage options, suitable for users who need more space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Oppo offers an option with more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | Samsung has Hi-Res audio certification. Both have stereo speakers and noise cancelling mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both feature standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity, RGB, Pedometer | Different sensor types, depends on user specific use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: The S21+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for long periods.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers 8K video capabilities, appealing to users who need this feature for professional content creation.
- Hi-Res Audio: Inclusion of Hi-Res Audio for better quality audio output.
- Software Support: Samsung has guaranteed 4 major android updates and 5 years of security updates, which will mean a longer software support period compared to the Oppo.
- eSIM + Dual Sim: The Samsung includes the ability to have 2 physical SIM cards.
Oppo Find X5 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers a noticeable performance increase, making it better for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: The higher-resolution display provides a crisper and more detailed viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging and 50W wireless charging significantly reduce charging times.
- Superior Camera Performance: Achieves higher scores in DxOMark, indicating overall better photo and video quality and more versatility.
- Larger Base Storage Options: Offers larger base storage options at both price points.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Lacks the raw performance of the Oppo, but provides a more lightweight and balanced option with advanced audio features.
- Oppo: Is heavier, and lacks the 8K recording. Software support will also be shorter compared to the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who value high-quality audio output, good display and a lightweight and comfortable design.
- Video Creators: Those who need 8K video recording and a capable camera for content creation.
- General Users: Those who want a reliable and balanced phone experience without needing the absolute best gaming and computational performance.
- Users who want 2 physical sim slots Those who need 2 sims but don't want to use an eSim.
Ideal User for Oppo Find X5 Pro:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize top-tier performance and a smooth gaming experience with the Adreno 730 and a better AnTuTu benchmark score.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want the best possible camera performance and advanced photo/video features.
- Power Users: Users who perform heavy multitasking and need faster charging speeds.
- Users who want a large internal storage: Those who need a large storage capacity on their device.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Watching movies and TV shows with immersive audio.
- Recording high-quality 8K videos.
- Casual gaming and social media use.
- Everyday usage of the phone where it's light enough to carry around.
- Oppo Find X5 Pro:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos with advanced camera features.
- Quickly charging the phone during a busy day.
- Managing large files and documents with ample storage space.
- A longer term phone, with it's flagship performance and feature set for years to come.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung S21+ will be cheaper due to it being an older model now. If budget is a major concern the S21+ might be more appealing. The Oppo Find X5 Pro is a higher end phone and it's price reflects it.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak performance for gaming and demanding tasks? If performance is crucial, the Oppo is the clear winner. If you're a casual user, the Samsung will suffice.
- Do you need 8K video or prefer enhanced camera quality? If 8K is a necessity, Samsung is the only option, but Oppo provides higher quality imaging as per DxoMark.
- What is your budget, and do you need longer software support? If budget is tight, Samsung provides great value but the Oppo has better camera, performance, and storage with a higher price. Oppo will have a shorter software life span, with less major android updates than the Samsung.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. It is a very capable phone that is now cheaper than it once was. It offers a balanced experience, good display, and the option for 8K recording.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast & Gamer
- Recommendation: Oppo Find X5 Pro. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is the better performing chip. The superior camera, faster charging and display also help with making this an excellent device.
- Scenario 3: Content Creator on a Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. You will get 8K recording on this device.
- Scenario 4: Photography Lover
- Recommendation: Oppo Find X5 Pro. The device scores well on DxOmark for both its camera and video, making it an easy choice for photo and video lovers.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Oppo Find X5 Pro. While the Samsung S21+ 5G has some appealing features like its lighter weight and 8K video recording, the Oppo Find X5 Pro offers a more well-rounded package that better suits my needs.
Here's why:
- Performance: The most crucial factor for me is the superior performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. As a heavy user, I want a device that handles demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking without any lag.
- Camera Versatility: The Oppo’s camera, with its larger sensors and higher DxOMark scores, would provide a better experience for photos. I appreciate the flexibility of the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, which offer different perspectives for creative photography.
- Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing the time I need to be plugged into a wall.
- Storage: I also like the fact that the Oppo has larger storage configurations as I don't like to worry about running out of space.
The slightly heavier weight of the Oppo is an acceptable trade-off for these advantages. While I appreciate the 8K recording of the Samsung, I'm willing to sacrifice it for a device that excels in day-to-day use, performance, and camera quality. The shorter software update cycle would not affect me much as I would probably look to get a new device after 3-4 years.
