Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Oppo Reno8 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.2 × 74.2 × 7.3 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and thicker, potentially less pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 183g | S21 Ultra feels heavier, Reno8 Pro is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal difference, both offer large displays. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | S21 Ultra is noticeably sharper, with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 515 | 394 | S21 Ultra offers crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly more readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm) | Different architectures, both perform well for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 837,000 | Reno8 Pro has slightly higher benchmark scores, indicating a slight edge in raw power |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G610 MC6 | S21 Ultra's GPU performs slightly better in intensive graphics tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra captures more detail, larger sensor size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides optical zoom for better portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | S21 Ultra takes higher resolution selfies with slightly better light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | Reno8 Pro has a wide angle lens for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Reno8 Pro has a macro lens for close up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides a dedicated wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra shoots higher resolution video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main: 114, Photo: 125, Video: 111 | Reno8 Pro scored better in photo and video, while overall score is slightly lower. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's selfie capabilities are significantly better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra is likely to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Reno8 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, No charger | Non-removable | S21 Ultra has more charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness make for a better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers multiple telephoto lenses for superior zoom capabilities and overall greater versatility, also has better selfie capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Likely to provide longer battery life.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Greater flexibility in how you charge your devices.
- More Feature rich audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio provide a better audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
- Advanced Sensors: Enhanced environmental sensors for advanced features and gaming.
Oppo Reno8 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for prolonged use and easier to carry.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging gets you back to full capacity quickly.
- Superior Video and Photo Performance: Better overall scores in DxO mark for mobile camera performance.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 offers potential improvements in speed and power consumption.
- Additional GPS Satellites: Potentially improved GPS accuracy.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Allows for more creative photo opportunities.
- More Updated Android Version: Launched with Android 12 (compared to 11), generally more updated software.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Heavier, slower charging, potentially more prone to breaking due to larger size.
- Oppo: Lower resolution display, less zoom capability, smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, heavy multimedia consumers.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Watching high-resolution content on the go.
- Users needing all day battery life.
- Gamers who appreciate a high-resolution display and smooth performance.
- Strengths: Robust camera system with excellent zoom, high-quality display, wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Slightly less expensive in comparison to the Reno8 Pro, but older technology might not be worth it for some.
Oppo Reno8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a comfortable, sleek design, fast charging, and a capable camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography and social media sharing.
- Quick top-ups throughout the day.
- Everyday usage, browsing, and communication.
- Users who prefer a lightweight device.
- Strengths: Speedy charging, comfortable handling, solid camera performance with more lenses.
- Price-to-Value: Slightly more expensive in comparison to the S21 Ultra.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize display sharpness and outdoor visibility or a lighter, more pocketable design?
- Is battery life or fast charging more important for your usage patterns?
- Do you need advanced zoom capabilities or are you happy with a standard and wide angle/macro lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler:
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 Pro for its fast charging, lighter design, and convenient size.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera with optical zoom and higher resolution.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Gamer:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its more powerful GPU, high-resolution display, and advanced sensors.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User:
- Recommendation: Oppo Reno8 Pro for its comfortable design, solid performance, and fast charging.
Personal Choice
I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Oppo Reno8 Pro offers a more modern design and faster charging, the S21 Ultra's superior display quality, more versatile camera system (especially with its zoom capabilities), larger battery, and more feature rich audio, align better with my priorities as a power user and a photography enthusiast. I find the extra bulk and weight acceptable for the benefits that the device offers in terms of overall performance. The advanced sensors on the S21 Ultra also appeal to me as someone who appreciates those features. The better screen protection is also a great added benefit for those who tend to be clumsy, myself included.
