1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and S21 Ultra 5G, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use for some users. S21+ is more pocketable due to its thinner profile. |
| Weight | 200g | 227g | S21+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Ultra is heavier and more substantial. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Minimal difference, both offer immersive viewing, Ultra is just slightly larger. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3200 | Ultra has much sharper text and images. Significantly better for detailed content and VR. |
| PPI | 394 | 515 | Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper visuals. Noticeable when viewing small text or intricate graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech, expect excellent contrast and vibrant colors on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Ultra's higher brightness offers improved outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Both offer similar processing power and speed for everyday tasks and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 749,000 | Virtually identical performance in benchmarks, both phones handle demanding tasks well. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP14 | Identical graphics processing, both phones are capable of high-end gaming with good graphics. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.33") | Ultra captures far more detail, excellent for cropping and large prints. Superior low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65") | S21+ has higher resolution for zoomed portraits. Ultra has larger pixels in the sensor, potentially better low-light performance in zoomed images. |
| Selfie | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 44MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65") | Ultra captures much more detailed selfies. Larger sensor allows for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10.8MP (f/4.9, 1/2.65") | Ultra offers an additional dedicated zoom lens for greater zoom flexibility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | Similar wide-angle capabilities on both phones for landscape shots, and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer high-quality video recording, excellent for videographers. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 (Photo: 118, Video: 89) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Ultra's overall camera system is superior, with better photo and significantly better video performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not tested | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Ultra has an excellent Selfie camera according to the score, compared to the untested S21+. |
| Features | Triple Camera, OIS | Quadruple Camera, Laser AF, OIS | Ultra's additional lens offers more zoom flexibility, laser AF improves focus speed in low light. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | Ultra has a slightly larger battery, likely offering marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both have decent fast charging but not the fastest on the market. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | Ultra offers faster reverse wireless charging, helpful for powering smaller accessories. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Identical software support. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Ultra has additional WiFi features for improved connectivity in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Ultra supports the newer version of Bluetooth for better performance. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking, especially with demanding apps. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Ultra offers the option for more storage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has a slot for expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry, better for one-handed use.
- Potentially more affordable: Typically priced lower than the Ultra.
- Decent Telephoto Camera: While not as good as the Ultra's, the S21+ has a high-resolution telephoto camera which produces great photos in good lighting situations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, an additional telephoto lens, better zoom capabilities, Laser AF, and higher DxOMark scores.
- Sharper and Brighter Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and better brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery: Slightly longer battery life, combined with a more efficient reverse wireless charging
- More RAM and Storage Options: 12GB/16GB RAM and up to 512GB of storage offer more flexibility and multitasking capability.
- Newer Bluetooth Version and additional WiFi Features: Offers slightly better connectivity performance.
Trade-offs
- S21+: Less impressive camera, lower display resolution and brightness, and less overall performance.
- S21 Ultra: Larger, heavier, and more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - Ideal User
- General user: Someone who wants a reliable high-end phone that performs well.
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a high-end device at a slightly lower price point
- Comfort-focused users: Prefer a lighter, more compact device for better ergonomics
- Daily Photography: Someone who wants a versatile camera that takes good photos in good lighting.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily tasks, social media, multimedia consumption
- Gaming and photography without the need for the highest performance available.
- Users who are focused on the practicality and ease of use of their device.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Ideal User
- Photography Enthusiasts/Professionals: People who prioritize top-tier camera quality and flexibility.
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Multimedia lovers: Users who want the best viewing experience with higher resolution and brightness.
- Users who prioritize the latest features: Interested in the best connectivity and performance offered by the device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography, high-quality content creation.
- Heavy multitasking, gaming, and running demanding apps
- Viewing high-resolution content and using VR applications.
- Users needing maximum performance and capability from their phone.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions to decide which phone is right for you:
- How important is camera quality? If photography is crucial, the Ultra is the clear winner. The main camera in the Ultra, is much better than the one in the S21+, and if the user values telephoto capabilities the Ultra is the better option.
- What is your budget? The S21+ will be more affordable, while the Ultra will be significantly more expensive.
- Do you value portability and comfort over the highest performance? The S21+ is lighter and more comfortable to hold. While the S21 Ultra provides better specifications, if the phone is uncomfortable for the user to hold it wont be a good purchase for the user.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you want a dependable phone for everyday use, the S21+ is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality, the S21 Ultra is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you demand maximum performance for heavy tasks and multitasking, the Ultra's extra RAM is advantageous.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: If you want a high end phone and you have a strict budget the S21+ is a better choice, offering flagship level performance at a lower price.
- Scenario 5: Portability Focused User: If you prefer a lighter and more compact phone, the S21+ is a better option.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here’s why:
While I appreciate the lighter build and potentially lower cost of the S21+, my main focus is on the camera capabilities. The S21 Ultra’s superior camera system, including higher resolution sensors, the additional telephoto lens, and better low light performance is too significant to ignore. As someone who values photography, the Ultra's camera advantage is paramount.
Additionally, the improved display of the S21 Ultra, and slightly bigger battery, would enhance my overall experience and the increased amount of RAM offers better multitasking performance which can be useful. Although it's bigger and heavier, the extra features offered by the Ultra are worth the trade-off for me.
