Oppo Find X3 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: A Detailed Comparison

The Oppo Find X3 Lite and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-to-high range smartphone market. The X3 Lite, released earlier, aimed for a balance of features and affordability, while the S21 FE arrived later, attempting to deliver a flagship experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) chipset provides significantly more processing power, translating to smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance. While the Oppo Find X3 Lite boasts impressively fast 65W charging, the S21 FE’s overall package offers a more refined experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Find X3 Lite Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1600/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, March 112022, January 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 19Available. Released 2022, January 07
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight172 g or 180 g (6.07 oz)177 g (6.24 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 750 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 2
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - Version 2
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 660 - Version 1Mali-G78 MP14 - Version 2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, ColorOS 13Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Triple-12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 35 min Reverse wired25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGalactic Silver, Azure Blue, Starry BlackWhite, Graphite, Lavender, Olive
ModelsCPH2145SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2, SM-G990U3
PriceAbout 210 EUR€ 199.00 / $ 143.95 / £ 154.99 / ₹ 29,990
SAR-0.77 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.95 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 92h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 566529 (v8), 719696 (v9) GeekBench: 3049 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Oppo Find X3 Lite

  • Blazing-fast 65W wired charging
  • More affordable price point
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Significantly less powerful processor
  • Likely inferior display quality
  • Less capable camera system

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

  • Flagship-level performance (Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100)
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • More versatile camera system with advanced ISP

  • Slower 25W wired charging
  • Higher price tag
  • Potential for thermal throttling (Snapdragon 888)

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 792 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Oppo Find X3 Lite. While both offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED panels), the S21 FE’s higher peak brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight. The S21 FE’s panel technology is likely superior, potentially including features like adaptive refresh rates (not specified in the data, but common for Samsung flagships) for smoother scrolling and animations. The X3 Lite’s display, while adequate, likely lacks the same level of color accuracy and vibrancy.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the S21 FE likely holds an edge. While both are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the S21 FE benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100. The S21 FE likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The Oppo Find X3 Lite’s camera is likely competent for everyday photography, but it won’t match the S21 FE’s level of detail and clarity. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is assumed on the S21 FE, further enhancing image quality.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) or the Exynos 2100 (5nm), offers a considerable leap in processing power over the Oppo Find X3 Lite’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at up to 2.84/2.9 GHz, provides a significant advantage in single-core performance, while the combination of Cortex-A78 and A55 cores delivers superior multi-core capabilities. The 5nm process node used in the S21 FE’s chipsets also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads. The X3 Lite’s Snapdragon 765G is a capable mid-range chip, but it will struggle with demanding games and applications compared to the S21 FE.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 92 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for either device). However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Oppo Find X3 Lite’s 65W wired charging can fully charge the battery in just 35 minutes, a significant advantage. The S21 FE’s 25W wired charging takes 30 minutes to reach 50%, implying a longer full charge time. The S21 FE also supports 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the X3 Lite. While the S21 FE’s charging isn’t as fast, the convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging adds to its versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Find X3 Lite if you prioritize extremely fast charging and a more affordable price tag, and your primary use case doesn't involve demanding games or intensive applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G if you value raw performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a more versatile camera system, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed and paying a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2100 chip in some S21 FE models suffer from overheating issues?
While the Snapdragon 888 is known for potential throttling, the Exynos 2100 variant of the S21 FE also experienced reports of thermal management concerns. However, Samsung implemented software optimizations to mitigate these issues, and real-world performance is generally acceptable, though potentially slightly less sustained than the Snapdragon version.
❓ 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 offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver truly impressive macro photography. The S21 FE’s more advanced camera system is likely to produce better close-up results even without a dedicated macro lens.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G reliably run PUBG Mobile at 90fps?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, particularly the Snapdragon 888 variant, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 90fps, provided the game settings are optimized. However, sustained performance at 90fps may be affected by thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the Oppo Find X3 Lite's Snapdragon 765G handle multitasking compared to the S21 FE?
The Snapdragon 765G in the Oppo Find X3 Lite is a capable chip for everyday multitasking, but it will struggle with heavy workloads and numerous apps running simultaneously. The S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100 offers significantly more RAM bandwidth and processing power, resulting in smoother and more responsive multitasking.