1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.9 × 73.2 × 7.5 mm | S21+ is slightly larger and thicker; Reno7 is more compact and may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 200g | 175g | Reno7 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption; Reno7 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Both have similar pixel density, leading to comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations; Reno7 is still generally smooth. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21+ chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 249,000 | S21+ is much faster overall; Reno7 is suitable for basic tasks and less demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU, which means better graphics performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | Reno7 has higher resolution photos, but the larger sensor and pixel size of the S21+ might result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ offers optical zoom, a feature missing on the Reno7. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Reno7 captures more detailed selfies; S21+ has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/3.4 | Reno7 can capture close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | S21+ can capture wide shots; missing on Reno7. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Reno7 allows to capture artistic black and white photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers much higher quality video recording and more frame rate options; S21+ includes advanced video features and better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | N/A | S21+ is a tested and overall better camera. |
| Additional Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, Optical zoom | CDAF | S21+ has more advanced camera features, including OIS for steadier shots; Reno7 has CDAF for faster focusing. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno7 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has slightly larger capacity, which might translate to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Reno7 charges faster than the S21+. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse charging, Reverse Wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21+ provides more versatile charging options, including wireless charging and reverse charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Display: Brighter screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides better outdoor visibility and smoother user experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, wide-angle lens, better low-light performance on standard camera, 8K video recording, OIS and more features.
- More Versatile Charging: Supports wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Build Quality: It uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which provides better screen protection than the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the Reno7.
- Better Audio Quality: Provides Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi standard, supporting faster speeds and lower latency.
Oppo Reno7 Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is quicker than S21+'s 25W.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers more detailed selfies.
- Macro and Black and White Camera: Adds additional functionality in photography.
- Newer Operating System Out-of-the-box: Launched with Android 12 compared to Android 11 for the S21+
Trade-offs
- S21+: Larger size and heavier, slower charging speed, no macro and black and white cameras, older OS out-of-the-box, more expensive.
- Reno7: Significantly weaker performance, lower display brightness and refresh rate, less capable camera system, basic audio quality, missing reverse charging and wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Ideal Users: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, those who value performance, display quality, and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games smoothly at high settings.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Multitasking with demanding applications.
- Enjoying multimedia content with a bright and smooth display.
- Taking advantage of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Better connectivity with latest WiFi.
- Listening to high-quality music.
- Price-to-Value: Offers premium features and performance for the price point, but it is expected to be pricier.
Oppo Reno7
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize portability and faster charging, casual users who need basic smartphone functions.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Light gaming.
- Users looking for a more compact and lightweight phone.
- Users who prioritize faster charging.
- Users who want Macro and Black and White camera features.
- Price-to-Value: More affordable option providing a good balance of features for the price, great for casual users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, or are you a casual user?
- Display Preference: Is a brighter, smoother display important for you, or do you prefer a more compact phone with a decent screen?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need advanced camera features such as optical zoom, OIS and RAW, or a good standard camera is sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User: If you prioritize performance and gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice. Its powerful chipset and high refresh rate will offer a significantly better experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User/Budget-Conscious: If your needs are basic, such as social media, calls, and light browsing, the Oppo Reno7 will be a more affordable, lighter, and more compact choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you value camera quality and versatility, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better. Its advanced features, including telephoto zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording, provide more creative options.
- Scenario 4: On-the-Go User: If you prioritize portability and faster charging, the Oppo Reno7 may be a better fit.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Reasons:
While I acknowledge the Oppo Reno7's advantages in terms of a lighter build and faster charging, my primary usage revolves around performance-intensive tasks, capturing high-quality photos/videos, and multimedia consumption. The Exynos 2100 chipset in the S21+ offers a significant performance boost that will be noticeable in daily use, and the 120Hz display will provide a much smoother experience. The superior camera system, with its telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, OIS, RAW, and 8K video recording, are essential for my needs and far superior to the single standard camera setup offered by the Reno7. I value the versatile charging options including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offered by the S21+.. Although the S21+ is heavier and has a slower charging speed, the benefits it provides far outweigh these trade-offs, in my opinion. Therefore, for my specific needs, the S21+ is the better choice, despite the higher cost.
