Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. These two phones, while both aiming for the premium segment, approach it from slightly different angles. Let's break it down with an engineering perspective and then translate it into real-world benefits for the everyday user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-04-14 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is significantly newer with updated tech. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Zenfone 11 Ultra is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 224g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, enhancing portability and comfort for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | Zenfone 11 Ultra's larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp images. Minor difference is almost negligible. |
| PPI | 403 | 388 | Virtually the same sharpness; both are very clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly smoother visual experience when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers substantially faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra's GPU ensures superior graphics rendering, especially in games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra likely has much longer battery life under the same usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, No Charger | 15W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wired | S21 FE offers reverse wireless charging. Zenfone 11 Ultra offers faster wired reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed images. S21 FE has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera while S21 FE's is bundled with portrait |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle capabilities on both. Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated wide lens, S21 FE has wide angle + macro lens |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | S21 FE's has a slightly brighter aperture and larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra can record higher-resolution videos. S21 FE supports more framerates at 1080p. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Main), 127 (Selfie) | 125 (Main), N/A (Selfie) | Zenfone 11 Ultra's main camera has superior quality, S21 FE has a good selfie camera |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Manual Focus | Gimbal Stabilization | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more advanced gimbal system for stabilizing video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | Zenfone 11 Ultra ships with a more recent OS and both are guaranteed for future updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers the latest standard for faster internet connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has newer Bluetooth standard for better audio and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo... | More Systems | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more precise and stable location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more internal storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra excels in multitasking and gaming with significantly more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both offer good audio, with Zenfone 11 Ultra having a slight edge and 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Basic | Both have a standard biometric sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both provide robust scratch protection, with Zenfone 11 Ultra having the latest version |
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21 FE offers advanced environmental tracking, Zenfone 11 Ultra is more basic in the sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use.
- Good Display: Still offers vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Solid Camera: Versatile with good image quality, and a good selfie camera.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices wirelessly.
- Barometer: useful for users that want environmental data.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Processor: Less powerful and efficient than newer flagships.
- Smaller Battery: Shorter battery life, especially under heavy use.
- Slower Charging: Takes longer to fully charge.
- No 8K video recording: Limited video capabilities.
- Smaller Sensor on Main Camera: May not perform as well in low light compared to phones with larger sensors.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: State-of-the-art processor and significantly more RAM for demanding tasks.
- Larger, Brighter Display: Provides a more immersive experience, particularly outdoors.
- Significantly Better Battery Life: Larger battery capacity with fast charging for less downtime.
- Advanced Camera System: 50MP main camera and dedicated telephoto lens.
- 8K Video: High-resolution video recording.
- Latest Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for faster and more efficient connections.
- Trade-offs:
- Larger and Heavier: Less comfortable for prolonged one-handed use.
- Less Comprehensive Environmental Sensors: No barometer.
- No Reverse Wireless Charging: Can only reverse wire charge, unlike the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a lighter, more compact phone with a good screen, solid camera, and wireless charging options and a user friendly OneUI software. This is a great option for users looking for a solid phone at a reasonable price.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, social media, moderate photography, everyday tasks, users who prefer one-handed use. It excels at being a dependable all-rounder for typical daily activities.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Ideal For: Power users who need top performance, extended battery life, and advanced camera features. Ideal for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and users who want the best possible mobile experience, along with a highly customizable Android experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, content creation, video editing, professional photography, travel (for extended battery life), or as a daily driver for anyone who requires a very responsive and powerful phone with lots of customizations.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
Do you prioritize performance and advanced features above all else, or are you willing to compromise for a more compact device?
- If performance and advanced features, choose the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- If compact design is your priority, pick the S21 FE 5G.
How important is battery life and how much value you place on fast charging?
- If extended battery life and fast charging are crucial, go for the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- If moderate battery life is sufficient and you value wireless reverse charging, the S21 FE 5G could work.
What are your main use cases for the camera and how much do you value video recording quality?
- If you need a versatile camera system with 8K video and a great main sensor, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is better suited for you.
- If you prioritize good general photography and selfies, and don't need the latest video features, the S21 FE 5G is a very strong option, and also has an additional Optical zoom lens compared to the Zenfone.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing today, I'd lean towards the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist, I constantly juggle multiple apps, do a lot of research, create content, and I tend to be a heavy user. The Zenfone 11 Ultra's powerful processor, abundant RAM, and huge battery are exactly what I need to maintain a smooth and responsive experience throughout my day. The larger screen and superior brightness are a big plus when working outdoors or reviewing content on the go. While it's a bit bulkier, the performance benefits far outweigh the size trade-off for my needs. I would also prefer the significantly higher main camera quality on the Zenfone 11 Ultra, even though it lacks the selfie camera quality of the S21FE. The fast charging is also a critical component as I find myself in different places during the day and this would allow for quick top-ups throughout the day. Ultimately the Zenfone 11 Ultra fits my workflow better than the S21 FE 5G would.
While the Samsung S21 FE is still a great phone, it's starting to show its age in terms of performance. For a power user, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a clear step up.
Disclaimer: I have not tested these devices in person, my findings are based solely on specifications provided.
