Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Oppo Reno10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-15 | Oppo Reno10 is a newer model, likely with updated software. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.4 × 74.2 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, Reno10 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 185g | Reno10 is significantly lighter, improving comfort for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes, a negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and more detailed display, better for high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 394 ppi | S21 Ultra provides a visibly sharper display with more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, essential for a premium experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible in bright sunlight, enhancing outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chip offers superior performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 541,500 | S21 Ultra performs significantly better in benchmarks, translating to faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and visual tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.7, 1/2" | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution images with better low-light performance due to a larger sensor. Reno10 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides dedicated telephoto and portrait lens for zoom and bokeh effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution and wider aperture front camera for detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" | Reno10 has a higher resolution telephoto lens with a wider aperture, potentially offering more detailed zoomed images and better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Reno10 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a wide-angle lens with macro capabilities for versatile shooting. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra can record higher resolution videos (8K) for professional-grade content. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has tested better in the Mobile and Selfie camera departments |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Reno10 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | N/A | S21 Ultra supports wireless charging for added convenience. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | N/A | S21 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Reno10 is newer and comes with a more recent version of Android out-of-the-box, with less support in the future. The S21 Ultra will receive the same OS version, but might be missing features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Reno10 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better performance and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256 GB | S21 Ultra offers larger storage options, beneficial for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra offers substantially more RAM, improving multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Basic audio features | S21 Ultra provides enhanced audio quality with advanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has robust screen protection, enhancing durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra provides a more complete sensor set. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness, leading to a sharper, more vibrant screen, especially in sunlight.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers more camera lenses with specialized functionality, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and 8K video capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Superior audio features such as Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a richer media experience.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and 9W reverse wireless charging.
- Better Build Quality: Includes Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More RAM: Much more RAM for better multitasking and demanding applications.
- Better Sensors: Has more sensors that allow for richer functionality (compass, barometer).
- DXOMark scores: S21 Ultra has known scores, but the Reno10 is not tested.
Oppo Reno10 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry due to its lighter weight and smaller dimensions.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging, which greatly reduces charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth: Includes Bluetooth 5.3, a more efficient and newer Bluetooth version.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Wider Aperture Telephoto Lens: Can potentially capture better zoomed images, with a wider aperture
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Capable of capturing large landscapes
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is older but is better across performance, display, camera quality, and build quality, though it's larger and heavier. It also comes with slower charging.
- The Oppo Reno10 offers a more comfortable, lighter experience with much faster charging, but compromises on raw performance, screen resolution, camera versatility, and other premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who require top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with high-resolution images and 8K video recording.
- Media Consumers: People who want an immersive experience with a sharp, vibrant display and enhanced audio quality.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright screen that is easily visible in sunlight.
- Users who want an all-round high quality experience.
Oppo Reno10 is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable, and easy-to-handle phone for daily use.
- Users on the Go: Those who want a phone that charges very quickly and don't want to spend a long time plugged in.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a good balance of features without the premium price tag.
- Users looking for a newer phone: Those that are after a phone running on a newer Android version.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Professional photographers, mobile gamers, video content creators, users who watch high-resolution videos and need a very bright display.
- Oppo Reno10: Casual social media users, everyday commuters, users who value convenience and a comfortable grip.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority: premium performance or everyday comfort and convenience? If top-tier performance, display, and camera capabilities are critical, the S21 Ultra is better. If a lightweight design and fast charging are more important, choose the Reno10.
- How often do you use your camera, and what kind of photography do you prioritize? If you need versatile lenses, including a dedicated wide-angle and a high resolution main camera, and high video quality, then the S21 Ultra is better. If you mostly take casual pictures and need a wide-angle, choose the Reno10.
- How important is fast charging? If charging speed is a priority and you don't mind compromising on some aspects of performance, the Reno10 is the better choice due to its 67W fast charging. If you value a fully capable device at the cost of charging speed, S21 Ultra is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior image quality, versatile camera setup, and 8K video recording.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who wants a phone that charges quickly: Choose the Reno10 for its lightweight design, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its better chipset, GPU and higher RAM, offering a much smoother gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: Budget-conscious buyer: The Oppo Reno10 will likely offer a better price to value ratio.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Oppo Reno10 has a newer Bluetooth, charging and a more recent Android version, I value the S21 Ultra's superior display quality, raw processing power, camera versatility, build quality and features, which are all major benefits. The higher resolution and brightness, more powerful chipset and GPU, and the much more versatile camera system make the S21 Ultra a better choice. The improved audio quality and additional features, such as wireless charging, make it a complete package for my needs as a power user. The trade-off in charging speed is something I can live with, considering all the other advantages that come with the S21 Ultra.
