1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is noticeably larger and less pocketable; S21 5G is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 232g | S21 5G is significantly lighter and easier to hold for extended periods; S24 Ultra is heavier and might feel cumbersome. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra provides more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking; S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has a significantly sharper and more detailed display; S21 5G offers a good viewing experience, but not as crisp. |
| PPI | 421 | 505 | S24 Ultra provides noticeably sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing | S21 5G's AMOLED offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, but S24 Ultra's technology is unknown. If AMOLED, S24 would have similar quality, if not OLED (or better), it would have better quality than S21. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is significantly brighter and more usable outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. S21 5G is still adequate but not as visible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 Ultra's newer chip provides significantly faster processing for app launching, multitasking, and gaming. S21 5G may feel slower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra has much faster processing and better graphics performance. S21 5G is good, but the S24 Ultra is smoother and more responsive. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | S24 Ultra offers better graphics performance for demanding tasks. S21 5G's GPU can handle most tasks but not as efficiently as the S24 Ultra. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra has significantly longer battery life; S21 5G is likely to require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | S24 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse 4.5W | Bypass, Wireless 15W, Reverse 4.5W | Both offer wireless and reverse charging, but S24 Ultra has "bypass charging" which may reduce battery wear during gaming sessions. S21 does not have a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 200MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3", 1.0µm | S24 Ultra captures significantly more detail, better low-light performance due to the larger sensor; S21 5G offers very good quality but less detail. S24 has a better sensor size and pixel size. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/2.4, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | S24 Ultra has a larger sensor, capturing better portraits and zoom quality despite the lower resolution. S21 5G has a wider aperture but a smaller sensor size. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.2, pixel size missing | S24 Ultra is likely to have slightly improved selfie quality due to higher resolution and better processing, though pixel size is missing for accurate analysis. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/3.4, 1/3.52", 1.12µm | S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities; S21 5G relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S24 Ultra has a dedicated Wide Angle lens camera. S21 5G has Wide Angle + Macro lens. This feature will depend on user preference, with both phones offering similar quality for this feature. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24/60fps | Up to 8K@24/30/60fps & 4K@120fps | S24 Ultra offers higher frame rate options for 4K, along with other minor improvements, likely resulting in smoother video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 111, (Photo: 118, Video: 90) | 144, (Photo: 144, Video: 137) | S24 Ultra offers significantly superior camera performance in all aspects. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 132 (Photo: 125, Video: 145) | Missing | S21 5G offers good selfie performance. S24 is missing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 14, Max 21 | S24 Ultra provides newer features, longer software support, and potential security improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra can utilize the 6 GHz band for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S24 Ultra offers slightly improved connectivity and power efficiency with newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, Galileo | GPS, Galileo, QZSS | S24 Ultra is likely to provide slightly more accurate location data with the addition of more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 Ultra offers eSIM support, providing greater flexibility in using multiple phone plans. S21 5G supports two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more storage options for more files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | S24 Ultra provides more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, which could be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers | S21 5G has Dolby Atmos, providing more immersive and better-quality sound. S24 Ultra has stereo speakers, which provide decent sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use similar technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra's Armor Glass offers enhanced scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Comprehensive Suite | Comprehensive Suite | Both phones have comprehensive sensor suites for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocket, more comfortable for long usage.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Slightly more enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
- Wide Angle + Macro: Offers wide angle and macro capabilities with the same lens.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher pixel density, and much brighter display for outdoor use.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer chipset and more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming, improved efficiency.
- Significantly Improved Camera: Higher resolution main sensor, better low-light performance, additional telephoto lens, better video quality.
- Much Larger Battery: Significantly better battery life and faster charging.
- Newer Software: Longer software support, more features, and improved security.
- WiFi 6E: Faster and more reliable WiFi.
- eSIM support: Greater flexibility for dual-SIM use.
- Significantly more internal storage options: more space to store files, photos, and videos.
Trade-offs:
- S24 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier, less comfortable for one-handed use.
- S21 5G does not have the same level of camera capabilities.
- S21 5G will not be supported for as long as the S24 Ultra.
- S21 5G has worse battery life and a slower charging speed compared to the S24 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone that's easy to handle.
- Users who prefer a traditional smartphone design that is more comfortable in hand.
- Users on a tighter budget but still need a very capable device.
- Users who value slightly better audio experience for music or videos.
- Users who are fine with very good camera capabilities that are not flagship level.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy S21 5G:
- Casual social media browsing, web surfing, and video streaming.
- Everyday photography, video recording, or general productivity tasks.
- Users who value a pocketable phone with an excellent camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Ideal User:
- Users who want the best possible performance and features, regardless of cost.
- Users who prioritize a top-tier camera for photography and videography.
- Users who value a large, high-quality display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who require long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who need future-proof software support.
Specific Use Cases for Galaxy S24 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Frequent travel and outdoor use due to extended battery life and bright display.
- Users who value cutting-edge features and the best hardware available.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget and how much am I willing to spend? The S24 Ultra will cost more due to being the flagship model, whereas the S21 5G is an older model which will have a lower price.
- How important is the camera to my daily use? If camera quality is paramount, the S24 Ultra is the clear winner. If it is not as important and very good is adequate, then the S21 5G is acceptable.
- Do I prefer a smaller, more compact phone or a larger, more feature-rich one? If pocketability is a top priority, the S21 5G will suit users better. However, if screen size is important, the S24 Ultra will suit the users better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you need a capable phone that is reliable, the S21 5G is the more cost-effective option. It will still perform very well but will have a much lower price point.
- Performance and Camera Enthusiast: The S24 Ultra is worth the investment for its superior performance, camera, and cutting-edge features. It is the flagship model, with all the flagship features.
- Everyday User: The S21 5G is adequate for most common daily tasks, with a smaller form factor and comfortable size, making it easier to pocket. The S24 is also great for everyday use with a bigger screen, better performance, and battery life but at a premium price point.
- Power User: The S24 Ultra offers superior performance and features for demanding tasks, including battery life and fast charging.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While I appreciate the compact nature and the Dolby Atmos of the S21 5G, the S24 Ultra's advantages are just too compelling for my needs. I use my phone extensively for photography, media consumption, and demanding productivity tasks. The S24 Ultra's significantly better display, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and future-proofed software are worth the extra cost. The S24 Ultra, while larger and heavier, would also be more reliable and better suited for my daily needs.
