1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-07-25 | Oppo Reno8 is newer, potentially offering longer software support |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 160.6 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm | S21+ is slightly larger, Reno8 is more compact and may fit better in hand |
| Weight | 200g | 179g | Reno8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ has a larger display for more immersive viewing, while Reno8 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide similar sharpness and clarity |
| PPI | 394 | 411 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both look sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has a smoother display with less motion blur, enhancing gaming and scrolling |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 800 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) | S21+ has a slightly more powerful chip, leading to marginally better app loading and performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 699,576 | S21+ has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating better general performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics in gaming and video editing |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Reno8 captures more detailed images, with a wider aperture for better low-light |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Reno8 has higher resolution selfies, while the S21+ has a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 12.2 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4 µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12 µm | S21+ has a wide angle lens that also shoots in macro, while Oppo has a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Reno8 offers dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21+ is capable of shooting higher resolution video; S21+ has better OIS |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111 Photo: 118 Video: 89 | Mobile: 112 Photo: 121 Video: 112 | Reno8 performs better in video and photo quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage time |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 80W Fast Charging | Reno8 charges significantly faster |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ has advanced charging features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Reno8 has a slightly newer OS out of the box, but S21+ is upgradable to a newer OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar standards, Oppo has Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Reno8 has newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | L1+L5, Galileo (E1+E5a) | L1+L5, QZSS | Reno8 supports additional satellite system (QZSS) for potentially better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ supports eSIM for easy carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, neither has expandable storage |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Reno8 has an option for more RAM for better multitasking |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21+ offers more advanced audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | S21+ has a larger variety of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits vs 800 nits) for better outdoor visibility. Practical Impact: Easier to use in bright sunlight.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations. Practical Impact: More fluid experience in daily use and gaming.
- Better Performance: Marginally better CPU and GPU performance. Practical Impact: Slightly faster app loading and improved gaming performance.
- Advanced Charging: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Practical Impact: More convenient charging options and can charge other devices.
- Telephoto Camera: Offers better optical zoom for quality images Practical Impact: Better quality images when zooming into a subject
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for superior audio experience. Practical Impact: Better immersive audio when watching videos.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. Practical Impact: More flexibility when switching carriers, or when traveling internationally
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced durability Practical Impact: Better scratch protection and less likely to damage the screen
- More Variety of Sensors: Offers more sensors, including a Barometer Practical Impact: More advanced functionalities
Oppo Reno8 Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: Lighter and smaller form factor for better handling. Practical Impact: Easier to hold and use for extended periods, better portability.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 80W charging. Practical Impact: Quickly recharge the phone, minimizing downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP camera captures more detailed images. Practical Impact: Better photo quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for sharper selfies. Practical Impact: Better selfie quality and detail.
- Newer Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth 5.3. Practical Impact: Slightly more efficient and newer connectivity
- Better Video & Photo Quality Higher DxOMark rating Practical Impact: Better video quality, especially in low light conditions
- Wide Angle Camera: Offers a dedicated wide angle lens Practical Impact: Allows for more expansive images
- Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro camera for better close-up shots Practical Impact: Capture better images from a closer perspective
- More RAM Option: Has a 12GB RAM variant, offering even more resources. Practical Impact: Can handle more intensive multitasking
Trade-offs:
- S21+ has a slightly bigger display, but is heavier, wider, and has significantly slower charging speed
- Reno8 sacrifices some display brightness and smoothness and advanced audio features for better camera quality, compact design, and faster charging
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, media consumers, and those who prioritize display quality, smooth performance, and advanced features like wireless charging and enhanced audio.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos in bright sunlight.
- Playing demanding games with high refresh rate smoothness.
- Users who often need to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Users who require premium audio features for a better music experience.
- Price-to-Value: Older flagship phone, so may offer more value at a lower price point than its release date.
Oppo Reno8:
- Ideal User: Casual users, frequent photographers, those who value a lightweight and portable design, and prioritize fast charging and camera performance.
- Use Cases:
- Taking a lot of pictures and videos.
- Quickly charging their phone on the go.
- Users who need a compact phone with excellent battery life.
- Users who need a phone that fits more easily in a pocket or bag.
- Price-to-Value: Mid-range phone that balances cost and performance very well, excellent value for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to you? (If very important, S21+ is better).
- Do you prioritize battery life and fast charging, or advanced charging features? (If speed is key, Reno8 is better).
- What is your primary use case for the camera? (If quality is top priority, Reno8 is better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User watches a lot of videos and movies outdoors - Recommend: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its bright screen and audio quality.
- Scenario 2: User needs a phone for daily tasks, values a lightweight design, and needs fast charging - Recommend: Oppo Reno8 for its lighter build and 80W charging.
- Scenario 3: User is an avid photographer, mostly taking photos and videos of people - Recommend: Oppo Reno8, with higher resolution in both its main and selfie camera, and better overall DxOMark score for quality.
- Scenario 4: User uses phone for power-intensive tasks, needs more RAM and premium audio experience - Recommend: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for advanced charging features, enhanced audio, and its 120hz display.
What I would choose and Why
Given the detailed comparison, I would personally choose the Oppo Reno8. Here's why:
My primary needs are practicality and photography: I value a lightweight device that's easy to handle, along with a good camera that performs well in day to day conditions. The Reno8 excels in both aspects, offering a superior camera experience for my usual photography scenarios.
Charging speed is essential: I'm often on the go, and the 80W fast charging of the Reno8 is a major advantage, ensuring I can quickly power up my device.
I value a more modern experience: The Reno8 offers a newer Bluetooth version, and a higher DxOMark video score, indicating better camera performance.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has its merits with the better display, smoother animations, and advanced charging features, the practicality, superior camera, and faster charging speed of the Oppo Reno8 align more closely with my typical usage patterns. While the S21+ offers a more premium experience, the Reno8 is the better all rounder for me.
