1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-07-25 | Reno8 is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones, no differences in basic design. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.6 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier; Reno8 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 179g | Reno8 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | S21 Ultra offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 411 PPI | S21 Ultra has a sharper text, and images are more crisp, better for reading and detailed viewing. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 800 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly more visible in bright sunlight, better for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm) | Different chipsets, S21 Ultra has a minor performance edge in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 699,576 | S21 Ultra benchmarks slightly higher, indicating marginally better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Different GPUs; S21 Ultra has a slightly better GPU for demanding tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.56" sensor | S21 Ultra has higher resolution, but Reno8 has wider aperture, influencing low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" sensor | S21 Ultra has slightly better selfie camera in terms of resolution, light gathering and sensor size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for greater zoom range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Oppo Reno8 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, useful for landscape and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Oppo Reno8 has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has an additional lens for Wide angle & macro, not a pure wide angle solution. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 4K 30fps | S21 Ultra offers higher video resolution for professional-grade content. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS | Both have electronic image stabilization. |
| Slow Motion | 960 fps | 240fps | S21 Ultra can capture higher frame rate slow motion video |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 (Photo 121, Video 100) | 112 (Photo 121, Video 112) | S21 Ultra is slightly better overall, while Reno8 excels in video performance based on DxOMark ratings. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 (Photo 133, Video 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a high score in selfie performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Quad Cam, etc. | Triple Cam | S21 Ultra has more advanced camera features and hardware for flexibility. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Reno8 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, while the Reno8 focuses on fast wired charging. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Reno8 is newer OS, but S21 Ultra may have longer software support due to upgrade potential. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Similar Wi-Fi performance and features on both devices. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, SBC | Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, EDR, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Reno8 has a slightly newer standard. S21 Ultra has some additional features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Reno8 has more satellite support potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM), Dual Standby | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM), Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage option for those with extensive media. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8/12GB | S21 Ultra has a higher RAM option for demanding multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users must pick a variant with sufficient initial storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has better audio features for enhanced audio experiences. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a more robust screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes extra environmental sensors for added functionality and accuracy |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher pixel density, and significantly brighter display provides a better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- More Powerful Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera setup with telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors, 8K video recording, OIS, and RAW support for enhanced image quality.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery for potentially longer usage time.
- Advanced Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio.
- Higher RAM Option: 16GB Ram for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors provide additional functionality.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is geared towards users who prioritize a premium viewing experience, advanced photography, and versatile features, while potentially also requiring longer battery life.
Oppo Reno8 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 80W charging allows for significantly faster recharge times.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to carry and more comfortable for extended use.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 offers more modern Bluetooth capabilities.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Provides a different, perhaps more convenient, perspective than the S21 Ultra
- Newer OS out of box: Android 12 out of the box.
Practical Implications: The Reno8 caters to users who value portability, convenience, fast charging, and a more compact design.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Sacrifices portability and charging speed for a more premium display and camera system.
- Reno8: Sacrifices advanced camera features, display quality, and extra features for faster charging and a more lightweight design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the most versatile camera system with excellent image quality and advanced controls for shooting in different conditions.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse photos, and play games, and appreciate a high-quality, large display.
Power Users: Users who engage in heavy multitasking, require high-performance processing and value all the extra features, such as wireless charging, reverse charging, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Watching movies and TV shows in bright sunlight.
- Playing graphically demanding games.
- Using productivity apps and multitasking heavily.
Oppo Reno8 Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Users who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable phone for everyday tasks.
- Users on the Go: Users who want the convenience of very fast charging and do not need the most advanced photo options.
Budget-conscious consumers: Users who seek a good balance of features without paying a premium price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual photography and social media sharing.
- Fast charging during short breaks.
- Comfortable one-handed use.
- Reliable performance for daily tasks, browsing, and communication.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 Ultra would have been a flagship device at the time of release, while the Reno8 would be considered a mid range device. Therefore, the S21 Ultra will likely be more expensive. However, depending on current pricing, either might offer better value, depending on the user's specific needs and budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- Is premium display quality and versatility or portability more important to me? (S21 Ultra has superior display and more versatile camera system, but is larger and heavier, whereas Reno8 is more portable)
- How often do I need fast charging? (Reno8 has very fast charging and S21 Ultra doesn't)
- Do I need additional features like wireless charging and advanced audio? (S21 Ultra offers this, whereas Reno8 focuses on essentials)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior camera system, 8K video, and advanced features.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler/Commuter: Choose the Oppo Reno8 for its fast charging, lightweight design, and practicality.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User with Media Consumption: If budget permits the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the way to go, otherwise consider Oppo Reno8 for a well rounded experience without any premium camera features.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Why?
While the Oppo Reno8 has its merits in being more compact and having faster charging, my personal priorities lean heavily towards a superior display and camera system. I value a premium viewing experience, and the S21 Ultra's display is significantly better in terms of sharpness, brightness, and size. Furthermore, I prefer a versatile camera system capable of taking great photos in various scenarios. I also like the extra features of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio.
Although the Reno8 is lighter and has faster charging, the performance and experience of the S21 Ultra would outweigh these benefits for me. The S21 Ultra also has a larger battery, and while it doesn't charge as fast, it will more than likely last longer with my typical usage. Finally, I like that the Samsung is a former flagship device and as such it has more premium components than the Oppo.
