The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo F21 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a well-rounded experience, they take different approaches to achieving it. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, while not a flagship, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 680 in the Oppo F21 Pro, and the brighter 830 nit display enhances outdoor visibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistant
RGB ring light around the camera (notifications, charging progress) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 800 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 60 min
Reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Sunset Orange, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | CPH2363, CPH2461 | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 280 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.7 LUFS (Average)
|
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 289250 (v9)
GeekBench: 1653 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo F21 Pro
- Longer battery life (127h endurance)
- Faster charging (33W, 60 min to 100%)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Less powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Likely lower peak display brightness
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- More powerful Exynos 1280 chipset
- Brighter display (830 nits)
- Samsung ecosystem benefits
- Shorter battery life (113h endurance)
- Slower charging (25W)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 830 nits, compared to the Oppo F21 Pro’s ‘Infinite’ (nominal) contrast ratio which doesn’t specify brightness. This difference translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio, suggesting they utilize AMOLED technology, but the A53’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use. While both likely employ PWM dimming, the specific frequency isn’t provided, making it difficult to assess potential flicker-related eye strain.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. However, the chipset difference suggests the A53 5G will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP) for faster processing and potentially better image quality. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison difficult, but Samsung’s history suggests a focus on computational photography, potentially delivering more vibrant and detailed images. The F21 Pro likely relies more on Qualcomm’s ISP capabilities, which are solid but generally less advanced than Samsung’s.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Oppo F21 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is powered by the Exynos 1280 (5nm). The Exynos 1280, built on a smaller 5nm process, generally offers better power efficiency and performance. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally more advanced than the Snapdragon 680’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the A53 5G. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes efficiency, making the F21 Pro suitable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Oppo F21 Pro claims an impressive endurance rating of 127 hours, exceeding the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s 113 hours. This suggests better battery optimization or a more efficient chipset. However, the A53 5G compensates with faster 25W charging, while the F21 Pro supports 33W charging, reaching 100% in 60 minutes. The F21 Pro’s reverse wired charging is a useful feature absent on the A53 5G, allowing it to top up accessories or other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo F21 Pro if you prioritize extended battery life and a streamlined user experience, and are less demanding in terms of gaming or intensive multitasking. Its 127-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a brighter, more vibrant display, a more powerful processor for smoother performance, and the broader ecosystem benefits of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 isn't a flagship chip, its 5nm process and Samsung's thermal management generally prevent significant overheating during typical gaming. However, extended, high-graphics-setting gameplay may lead to some throttling to maintain thermal stability. The Snapdragon 680 in the F21 Pro is less likely to overheat, but also offers lower peak performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range are limited in their capabilities. Image quality is often soft and lacks detail. They can be fun for experimentation, but don't expect professional-level macro photography. The primary camera on either phone will likely produce better results with digital zoom.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G should be capable of maintaining 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium to high graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth frame rates may require adjusting settings based on the specific game mode and device load. The Oppo F21 Pro's Snapdragon 680 will likely require lower graphics settings to achieve a stable 60fps.
