1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Find N2 Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Oppo offers a compact, pocketable form factor when folded, the Samsung is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 166.2 × 75.2 × 7.5 mm | Oppo is slightly taller and thinner when unfolded, Samsung is thicker and feels more substantial, the Oppo is more compact when folded. |
| Weight | 227g | 191g | Oppo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both phones have the same screen size for similar content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2520 | Samsung has a significantly sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 403 | Samsung's higher PPI provides a visibly clearer image; a sharper display for detailed viewing. |
| Technology | AMOLED | N/A | Samsung's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes, display type for Oppo is missing |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Oppo has slightly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight due to higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm) | Oppo's newer chipset provides faster performance and potentially better power efficiency due to smaller fabrication process, however real world results can vary. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,160,000 | Oppo demonstrates significantly higher benchmark scores suggesting it handles demanding tasks, like gaming, faster. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Oppo’s GPU provides a better graphics performance for gaming and intensive applications; however, real-world performance can vary. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Samsung's larger battery should provide longer battery life between charges, assuming similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W | 44W | Oppo charges significantly faster, reducing time plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless/Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Samsung offers more versatile charging options (wireless, reverse) while Oppo charges faster. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Samsung captures more detail with a larger sensor and higher resolution, but Oppo has larger individual pixels for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated lens for zoomed photos and portraits; the Oppo has no equivalent. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | Samsung has a higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies; larger sensor for better dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens with 10.8MP and a 1/2.65" sensor; the Oppo has no equivalent. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Oppo features a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive shots; the Samsung does not have a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | Samsung includes a wide-angle + macro lens; the Oppo has no equivalent. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Samsung offers 8K video recording; both have 4K options but at different frame rates. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | Samsung's camera performance is rated; the Oppo has no published score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | Oppo uses a newer Android version and will be supported longer with OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have fast WiFi with similar features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Oppo has a newer Bluetooth version for improved performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | More systems | Oppo supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer similar storage options, with Oppo's starting at 256GB. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both phones offer good ram options for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers a more comprehensive suite for better sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Oppo features a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced usability. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus for improved scratch resistance, the screen protection for the Oppo is missing, but due to the foldable nature it is likely to be plastic |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Samsung includes a barometer, while Oppo includes RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a sharper, more detailed viewing experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes multiple telephoto lenses, a wide angle + macro lens, and 8K video recording for diverse photography/videography capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Likely offers longer battery life due to its bigger capacity.
- More Audio Features: Has Hi-Res Audio and Noise Cancellation Microphone
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers more convenient wireless charging options.
- Established Camera Performance: DxOMark scores for both main and selfie camera are very good.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch resistance
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who want top-tier display quality, advanced camera options, and longer battery life.
Oppo Find N2 Flip Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique, compact, and pocketable form factor.
- Faster Performance: Benchmarks suggest superior performance thanks to its newer chipset.
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging speeds.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android for longer software support.
- Lighter: More comfortable for everyday use.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Has higher peak brightness in direct sunlight.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking.
- More GPS Systems: Supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users seeking a stylish, compact, and powerful device with the latest software, also faster charging is a welcome addition for most.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Bulkier, heavier, and lacks the portability of a foldable device; older OS.
- Oppo: Less versatile camera system, may not have the same level of detail and zoom capabilities; Smaller battery size.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Ideal For:
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera performance and features.
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize screen quality and want a reliable device for demanding tasks.
- Content Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and benefit from the higher resolution screen and great audio.
- Users who prefer a traditional slab phone design: Don't want a foldable phone.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- High-fidelity mobile gaming
- Detailed photo editing and creative tasks
- Extensive media consumption.
Oppo Find N2 Flip - Ideal For:
- Style-Conscious Users: Those who want a unique and eye-catching device.
- On-the-Go Individuals: Users who value portability and pocketability.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those interested in the latest phone technology, software and form factors.
- People who want a more compact phone when not in use.
Use Cases:
- Quick access to information and apps with the folded screen.
- Effortless portability for daily commutes and travel.
- Stylish and compact everyday phone.
- Taking quick photos, browsing on the go and social media
- Those who prefer a more practical fingerprint scanner.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price comparison between these two devices will vary greatly depending on region and deals available. The Samsung S21 Ultra is older at this point and could have significant price cuts on the secondary market. The Oppo Find N2 Flip will likely have a higher retail price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a top-tier camera and screen resolution, or a unique foldable design with fast charging?
- How important is portability and pocketability vs. screen size and battery life?
- Do you prefer the latest Android software with longer updates, or the most versatile camera system and screen?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Photography Enthusiast - If you heavily rely on your phone for photography and need high-quality images and videos with zoom capability, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the superior choice.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Professional - If you value a compact device for on-the-go use, value fast charging and want the latest version of Android, and are ok with a less versatile camera, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is the better fit.
- Scenario 3: The All-Rounder - If you are an all-rounder who wants a great screen and great features the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better pick; if you would like something more compact with great performance then Oppo Find N2 Flip is more ideal.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, despite it being older. My primary reason would be the superior screen and the vastly superior camera system. I am a heavy user when it comes to photography and the multiple lenses and 8k video recording of the Samsung outweigh the compact design and charging speed of the Oppo. The lack of concrete information on the display type for the Oppo, and that the Samsung is still very powerful despite its age push me towards the Samsung. However, If the portability of the foldable was the most important thing to me then I would lean towards the Oppo, but personally I am not a fan of foldables so the Samsung is my pick.
