Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs Zenfone 8: Which 2021 Flagship Is The Ultimate Winner?

In the realm of flagship smartphones, size has become a defining factor for many users. The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 stand out as two compelling options for those seeking a compact yet powerful Android experience. Both devices boast impressive specifications, sleek designs, and innovative features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Samsung Galaxy S21 against the Zenfone 8 and help you decide which compact Android flagship is the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 adopt distinct design philosophies. The Galaxy S21 exudes elegance with its curved glass back and metal frame, while the Zenfone 8 embraces a more utilitarian approach with its flat aluminum body. Both devices are compact and easy to handle, making them ideal for those who prefer a smaller form factor. However, the Zenfone 8 has a slight edge in terms of build quality, as its metal construction feels more durable than the Galaxy S21’s glass back.

Display:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Zenfone 8, on the other hand, sports a 5.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and sharp details. However, the Galaxy S21’s slightly larger screen and higher brightness levels give it a slight edge in terms of overall display quality.

Performance:

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, which is the top-of-the-line processor for Android smartphones in 2021. Both devices offer blazing-fast performance, handling demanding tasks and multitasking with ease. However, the Galaxy S21 has a slight advantage in terms of raw power, as it comes with 8GB of RAM as standard, while the Zenfone 8 starts with 6GB of RAM. Both devices offer expandable storage options, allowing you to expand the internal storage if needed.

Cameras:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 both feature triple-lens rear camera systems, but they differ in their configurations. The Galaxy S21 has a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The Zenfone 8, on the other hand, has a 64MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. In terms of image quality, both devices produce excellent photos and videos, with accurate colors and good detail. However, the Galaxy S21’s telephoto lens offers a longer focal length, allowing for more versatile zoom capabilities.

Battery Life:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 packs a 4,000mAh battery, while the Zenfone 8 has a slightly smaller 4,000mAh battery. In terms of battery life, both devices offer similar endurance, lasting a full day of moderate use on a single charge. However, the Galaxy S21 supports faster charging speeds, allowing you to top up the battery more quickly.

Software:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 run on Android 11, but they offer different software experiences. The Galaxy S21 comes with Samsung’s One UI 3.1, which is known for its extensive customization options and feature-rich interface. The Zenfone 8, on the other hand, runs on Asus’s ZenUI 8, which is a cleaner and more minimalist skin. Both software experiences offer a wide range of features and customization options, but the Galaxy S21’s One UI 3.1 is generally considered to be more user-friendly and feature-packed.

Price:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, while the Zenfone 8 starts at $699 for the 128GB model. Both devices offer higher storage configurations at a higher price.

Verdict:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Zenfone 8 are both excellent compact Android flagships that offer a lot of value for their respective prices. The Galaxy S21 has a larger display, a more powerful telephoto lens, and faster charging speeds, while the Zenfone 8 has a more durable build, a cleaner software experience, and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a larger display, a more versatile camera system, and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the better option. If you prefer a more compact and durable design, a cleaner software experience, and a lower price, the Zenfone 8 is the way to go.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which device has a better display?

Both devices have excellent displays, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a slightly larger screen and higher brightness levels, giving it a slight edge in terms of overall display quality.

2. Which device has better performance?

Both devices offer blazing-fast performance, but the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a slight advantage in terms of raw power, as it comes with 8GB of RAM as standard.

3. Which device has a better camera system?

Both devices have excellent camera systems, but the Samsung Galaxy S21’s telephoto lens offers a longer focal length, allowing for more versatile zoom capabilities.

4. Which device has better battery life?

Both devices offer similar battery life, lasting a full day of moderate use on a single charge. However, the Galaxy S21 supports faster charging speeds, allowing you to top up the battery more quickly.

5. Which device has better software?

Both devices offer a wide range of features and customization options, but the Galaxy S21’s One UI 3.1 is generally considered to be more user-friendly and feature-packed.