Galaxy S21 5G vs Oppo Reno 8 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Oppo Reno 8 Pro, launched in July 2022, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a capable user experience. While the Galaxy S21 5G emphasizes a balanced flagship experience with a versatile camera system, the Oppo Reno 8 Pro focuses on a sleek design, strong low-light photography, and rapid charging capabilities.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, initially running Android 11, received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15 (One UI 7) in the first half of 2025. Security updates for the S21 series ended in January 2026. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro, launched with Android 12, typically receives two major Android OS updates and around three to four years of security patches, meaning it received Android 13 and Android 14, but is not eligible for Android 15.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, and carries an IP54 rating, offering protection against dust and splashes.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has been noted for a relatively accessible design for repairs, with some sources indicating a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, though battery removal can be challenging due to strong adhesive. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Oppo Reno 8 Pro is less commonly available, but its construction generally aligns with modern smartphone designs.

Both smartphones are equipped to handle daily tasks and more demanding applications, though they approach performance with different underlying hardware.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G, depending on the region, is powered by a processor known for delivering robust performance, ensuring smooth app navigation, efficient multitasking, and capable handling of graphics-intensive games. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro features a processor that provides a fluid user experience, with particular strengths noted in gaming performance and thermal management, allowing for extended periods of demanding use without significant slowdowns.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and a standard 256GB of internal storage, also without a microSD card slot for expansion.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G houses a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for moderate users. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro is equipped with a larger 4500 mAh battery and supports significantly faster charging technology, allowing for quicker power replenishment. Users often report that the Reno 8 Pro's battery can last through a full day of heavy use.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, each with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display, providing an expansive viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for the S21 5G and 1080 x 2412 pixels for the Reno 8 Pro), resulting in sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both displays support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. The Galaxy S21 5G can reach a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, while the Oppo Reno 8 Pro achieves up to 950 nits peak brightness, making both suitable for outdoor visibility.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though their strengths and configurations differ, catering to varied photography preferences.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro is equipped with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 5G is praised for its overall camera versatility and ability to capture sharp photos with good color reproduction in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light performance. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro excels particularly in low-light photography and 4K night video, aided by its dedicated imaging processor, though its ultrawide and macro cameras are considered less impressive than the main sensor.
• Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S21 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, along with enhanced audio capabilities. The Oppo Reno 8 Pro offers 4K video recording at 30 frames per second and features clear stereo speakers for media consumption.