1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | S23 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker; may be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 234g | S21+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods, the S23 Ultra feels more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer large displays. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra display is significantly sharper; text and images appear crisper. |
| PPI | 394 | 500 | S23 Ultra offers a more detailed image; less noticeable pixelation compared to the S21+. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra has a newer, more powerful chip; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra has a much higher performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra's GPU offers better graphics for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 200MP f/1.7, 1/1.3" | S23 Ultra captures significantly more detail, better low light performance with wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" | 12MP f/2.4, 1/3.52" | S21+ has a higher resolution telephoto, but the S23 Ultra has an additional dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Additional Lenses | Wide Angle + Macro | Telephoto, Wide Angle | S23 Ultra has dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, while S21+ has wide-angle/macro lens. S23 has more versatile zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Marginal difference in selfie resolution. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-quality video, S23 Ultra has slightly better frame rates at 8k. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 111 Overall, 118 photo, 89 video | 140 overall, 0 photo, 0 video | S23 Ultra has a higher overall score but the S21+ has better photo and video scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | S23 Ultra offers slightly more battery life, but the impact is often dependent on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | S23 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse | Bypass Charging | S21+ provides wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; S23 Ultra provides bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23 Ultra has a newer Android version and will receive more updates. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S23 Ultra provides much higher storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | S23 Ultra offers the option for more RAM. The 12 GB version makes a noticeable difference for heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not offer expandable storage, which may be limiting for some users. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 + MIMO | S23 Ultra offers a more stable and faster wireless experience due to MIMO support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 Ultra offers a more reliable connection, better energy efficiency with Bluetooth 5.3. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness for a crisper and more vibrant viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Cameras: Has a much higher resolution main camera, a versatile zoom system with additional telephoto lens, and better video at 8k@30fps.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging reduces charging time, getting you back to using your phone quicker.
- Software Updates: It will receive more software and security updates due to its newer release date.
- Higher Storage: Comes with much higher internal storage options that can be crucial for media-heavy users.
- Connectivity: Has the latest WiFi and Bluetooth technology for improved connectivity.
Practical Implications: The S23 Ultra is a significant upgrade for users who need top-tier performance, a superior display, cutting-edge cameras, and faster charging.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended handheld use due to its lighter weight.
- Wireless Charging: Wireless and reverse wireless charging features offer more flexibility in power management.
- Lower Cost: The S21+ 5G will generally be available at a lower price, making it more affordable.
Practical Implications: The S21+ 5G is a good option for those who want a large, capable smartphone at a more affordable price, without needing the absolute best performance and camera system. It offers a more convenient way to share power, and if the extra weight of the Ultra is an issue for the user, then it's the right choice.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The S21+ is significantly slower than the S23 Ultra and therefore might not be suitable for intensive gaming or multitasking.
- Camera Capabilities: The S21+ main camera can't match the image quality offered by the S23 Ultra; users will get better low-light performance, detail, zoom and video recording in the newer model.
- Display Quality: The S21+ is not as sharp or bright as the S23 Ultra.
- Storage: The S21+ storage options are significantly lower.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Power Users: Professionals and enthusiasts who need the best possible performance for multitasking, content creation, and mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want cutting-edge camera capabilities with great zoom options, better low-light performance and high-resolution video recording.
- Media Consumers: Those who value the highest-quality display for watching videos and browsing the internet.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and the most software support for years to come.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography/Videography: The S23 Ultra's camera system is capable of capturing professional-grade images and videos.
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth and responsive gaming experience with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and dedicated GPU.
- Heavy Multitasking: Seamlessly switching between multiple apps with the option for more RAM.
- Outdoor Usage: Its brighter display makes it ideal for use under direct sunlight.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a good large-screen smartphone at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Those who use their phones for social media, browsing, communication and some light gaming.
- Users who prioritize lightness: Those who prefer a lighter weight phone and can handle the slight downgrade in performance.
Use Cases:
- Social Media Usage: The S21+ is still perfectly capable of handling social media and content consumption.
- Everyday Communication: Calls, texting, email, etc. are handled seamlessly by the phone's capabilities.
- General Productivity: The large screen makes it suitable for basic productivity tasks.
- Mobile Payment, and Wireless charging: Those who prioritize the convenience of these features for daily usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21+ offers a higher value proposition for budget-conscious users as it can be found for much less, the S23 Ultra justifies its higher price with its flagship performance, superior cameras, display, and future-proofing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21+ is considerably more affordable than the S23 Ultra, which is a deciding factor for many.
- How important is the camera? If you rely heavily on phone photography and video the S23 Ultra is far superior.
- How important is mobile gaming and heavy multitasking? If you need the best performance, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, offers a good overall experience without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: Performance Seeker:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, if you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for its more versatile and higher-quality camera system.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User:
- Recommendation: Both phones are suitable, but the S21+ will be the better choice if budget is a main concern. If the budget is not an issue, the S23 will provide a better overall user experience.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While the S21+ 5G is a capable phone, the S23 Ultra offers a significantly better experience in the areas I value most: performance, camera quality, and display technology.
Here’s why:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a significant step up from the Exynos 2100, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming, plus making the phone feel responsive for years to come.
- Camera Versatility: I often take photos and videos, and the S23 Ultra’s advanced system (200MP main sensor, better zoom capabilities, better low light performance) gives me much better image and video quality and much more versatility.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution and brightness of the S23 Ultra display would make daily use more enjoyable, and the difference is immediately noticeable.
- Long Term Use: The phone has 2 additional years of software support and significantly better hardware.
- Future-Proofing: The S23 Ultra's newer technology and better specifications will ensure that it remains a top-tier performer for longer, reducing the need to upgrade as frequently.
While the S21+ 5G is lighter and has wireless charging features, the performance and overall experience of the S23 Ultra justify the higher price, making it the better choice for my needs. The S23 Ultra offers a top-tier experience that justifies its higher cost, whereas the S21+ is more of a budget focused option with less impressive features.
