Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Oppo Reno8 T
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Oppo Reno8 T, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.8 x 73.8 x 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable in hand or pocket for some users. Reno8 T is slimmer & lighter. |
| Weight | 227g | 180g | S21 Ultra feels heavier; Reno8 T is more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops, Reno8 T durability is uncertain. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive experience for media consumption; Reno8 T is more compact and easier to handle for some. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra delivers sharper text and images; Reno8 T display is still very good for daily usage but with less detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 409 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density provides a crisper, more detailed display; Reno8 T is less sharp, noticeable with very fine text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive for gaming; Reno8 T is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible in direct sunlight; Reno8 T may struggle in bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra offers significantly faster processing, better multitasking and smoother gaming performance compared to Oppo Reno8 T. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 402,916 | S21 Ultra is much faster, handling intensive tasks like video editing and demanding games with ease. Reno8 T can handle daily tasks but will struggle with heavy workloads |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, providing smoother graphics for gaming and demanding applications. Reno8 T will have slightly lesser graphics performance |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm (Samsung S5KHM3) | 108MP, f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm (Samsung HM6) | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, better low light performance. Reno8 T's wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) allows slightly more light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm (Samsung S5K3J1) | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom and better portraits. Reno8 T lacks this dedicated telephoto capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm (Samsung S5KGH1) | 32MP, f/2.4, No Pixel Size (No Sensor Model) | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies with better low-light performance due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens Camera | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm (Samsung S5K3J1) | None | S21 Ultra has an additional telephoto zoom lens; Reno8 T does not have a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, No Pixel Size (No Sensor Model) | Reno8 T has a dedicated depth sensor to help blur the background. S21 Ultra lacks this dedicated sensor. |
| Macro Lens Camera | None | 2MP, f/3.3, No Pixel Size (No Sensor Model) | Reno8 T has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. S21 Ultra lacks this dedicated sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm (Sony IMX563) | None | S21 Ultra has an ultrawide camera for landscape shots; Reno8 T does not have ultrawide lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion: 960 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: 120 fps | S21 Ultra offers higher-quality video recording, including 8K video; Reno8 T is limited to 1080p. |
| DxOMark Mobile Camera | Main Score: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested and generally better camera performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie Camera | Main Score: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested and generally better selfie camera performance. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Triple camera, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features while Reno 8T offers more basic. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | S21 Ultra has slightly longer battery life; the difference is marginal and user experience may be very similar. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Reno8 T charges much faster; more convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless, No in-box charger, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | S21 Ultra has the benefit of wireless charging; Reno8 T has no wireless charging. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 13 (Up to 14) | Reno8 T launches with a newer version of Android, potentially offering a more up-to-date experience initially; however S21 Ultra gets one extra OS upgrade. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac | S21 Ultra has the faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6 standard compared to the Reno8 T for better connectivity in newer networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, extensive profiles | Bluetooth 5.1, standard profiles | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with more capabilities for higher-quality audio transfer and more features compared to Reno8 T. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | S21 Ultra has more satellite systems, leading to slightly improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM functionality; users can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB | S21 Ultra offers greater storage options; Oppo Reno8 T has just one 256GB option. |
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra offers better multitasking with more RAM; apps will run faster and smoother. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion; users need to rely on internal storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S21 Ultra offers a richer, more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos. Oppo Reno8 T has 2 microphones instead of one. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones provide standard biometric security through the use of a fingerprint sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo Reno8 T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has an additional compass for navigation, and Barometer for elevation readings; Reno8 T lacks these advanced sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness.
- Practical Impact: Sharper, smoother, and more viewable screen, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU.
- Practical Impact: Faster app loading, smoother gaming, better multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Additional telephoto lenses, higher quality video recording, a larger main sensor, wide angle lens.
- Practical Impact: More versatile photography, better zoom, excellent quality video recording
- More RAM and Storage options: Offers 12GB/16GB of RAM compared to Oppo's 8 GB.
- Practical Impact: More ram means more apps running at the same time with less lag, offering a smoother performance.
- More advanced audio features: Dolby Atmos
- Practical Impact: Better audio clarity and spatial audio.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Practical Impact: Faster data transfer and better wireless performance.
- More Advanced Sensors: includes a compass and barometer.
- Practical Impact: Better location and environmental data readings
Oppo Reno8 T Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design:
- Practical Impact: More comfortable to hold and carry, easier to use with one hand.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging.
- Practical Impact: Much quicker battery top-ups.
- Dedicated Macro Camera & Depth Sensor
- Practical Impact: Offers additional creative options for close-up photos, and portrait mode.
- Newer OS out of the Box
- Practical Impact: Comes with a more up-to-date Android operating system
Trade-offs
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger, heavier, and may be less convenient to carry. It also has slower charging than the Oppo.
- The Oppo Reno8 T lacks the high-end display, processing power, camera versatility and advanced audio features of the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities, great low light capabilities and high resolution video.
- Media Consumers: Users who want the best possible display experience for watching videos and playing games, and high quality audio.
- Users needing advanced sensors: For example, users who need a compass or barometer for advanced navigation.
Oppo Reno8 T is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Individuals looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Users who value portability: Those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone.
- Users who prioritize quick charging: People who need fast charging for their busy lifestyle.
- Users on a budget: Those who want a good all-rounder with good camera capabilities without spending too much.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before choosing:
- Do you prioritize performance and camera quality, or do you value portability and faster charging?
- Is having the best possible display and advanced audio important to your experience?
- Are you on a strict budget, or are you willing to spend extra for high-end features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gaming and content creation: If you need smooth gameplay, high-resolution video recording, and editing capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Everyday use and portability: If you need a reliable phone with a long-lasting battery, quick charging, and a compact design, the Oppo Reno8 T is a more practical option.
- Scenario 3: Photography focus: If you are looking for the best all-round camera experience including telephoto lenses, optical zoom and high quality video, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the winner. If macro and depth sensing is more important to you, the Oppo Reno8T can be a better choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My reasoning is as follows:
Superior Performance and Camera: I highly value processing power for smooth multitasking and gaming, and the S21 Ultra offers a significant performance leap over the Reno8 T. The camera system is significantly more versatile with optical zoom, wide angle and telephoto capabilities. The inclusion of 8K recording and advanced video features are something I would definitely appreciate.
Exceptional Display: The display on the S21 Ultra is much better in almost every aspect; the higher resolution, pixel density, brightness and refresh rate would lead to a far better user experience, especially when consuming media, which is something I tend to do very often.
Advanced Features: While the Reno8 T has its advantages, the S21 Ultra's additional sensors, advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos, newer connectivity standards and significantly more storage and RAM give it a clear advantage over the Oppo.
While the Oppo Reno8 T has fast charging and a lighter build, these advantages are not as important to me as the premium features offered by the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The slightly slower charging and heavier build of the S21 Ultra are acceptable trade-offs for the considerable gains in overall experience. The S21 Ultra is the clear winner when considering power, camera, and display quality.
