1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Find X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-03-14 | Oppo Find X5 is a newer device, potentially benefiting from more recent software and hardware improvements. |
| Dimensions | 165.1x75.6x8.9 mm | 160.3x72.6x8.7 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier; Find X5 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 196g | Find X5 is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. Find X5 provides a slightly more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, which results in clearer text, images, and videos, especially noticeable for users with good eyesight. |
| PPI | 515 | 402 | S21 Ultra has a much higher pixel density, resulting in visibly sharper and more detailed images. Fine details are more defined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; no real difference in display tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. No perceivable difference. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | S21 Ultra is noticeably brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight, crucial for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Different chipsets may yield varied performance characteristics under different workloads. Snapdragon 888 is more efficient than the Exynos 2100. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 877,800 | Oppo Find X5 demonstrates slightly better benchmark performance, which may translate to quicker app loading and smoother gaming, although real world difference might not be huge. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 is generally stronger for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming compared to the Mali-G78, though both are high-end GPUs. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery; the impact on daily life is not significant. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | Find X5 charges much faster, a significant advantage for users with busy lifestyles. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 30W | Oppo Find X5 provides faster wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution main sensor, while Find X5 has larger individual pixels. The real world difference depends on lighting. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated Telephoto/Portrait camera; Find X5 relies on digital zoom and/or main sensor for portrait |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | S21 Ultra offers a higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for brighter self-portraits, and larger sensor for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | Oppo has wider apperture for better low light performance but smaller sensor. S21 Ultra has a larger sensor and higher zoom quality |
| Wide Angle+Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | Oppo has much higher resolution and larger sensor that can take better quality wide angle and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra supports 8K recording for highly detailed video content, useful for professional applications; the Oppo supports up to 4k. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | 114 | Both perform similarly in the mobile tests |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra performs well in the selfie tests, Find X5 has no ratings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Find X5 launches with a newer Android version; however, S21 Ultra will receive one more major update, which might provide longer-term software support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a 512GB storage option for users who need the most storage. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8/12GB | S21 Ultra can have significantly more RAM, advantageous for heavy multitasking and memory-intensive tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; the internal storage is all you have. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra supports Hi-Res audio for enhanced sound quality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.8" display with 1440x3200 resolution and 515 PPI offers superior clarity and detail for media consumption and productivity, enhancing visual experience and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera and more Camera Lenses: The 108MP main camera and dedicated telephoto lenses offer high levels of detail and flexibility for diverse shooting scenarios.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to shoot in 8K provides a future-proof video option for demanding users, and it also allows for more editing potential.
- Greater RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM enables smoother multitasking and better handling of memory-intensive apps and games.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides a better listening experience for audiophiles who prioritize higher sound quality.
- More Software Updates: Can be upgraded to Android 15.
Oppo Find X5 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and long periods of carrying or usage.
- Faster Charging: 80W wired and 30W wireless charging significantly reduce downtime, a major convenience for busy users.
- Better Benchmark Scores: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a slight edge in processing power for gaming and general app responsiveness.
- Larger Pixels on Main Camera: The 1.0 µm pixels on the main camera result in slightly better performance in low-light conditions.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Camera: Much better for ultrawide angle shots and macro photography, thanks to the 50MP sensor.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a newer version of android out of the box, however it does not receive as many updates as the S21 Ultra.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Larger size and heavier weight make it less convenient for some users, and the Exynos 2100 processor may not always outperform the Snapdragon 888 in every task. Slower charging can be a drawback.
- Oppo Find X5: Smaller screen, lower resolution display, and less versatile camera system might not appeal to users who prioritize media consumption or high-end photography.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a large, high-resolution display for streaming and viewing content.
- Power Users: Multitaskers and gamers who need the extra RAM and storage options.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the highest level of camera versatility and high zoom capabilities.
- Professionals: Users who need 8K recording for demanding video projects and require more RAM.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on the sharp display with rich audio.
- Playing graphically intensive games without slowdowns.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Multitasking between several apps without performance issues.
- Those seeking longer software support.
Oppo Find X5 is ideal for:
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone that's easier to handle.
- Users Who Prioritize Speed: Those who want fast charging and a responsive, snappy experience.
- General Users: Those who want a balanced phone with good overall performance and great photo quality in many situations.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who value ultrawide photography and macro capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily use and carrying the phone comfortably.
- Quickly charging the phone between meetings or tasks.
- Taking high-quality, detailed photographs for social media.
- Seamless general use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger, sharper display for media consumption (S21 Ultra) or a more compact and portable device (Find X5)?
- Battery Charging Needs: Do you need fast charging to minimize downtime (Find X5), or is the slightly larger battery of the S21 Ultra enough for you?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need 8K video, high-zoom, and multi-lens flexibility (S21 Ultra), or a good quality main camera and ultrawide capabilities (Find X5)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Multimedia Power User: If you regularly watch movies, play games, and need maximum multitasking, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its larger display, higher resolution, 8k video, more RAM, and versatile camera.
Scenario 2: Daily Commuter: If portability, fast charging, and good photo quality are essential, choose the Oppo Find X5. It's lighter, easier to handle, and has a powerful charging system.
Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Consider the secondary market prices for both. The older S21 Ultra may offer a better value for its features and might be more affordable than a new Find X5.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Reasoning:
My primary use case involves a lot of media consumption, and the larger, sharper display of the S21 Ultra would significantly improve my experience. I also highly value the additional RAM, since I often work with multiple apps running at once and sometimes play graphically intensive games, which I would do better with the S21. Lastly, I frequently take photos in a variety of scenarios and the flexible camera system on the S21 Ultra gives me many options. While the faster charging of the Oppo is attractive, it would not outweigh the benefits of the Samsung in my daily usage pattern. I am okay with the phone being a bit heavier since I do not mind that. While the S21 Ultra might not have the performance of the Find X5, in my experience, most modern phones have enough performance for almost all everyday usage, and the advantages of the S21 outweigh this minor downside.
