Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-04-14 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly newer, benefiting from advancements in tech. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab-style phones. |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable than the more compact S21. |
| Weight | 169g | 224g | S21 is much lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. Zenfone 11 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 388 | S21 is slightly sharper with higher pixel density, though both displays appear crisp to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra is much brighter and offers superior outdoor visibility, crucial for sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra's chip is significantly faster and more efficient for improved performance in apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers dramatically better performance in benchmarks, ensuring faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, providing a superior gaming experience and smoother graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime spent plugged into a power outlet. |
| Charging Features | Wireless, Reverse Charge | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wired | S21 offers reverse wireless charging; Zenfone offers wired reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a higher-resolution main sensor and larger sensor, which translates to better detail and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 32MP, f/2.4 | S21 has telephoto, but Zenfone 11 Ultra also has a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle lens, which the S21 lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-resolution video recording. |
| DxoMark Scores | Main 111, Photo 118, Video 90, Selfie 132, 125, 145 | Main 125, Photo 131, Video 115 | Zenfone 11 Ultra scores better in main camera tests, indicating higher quality images. The S21 has better selfie scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom | OIS, Gimbal | S21 has optical zoom. Zenfone has a gimbal feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer OS with latest features, better security, and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth for improved connection and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC System | Zenfone 11 Ultra supports more satellite systems for enhanced accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more storage options, particularly if you need a lot of space for files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra has more RAM, which will help with multitasking and future-proofing performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, so you have to pick the right internal option. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both offer quality audio; Zenfone has Hi-Res Audio, S21 has Dolby Atmos. |
| Microphones | 1 | 2 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has better audio recording and call clarity with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both are protected by gorilla glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21 has an additional barometer for measuring altitude, while the Zenfone has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Significantly lighter and smaller, making it more pocketable and easier for one-handed use.
- Slightly Sharper Display: Higher pixel density provides slightly crisper visuals, though the difference may be negligible to some.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: The S21 can wirelessly charge other devices, an added convenience for users with compatible accessories.
- Optical Zoom: Offers optical zoom capabilities, useful for capturing detailed images at a distance.
- Selfie Camera: The S21 has higher DxOMark scores in selfie camera, indicating potentially better performance in that area.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers dramatically better processing power for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Larger Display: More screen real estate is ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly brighter display provides excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
- Larger Battery: Offers significantly longer battery life, a key benefit for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging greatly reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor sizes in the main camera mean potentially better image quality.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens: Offers the flexibility of dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android version, promising a longer support period.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- More RAM and Storage: Larger RAM and storage capacity is beneficial for intensive tasks.
- Better Audio Recording Has 2 microphones and Hi-Res audio features
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21: Lacks the latest connectivity options, significantly slower processing power, smaller display, shorter battery life, and slower charging, and potentially lower main camera performance
- Zenfone 11 Ultra: Larger and heavier, less pocketable, and might not be as ergonomic for some users. Slightly lower PPI. The Zenfone 11 Ultra has lower DXOmark scores in selfies.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those seeking a compact, lightweight phone that's easy to carry and use one-handed.
- Users wanting optical zoom: Prefer optical zoom over digital zoom.
- Occasional Gamers and Multimedia Users: Those who use their phone primarily for basic tasks, browsing, and light to moderate gaming.
- Users on a Budget: May find this phone at a lower price point, making it a more economical choice.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily commuting and navigation.
- Casual social media browsing and media consumption.
- Quick snapshots and everyday photography.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos and need a large screen and excellent brightness.
- Heavy Battery Users: Those who need long battery life to get through a full day of heavy usage.
- Mobile Photographers: Those seeking versatility and high image quality with advanced camera capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Long days away from a charger.
- Professional photography and videography.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: pocketability or screen size? Do you prefer a compact phone that's easy to handle or a larger phone for media consumption?
- How important is performance and future-proofing? Do you need the absolute best performance available or is sufficient performance adequate?
- What are your battery and charging habits? Are you always near a charger, or do you need your phone to last all day on a single charge?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It provides a solid, affordable smartphone experience for everyday use.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Battery Life are Critical:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Offers the best combination of performance and battery life for power users.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast Seeking Versatility
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Features a versatile camera system.
- Scenario 4: User needing good selfies:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The selfie camera scores higher than on the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
My Choice: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Based on my analysis, I would personally choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. My primary reasons are:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a massive performance leap over the Exynos 2100 in the S21. As an enthusiast, I value the smooth experience provided by the newer chipset, as well as its potential to remain competitive longer term.
- Battery Life and Fast Charging: The combination of a 5500mAh battery and 65W fast charging is incredibly appealing. I often use my phone heavily throughout the day and find this combination extremely practical for uninterrupted use and reduced downtime spent charging.
- Superior Display: While both phones have AMOLED displays, the dramatically increased brightness on the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a big advantage for my use, especially when I am outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Although the S21 has better selfie score, I would prefer the versatility of Zenfone 11 Ultra's main camera and the dedicated wide and telephoto lenses.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: The newer Android version and updated connectivity standards ensure a more up-to-date and reliable user experience for the years ahead.
While I acknowledge the S21 is more compact and lighter, and may be more ergonomic for some people, the massive increase in performance, battery life, brightness and camera quality offered by the Zenfone 11 Ultra outweigh that disadvantage for my personal use case. I am willing to trade some portability for significant improvements in the areas that matter most to me.
