1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-06-18 | The Oppo Reno12 Pro is significantly newer, likely with updated software, security patches, and potentially improved battery technology. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.5 × 74.8 × 7.4 mm | The Oppo Reno12 Pro is more compact, thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable for single-handed use and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 180g | The Oppo Reno12 Pro is significantly lighter, which reduces fatigue during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both phones will offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | The Samsung S21 Ultra offers sharper text and images, better for detailed content viewing and VR. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 394 PPI | The Samsung S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1400 nits | The Samsung S21 Ultra is slightly better for direct sunlight visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm) | While the process node of the Oppo is smaller, the Exynos is more powerful, handling demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 702,140 | The Samsung S21 Ultra shows a slightly higher performance level in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G615 MC2 | The S21 Ultra's GPU is generally more capable for graphic intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The Samsung S21 Ultra captures more detailed images, allowing for more flexible cropping and large prints. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | The Samsung S21 Ultra captures more light, improving low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 10.8MP | None | Samsung S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 50MP | Oppo has slightly higher resolution on front camera, but both are very close. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The Oppo Reno12 Pro's wider aperture may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | 50MP | Oppo's telephoto has a higher resolution, while Samsung's has larger sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP | Oppo offers a dedicated wide angle camera for landscape or group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | Samsung S21 Ultra provides a dedicated wide-angle lens for macro or wide shot. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Samsung S21 Ultra has 8k for higher resolution and pro video creation. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | Not Tested | The Samsung S21 Ultra provides a proven mobile photography experience. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Not Tested | The Samsung S21 Ultra is proven to provide a great selfie experience. |
| Camera Features | Many | Many | Both cameras have extensive features like OIS and HDR; S21U has 8k and laser AF. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life due to same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | Oppo Reno12 Pro offers significantly faster charging, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra has Wireless charging which is more convenient; both are non-removable |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 17 | Oppo's newer OS version offers more modern features, latest security patches, and a fresher UI. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support modern WiFi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Oppo has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, Galileo | Both have comprehensive GPS support for accurate navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM cards for two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both phones offer ample storage for photos and files; Oppo starts at 256 GB. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 12/16GB | Both phones offer plenty of RAM for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Samsung S21 Ultra offers superior audio with better spatial audio, clear call quality and audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint security for quick and safe unlocks. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Oppo has slightly updated version, both are very good and resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | Gravity | S21 Ultra comes with a broader range of sensors, useful for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in sharper visuals. Practical for detailed viewing and VR.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU (based on benchmarks), ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Versatile Camera System: More cameras for different situations; telephoto, macro, 8K video recording and professional photography features like laser AF.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and noise cancellation for immersive audio experiences.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless: Offers more flexibility with charging options.
- More Sensors: Includes compass and barometer, which are great for hiking and precise environmental readings.
- Proven Camera Performance: DxOMark scores for both front and rear cameras, ensuring reliable and quality images and videos.
Oppo Reno12 Pro Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Launched more recently, with updated software, better battery technology, newer Bluetooth for efficiency.
- Lighter & More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around comfortably, more pocketable.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Updated OS: Ships with Android 14, more modern features, better security patches, and a fresher UI.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for landscape or group photos, which the Samsung lacks.
- Telephoto Lens: higher resolution telephoto lens for better zoomed pictures.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Older and larger, heavier, slower charging, and less modern software out of the box
- Oppo Reno12 Pro: Less powerful processor and less versatile camera than S21 Ultra. It also lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who need the most processing power for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with various lenses and high-quality images and videos.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value high-quality display and audio for watching videos, and listening to music.
- Users who prefer to use wireless charging and want more charging flexibility.
- Users who want better audio features such as Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res.
Ideal Users for Oppo Reno12 Pro:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a balance of features, good battery life and faster charging in a compact and comfortable design.
- Social Media Users: Users who value a good selfie camera and quick charging.
- Travelers: Those who prioritize a lighter, more compact phone for travel.
- Users who want newer OS and a more modern software experience with the latest updates.
- Users who want a wide angle camera.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Gaming, professional photography/videography, multimedia consumption, navigation and hiking, any task requiring raw processing power.
- Oppo Reno12 Pro: Social media usage, travel photography, daily tasks, on-the-go entertainment, quick charging.
Price-to-Value: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, while older, offers a more premium experience on certain key features like display, camera and audio, for those that still value those things, It can also be found at a lower price point, increasing its value. The Oppo Reno12 Pro is a newer model, but might not necessarily be a "value" device, and might be more expensive.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and camera versatility, or a lighter design and faster charging?
- Is having the latest software and updated device more important than cutting-edge camera performance?
- Are features like wireless charging and enhanced audio crucial for your daily use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Its versatile camera system, 8K video, and superior display make it ideal for professional-level image and video work.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G might offer a better value; it can usually be found for less while still giving a great user experience. However, if battery and quick charging are a must, the Oppo might be a better option.
- Scenario 3: User who values portability and quick charging
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno12 Pro - Its light and compact design, coupled with fast charging, makes it ideal for on-the-go use.
- Scenario 4: User who wants newest device and OS
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno12 Pro - Its newer, updated software and security features will provide a better overall modern experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it is an older phone, the superior display, versatile camera system, and enhanced audio features are more important to me. The difference in performance between the two isn't enough for me to make me pick the newer Oppo, and the added features in the camera and display departments push me toward the Samsung. While the Oppo has some advantages, like faster charging, newer OS and being lighter, for my use case, those are less critical than the overall premium experience of the S21 Ultra. Ultimately, this choice is very personal and the Oppo is still a great smartphone.
