Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. S21 Ultra 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable and harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 169g | 227g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | S21 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display. Text and images appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 421 | 515 | S21 Ultra’s higher pixel density results in crisper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | S21 Ultra is more readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both offer similar processing power for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 749,000 | Both offer nearly identical performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Identical graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.33") | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed images, especially in good lighting; Larger sensor offers better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65") | S21 offers higher resolution for portrait shots; S21 Ultra sacrifices some resolution for better zoom quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 44MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65") | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed and sharper selfies. Larger sensor offers better low-light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10.8MP (f/4.9, 1/2.65") | S21 Ultra has an additional dedicated telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | Both perform similarly for wide-angle and macro shots. |
| DXOMARK - Mobile Score | 111 | 115 | S21 Ultra generally performs better in photo and video tests. |
| DXOMARK - Selfie Score | 132 | 135 | S21 Ultra generally performs better in photo tests but slightly worse in video. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar, professional-grade video recording quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | S21 Ultra will generally offer longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed, though S21 Ultra may take longer to fully charge due to larger battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both offer the same wireless charging speed. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 9W | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices faster. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options, crucial for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | S21 Ultra offers much better performance with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | S21 Ultra supports slightly more advanced WiFi, potentially improving speeds in some conditions. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | S21 Ultra has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for better energy efficiency. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has slightly better audio quality. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle, especially for one-handed use, and more pocketable.
- Slightly Better Telephoto/Portrait Lens: Higher resolution for potentially more detailed portrait photos in some scenarios.
- More Affordable: Typically available at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: More immersive viewing experience, better for multimedia and productivity.
- Superior Camera System: Significantly better main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and higher-resolution selfie camera leading to more versatile shooting capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for heavy users.
- More RAM: Better multitasking capabilities and performance with demanding apps.
- Higher Internal Storage Option: Up to 512GB, ideal for storing lots of media.
- Hi-Res Audio: Slightly superior audio experience.
- Faster Reverse Wireless Charging: Ability to charge other devices at faster speeds
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The larger size and weight can be cumbersome for some users. It also commands a higher price tag.
- S21: Compromises on display quality, camera versatility, and battery life for a smaller, more affordable package.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who value a lighter and more compact phone that’s easier to carry and use one-handed.
- Cost-conscious consumers: Users who want a high-end smartphone experience at a more budget-friendly price.
- Users who prioritize telephoto/portrait image quality. The main telephoto/portrait lens of the S21 has higher resolution
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and communication.
- Casual photography and videography.
- Users who don’t heavily rely on their phones for media consumption or gaming.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power users: Users who demand the best possible performance, battery life, and camera capabilities.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who frequently watch videos, play games, and create content.
- Professional photographers: Users who need the most versatile and high-quality camera system.
Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and demanding app usage.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Extensive gaming and media consumption.
- Professional-grade photography with various lenses and zoom capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G offers excellent value for users who want a great all-around smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- The S21 Ultra 5G offers top-tier performance and features, but commands a premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: portability or maximum features? (Size and weight of the S21 vs. features of the Ultra).
- How important is camera quality? (The S21 Ultra’s camera system is significantly more versatile and capable).
- How important is battery life and multi-tasking? (The S21 Ultra has a much larger battery and significantly more RAM).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you mainly use your phone for social media, web browsing, and taking everyday photos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is an excellent option, offering a great balance of price, performance, and portability.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you are passionate about photography and need the most versatile and high-quality camera possible, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- For the Power User: If you frequently multitask, play demanding games, and need excellent battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the ideal choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious: If you are looking for a high-end experience but want to save some money, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides excellent value while sacrificing some features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here’s why:
While I appreciate the S21's lighter build and portability, my priorities lie in the versatility of the camera system, the more immersive display, and the improved performance of the S21 Ultra. The enhanced zoom capabilities, better low-light performance, higher resolution selfie camera and the larger battery make it a more capable all-rounder for my usage. I also value the additional RAM for future-proofing and multitasking. The bigger display makes media consumption a better experience, and the slightly better audio quality is an added bonus. While it's a pricier option, the S21 Ultra provides a higher return of value for me, since I care more about high performance. The weight difference would not deter me as much as the superior specs of the S21 Ultra.
