Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | S23 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable, and may be harder to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 169g | 234g | S21 5G is significantly lighter; more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | S23 Ultra offers more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3088 | S23 Ultra provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed display, especially for high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 500 ppi | S23 Ultra will have clearer text and sharper images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra offers significantly faster performance and better efficiency due to the newer, more powerful chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra provides much snappier performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra has better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay in demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 200MP | S23 Ultra allows for much higher-resolution photos with significantly more detail, especially when cropping or printing large. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | S23 Ultra's wider aperture allows more light, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.3" | S23 Ultra's larger sensor captures more light, potentially improving dynamic range and low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S21 5G has higher resolution, but S23 Ultra may offer better low-light due to bigger pixel size. S23 Ultra provides a higher quality zoom, while the S21 5G may struggle more with zooming. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22 µm, Sony IMX374 | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU, unspecified pixel size | S23 Ultra has a slightly higher resolution, but pixel size info is missing. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S23 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S23 Ultra provides a dedicated ultra-wide camera for landscape and group shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm, Sony IMX563 | N/A | S21 5G offers a macro option integrated with the wide angle lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer great video quality, but S23 Ultra does have a slightly better slow-motion feature with 480fps compared to 960fps of the S21. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Mobile: 140, No Selfie Score | S23 Ultra has a significantly higher main camera score, but S21 5G has higher selfie performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | S23 Ultra will likely offer significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 45W | S23 Ultra will charge faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse charging, Reverse Wireless 4.5W, No charger in box | Bypass charging | S21 5G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; S23 Ultra offers bypass charging, beneficial for gaming while plugged in |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23 Ultra offers a more recent Android version with longer software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Both support similar wifi; S23 Ultra offers MiMO which may provide faster and more stable connections in certain scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, LE, APT-x, SBC | Bluetooth 5.3, LE | S23 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version for more stable and efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S23 Ultra offers an eSIM option for more flexibility in network usage. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | S23 Ultra offers significantly more storage space for more files and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8GB or 12 GB | S23 Ultra with 12GB RAM provides smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users need to pick a storage option wisely during purchase. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both offer excellent audio quality, but S23 Ultra is slightly more premium and also offers two microphones. S21 offers Dolby Atmos. |
Security & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint authentication, practical for most users. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer similar screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Gravity | S23 Ultra has all of S21's sensors and also includes Gravity sensor for advanced capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and portability.
- Lower price (used): More budget-friendly if purchasing used.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Allows for charging other devices using the phone's battery.
- Macro camera: For taking detailed closeup shots.
- Better Selfie camera score: Higher score on DxOMark for selfie camera.
- Higher FPS slow motion: 960fps compared to 480fps on the S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly superior performance: Faster chipset and GPU for demanding tasks and games.
- Larger, higher-resolution display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience with better sharpness.
- Higher screen brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Much improved main camera: 200MP sensor offers incredibly detailed photos.
- Dedicated telephoto lens and wide angle lens: More versatility in photography.
- Significantly larger battery: Longer battery life and faster charging.
- More Storage: Available with a 1 TB storage option
- More RAM: Available with a 12GB RAM option
- Newer Software: Longer software support.
- More modern connectivity: Better GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S23 Ultra is much larger, heavier, and more expensive.
- The S21 5G has an edge in selfie camera performance and is much more compact and lightweight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who want a capable phone for everyday use.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight and compact design for one-handed use and portability.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prefer the Macro camera option.
- Users who prefer better selfie camera performance.
- Users who require a higher fps for slow motion video.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks (browsing, social media, communication).
- Casual photography and videography.
- Users not heavily reliant on demanding games or resource-intensive applications.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is ideal for:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best image quality and versatility.
- Users who prioritize a larger and sharper display for media consumption and multitasking.
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who need a more up to date device.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity work.
- Users who value cutting edge technology and performance.
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 5G offers excellent value on the used market for users on a budget who do not need the latest and greatest features.
- The S23 Ultra is a premium option that delivers on its price tag for users who demand the best possible performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 5G is significantly cheaper on the used market.
- How important is performance? The S23 Ultra is much faster and better for demanding tasks.
- Do you prioritize portability, battery life, camera, or up to date software? The S21 5G is much more portable, while the S23 Ultra has much better battery life, camera and more up to date software.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious and needs a good daily driver: The S21 5G is an excellent option on the used market offering great value.
- Scenario 2: Demanding gamer or content creator: The S23 Ultra provides top-tier performance and features.
- Scenario 3: User looking for portability and an amazing selfie camera: The S21 5G is a great option, particularly if price is a primary concern.
- Scenario 4: User looking for best phone possible with long battery and incredible camera: The S23 Ultra is the best option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While I appreciate the compact size and portability of the S21 5G, the significant improvements in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life offered by the S23 Ultra are too compelling to ignore. As someone who values photography and occasionally engages in gaming, the S23 Ultra's advanced camera system and powerful processor would significantly enhance my user experience. Although it is larger and heavier, I am willing to make that trade-off for the overall boost in capabilities. The newer software support and increased RAM and storage options also make the S23 Ultra a more future-proof choice, aligning with my desire for a device that will remain performant for years to come. The price difference, while substantial, is justifiable in my case because the additional features and capabilities match my specific usage patterns and needs.
