Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | Very similar size; negligible real-world difference. |
| Weight | 196g | 227g | A02s is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use; S21 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no difference in form factor. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra has slightly more screen real estate; a minor difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra is significantly sharper, text and images look clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 515 | S21 Ultra has much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper visuals, particularly noticeable for text and photos. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, contrast, and colors, plus better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 Ultra offers much smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid feel in daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is vastly brighter, very easy to use under direct sunlight. A02s is unsuitable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 | Exynos 2100 | S21 Ultra is much faster and more responsive in all tasks, a smoother experience for gaming and heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 749,000 | S21 Ultra offers vastly superior performance; smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar capacity for all-day use, but actual battery life will vary depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, minimizing downtime and allows the user to quickly charge when needed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, No charger in-box, Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging; S21 Ultra does not include a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP f/1.8 | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33" | S21 Ultra takes far more detailed photos with more clarity; offers superior low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | Not included | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra has dedicated zoom capabilities, allowing closer zoom shots with better quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra takes much higher-resolution selfies with better quality and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not included | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65" | S21 Ultra can zoom further with less quality loss. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | Not included | A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode results |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not included | A02s has a dedicated macro sensor for taking close up pictures |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not included | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S21 Ultra can capture wider angles and detailed macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps | S21 Ultra records much higher quality videos with better stabilization; offers advanced slow-motion recording. |
| DXOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | S21 Ultra has excellent camera performance according to DXOMark. |
| Features | Triple camera, PDAF | Quadruple camera, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | S21 Ultra has far more advanced camera features including OIS, 8K video, laser AF, and RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Up to 12) | Android 11 (Up to 15) | S21 Ultra has a more recent version of Android and will receive more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S21 Ultra has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with better performance in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | S21 Ultra offers better Bluetooth range, more stable connections, and more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra offers more accurate and reliable positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM with dual standby, allowing the user to use two different numbers at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | S21 Ultra offers far more storage for apps, media, and files; less concern about running out of space. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | S21 Ultra offers much smoother multitasking; can handle multiple apps and heavy games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation Mic | S21 Ultra offers significantly better audio quality, immersion, and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint | S21 Ultra has a fingerprint sensor for fast and secure biometric authentication. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 Ultra has significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S21 Ultra has a more comprehensive suite of sensors for better functionality in various applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Lighter weight: More comfortable for long-term use.
- Lower price: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious users.
- Depth and Macro Camera: Dedicated camera sensors that are missing on the S21 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness make for an excellent viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and significantly higher RAM provide smooth multitasking, app loading, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers high-resolution standard, telephoto, and ultrawide cameras, along with advanced features like 8K video, OIS, and laser autofocus.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio support for a much better audio experience.
- More Storage: Comes with higher storage options, which is particularly useful with the higher resolution media.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging for faster recharges.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for a more stable and reliable connection.
- Biometric Security: Built-in fingerprint sensor for improved security.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More comprehensive Sensors: Includes Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall sensor, and geomagnetic sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The S21 Ultra is substantially more expensive than the A02s.
- Weight: The S21 Ultra is heavier, which some users may find less comfortable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
- Individuals who prioritize a lighter device over premium features.
- Users who value a physical macro and depth camera over zoom and wide angle camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Daily communication and messaging.
- Casual photography.
- Use for navigation, with basic sensors.
- Price-to-Value: Offers acceptable basic smartphone functionality at a very affordable price point.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance and features.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Gamers who want a smooth experience.
- Professionals that need top-end phone features.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps.
- Gaming with graphics-intensive titles.
- High-quality photo and video capture in various conditions.
- Professional use requiring a reliable and feature-rich device.
- Users who consume multimedia content on the go.
- Use for navigation, requiring additional GPS and sensor accuracy.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its high price with its excellent display, top-tier performance, and advanced camera features, but comes without a charger in box.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you primarily use your smartphone for?
- Features: What features are most important to you (display quality, performance, camera capabilities, weight, etc.)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is the primary concern and you need a basic smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is the more sensible choice.
- Scenario 2: Premium Experience: If you prioritize the best display, performance, camera, and overall user experience, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Casual Use: If your needs fall in the middle (some basic performance, better-than-basic camera, light gaming) then you need to decide if the price and weight difference of the S21 Ultra is worth the premium features.
Personal Choice:
If I were choosing, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive, the improvements in display quality, performance, camera, and overall user experience are substantial and directly impact daily usage. As a person that needs a reliable phone for a multitude of tasks, the S21 Ultra provides the tools I need to complete them with ease. I also value a good camera, and with its high-quality sensors and variety of lenses, the S21 Ultra is the better option for my needs. Even though the price is substantially higher, the S21 Ultra has a much longer lifespan, as it will still be a great phone several years down the line.
