Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Oppo Reno12
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on their real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.4 × 74.1 × 7.6 mm | The Oppo Reno12 is slightly narrower and thinner, making it marginally more comfortable to hold and pocket. |
| Weight | 200g | 177g | The Oppo Reno12 is significantly lighter, which makes it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones have a standard smartphone build; differences would lie in the material used, which is not specified. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size, offering similar viewing real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness; the difference in resolution is negligible in real-world use. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 394 PPI | Both displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | The Oppo Reno12 will be slightly more visible outdoors under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | The Exynos 2100 provides a marginally higher raw processing power, but the difference in day-to-day performance for most users may not be very significant. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 702,140 | The Samsung S21+ 5G will likely provide marginally better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The Samsung S21+ 5G’s GPU will likely offer marginally better graphics performance in demanding games and graphic applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm) | Oppo's higher resolution enables more detailed shots in good light, whereas Samsung's larger pixel size allows for better low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | Not Available | The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a dedicated telephoto camera with optical zoom for better portraits and far-away subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 32MP (f/2.0) | Oppo Reno12 offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, which could produce more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm) | Oppo Reno12 allows for ultrawide shots, while Samsung lacks this capability. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | The Oppo Reno12 offers a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm) | Not Available | Samsung provides a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, offering more detailed ultra-wide photos. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | The Samsung S21+ 5G allows for higher-resolution video recording at 8K, better for professional video content creation. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has been tested with higher rating than Oppo Reno12. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | The Oppo Reno12’s slightly larger battery could result in marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Oppo Reno12 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Not Available | Samsung S21+ has the additional benefit of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates marginally better processing performance for demanding tasks.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom provides greater flexibility for capturing various types of shots, including better portrait capabilities.
- Higher Video Recording Capabilities: Can record videos at up to 8K resolution for professional content creation.
- Advanced Battery Features: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers for immersive audio experiences.
- eSIM Support: The additional eSIM provides more flexibility with mobile plans.
Oppo Reno12 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for extended use and carrying around.
- Brighter Display: Easier to view in direct sunlight due to higher brightness.
- Faster Charging: The 80W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Cameras: Potentially more detailed photos and selfies under good lighting conditions.
- Wider Lens Options: Wide-angle lens for ultrawide shots and a macro lens for close-up pictures.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, providing better software support.
- More RAM: Offers 12GB or 16GB RAM for better multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better power efficiency and data transfer capabilities with Bluetooth 5.4.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21+ 5G prioritizes versatility in the camera system and wireless charging capabilities, but charges slower and is heavier.
- The Oppo Reno12 offers a more modern design, faster charging and newer software but lacks some advanced camera and battery features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera options, including a dedicated telephoto lens, for various photography needs.
- Video Content Creators: Users who value high-resolution video recording capabilities (up to 8K).
- Users Who Value Audio Quality: Users who want a great immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Users Who Value Advanced Battery Features: Users that want the benefit of wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in a variety of scenarios.
- Creating professional-grade video content with 8K recording.
- Enjoying immersive multimedia content with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Oppo Reno12 Ideal User:
- Users Prioritizing Ergonomics: Those who prefer a lighter, thinner phone for daily carry and comfortable use.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who take a lot of selfies and enjoy capturing varied perspectives with wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Those who need a quick charge to reduce downtime.
- Users Preferring Latest Software: Users that want the latest OS out of the box with a guaranteed upgrade path.
Heavy Multitaskers: Those who need the extra RAM for better application handling.
Use Cases:
- Taking frequent selfies and social media photos.
- Capturing wide-angle group photos or landscape shots.
- Using the device for extended periods with minimal charging downtime.
- Using various social media and productivity apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: Do you need a versatile camera with telephoto capabilities, or do you prefer higher resolution with ultrawide and macro options?
- Battery Focus: Is wireless charging and convenience essential, or is faster charging more important for your daily needs?
- Performance Needs: Are you looking for slightly more raw processing power or do you prioritize the latest software and more RAM?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Photographer": If you want high quality and versatile cameras and advanced video capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 2: "The On-The-Go User": If you need a lighter, more ergonomic phone with fast charging and the latest software, the Oppo Reno12 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: "The Multimedia User": If you want the best immersive audio experience, along with wireless charging and a versatile camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the choice.
- Scenario 4: "The Multitasker User": If you need the most RAM to handle numerous applications, the Oppo Reno12 would be the better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. Here's why:
- Camera Versatility: I value having the dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and diverse shooting capabilities, as it makes a big difference in my photography experience.
- Multimedia Experience: I appreciate the enhanced audio features, including Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, for watching content and listening to music.
- Wireless Charging: Having wireless charging is a major convenience factor for me.
- Slightly Higher Performance: While the difference is not enormous, the slightly better raw performance from the Exynos 2100 is beneficial for the type of use I intend for the phone.
While the Oppo Reno12 has compelling advantages such as a lighter design and fast charging, the camera versatility, audio and wireless capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G align more with my specific priorities.
