Galaxy S21 5G Vs Oppo Find X5 Pro

Galaxy S21 5G
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£128.00

Versus £829.00 new

See options
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£512.00

Versus £1,336.26 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (2021) and the Oppo Find X5 Pro (2022) are flagship smartphones that offer distinct approaches to the Android experience. While the Galaxy S21 5G focuses on a compact, ergonomic design, the Oppo Find X5 Pro emphasises a larger screen and premium ceramic materials. Both devices run on the Android operating system, though they feature different user interfaces—Samsung’s One UI and Oppo’s ColorOS—which provide unique visual styles and customisation options. For those seeking a sustainable choice, both models are available as an eco-friendly alternative through refurbishment.

Scores

Durability

The release timeline and software commitments for these devices significantly impact their practical lifespan and security in the current market.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G received its final major update to Android 15 in 2025, with security support concluding in early 2026. The Oppo Find X5 Pro received Android 16 as its final major update, offering a slightly more modern software environment for current users.
  • Build Materials: The Oppo Find X5 Pro features a ceramic back that is highly resistant to scratches and wear, whereas the Galaxy S21 5G uses a reinforced polycarbonate material that is durable against impacts but feels different in hand.
  • Repairability: Samsung’s extensive global service network often makes finding replacement parts for the S21 5G more straightforward, while the Oppo’s complex ceramic design can be more challenging to service.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

In daily use, both smartphones remain highly capable, though their hardware configurations cater to different multitasking and power requirements.

  • System Responsiveness: Both devices handle modern applications and multitasking smoothly, though the Oppo Find X5 Pro often includes more memory, which allows it to keep more apps open in the background without refreshing.
  • Battery and Charging: The Oppo Find X5 Pro features a larger battery capacity and supports significantly faster charging speeds, reaching a full charge in under 40 minutes. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller battery and slower charging, requiring more frequent top-ups for heavy users.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer ample internal storage for photos and apps, but neither includes a slot for expandable storage, meaning users must choose their capacity carefully at the point of selection.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is one of the most significant differences between these two devices, affecting both portability and media consumption.

  • Display Technology: Both phones use AMOLED technology for vibrant colours, but the Oppo Find X5 Pro features a higher resolution and a larger 6.7-inch screen compared to the 6.2-inch display on the Galaxy S21 5G.
  • Refresh Rate: Each device offers a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling, but the Oppo uses advanced technology to dynamically adjust this rate, which helps conserve battery life during static tasks like reading.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Both screens are designed to be clear in bright sunlight, though the Oppo’s larger surface area and higher pixel density provide a more immersive experience for watching high-definition video content.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3216

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO2 AMOLED

Audiovisual

While both smartphones feature versatile triple-camera systems, they prioritise different aspects of photography and media consumption.

  • Camera Versatility: The Galaxy S21 5G is well-regarded for its zooming capabilities, capturing distant details effectively. The Oppo Find X5 Pro focuses on its ultra-wide lens, which maintains high detail and consistent colour across different perspectives.
  • Video and Low Light: The Oppo Find X5 Pro includes a dedicated imaging processor that assists with noise reduction in night-time videos, while the Galaxy S21 5G provides reliable, natural-looking video recording across all its lenses.
  • Audio Experience: Both devices feature stereo speakers that deliver clear sound for calls and media, though the larger body of the Oppo Find X5 Pro allows for a slightly fuller audio profile during music playback.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features such as connectivity and physical handling define how these devices fit into a user's daily routine and hardware ecosystem.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G networks and modern Wi-Fi standards for fast data speeds, and both utilise USB-C for charging and data transfer, omitting the traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometrics: The Galaxy S21 5G uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that is highly reliable even with damp fingers, while the Oppo Find X5 Pro employs an optical in-display sensor that is quick and responsive in most lighting conditions.
  • Weight and Handling: The Galaxy S21 5G is notably lighter and thinner, making it a practical choice for users who prefer a pocket-friendly device. The Oppo Find X5 Pro has a more substantial weight due to its ceramic build and larger battery.

Weight

169 g

218 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6,7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback from various tech communities highlights the distinct identities of these two smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is frequently praised for its manageable size and the reliability of Samsung's software ecosystem, though some users note that the battery requires a mid-day charge during heavy use. Conversely, the Oppo Find X5 Pro receives acclaim for its striking ceramic design and exceptionally fast charging capabilities, while some users find the curved screen edges can lead to occasional accidental touches.

Choosing between these two depends largely on individual priorities. Users who prefer a compact, lightweight phone that is easy to navigate with one hand will find the Galaxy S21 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who prioritise a large, high-resolution screen for media consumption and need the fastest possible charging speeds may lean toward the Oppo Find X5 Pro. For those looking to make a sustainable choice, opting for a quality-assured refurbished option is a practical way to access these features while reducing electronic waste. Both smartphones remain powerful tools for modern connectivity, offering a high-quality experience regardless of the specific model chosen.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons