1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is slightly taller and thicker, Samsung is a bit wider. ZTE has a slightly larger volume |
| Weight | 200g | 204g | Virtually identical, negligible difference in hand feel |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Very similar viewing area, slight edge to ZTE |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1116 x 2480 | ZTE has slightly sharper visuals with more pixels |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Indistinguishable sharpness in everyday use |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech, both have vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE display is noticeably brighter for better outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon offers faster app loading, smoother operation. More powerful for demanding apps and games |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,061,300 | ZTE benchmarks significantly higher; noticeably better performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 offers better graphics performance for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | ZTE captures more detailed photos due to higher MP and larger sensor. Wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", Samsung S5KGW2 | None | S21+ has dedicated telephoto for zooming and portraits, not available on ZTE |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | ZTE provides slightly more detailed selfies and better low light performance |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | ZTE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563 | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | ZTE takes higher resolution wide angle and macro shots; larger sensor for better low light |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE has a ToF sensor; useful for depth sensing |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Both can shoot high-resolution video, ZTE offers higher 4K framerate |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 (Photo 118, Video 89) | N/A | Samsung camera performance has been evaluated and performs well. ZTE's photo quality is unknown |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus | Quadruple camera, Laser autofocus, Under-display camera | Samsung offers more manual control; ZTE has more versatile hardware, and more modern tech in form of Under-display camera |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 5000 mAh | ZTE has a slightly larger battery; may offer marginally longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | ZTE charges significantly faster |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | Samsung offers convenience of wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Samsung offers longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) + Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer fast Wi-Fi, ZTE has MIMO for improved wireless signal quality |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | ZTE has a newer version, theoretically more efficient |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | Both have accurate GPS. Samsung features Galileo (E1+E5a). ZTE uses GLONASS (L1) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano+Nano) | Samsung allows for easier switching between carriers using eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | ZTE offers up to 1TB storage, much larger than Samsung |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12/16/18 GB | ZTE offers up to 18GB for better multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Samsung offers more audio enhancements (Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio) and better call clarity (Noise cancellation microphone); ZTE has a 3 microphone setup and DTS. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | Samsung offers Barometer and Compass, ZTE offers a Gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility to switch carriers digitally.
- More Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, Noise cancellation microphone.
- Comprehensive suite of sensors: Provides broader range of sensor options.
- Screen Protection: Offers superior screen protection.
- Longer OS support: Samsung has a higher max version of Android OS.
- DXOMark Evaluation: The camera quality has been evaluated and provides good feedback about the overall performance.
- Telephoto Lens for Portraits: The phone has a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is faster and more powerful than the Exynos 2100.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is much faster than the 25W charging on the Samsung.
- Higher Resolution & Brighter Display: Offers sharper visuals and much better outdoor visibility.
- More Versatile Camera Hardware: Offers a wide range of lenses for more shooting scenarios.
- Much Higher Internal Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage.
- Under Display Front Camera: No camera notch provides a more immersive and full screen experience
- Wider Variety of RAM Options: Offers multiple RAM configurations including 18GB
- More advanced connectivity: Wi-Fi MIMO provides better wireless connection
- Modern Bluetooth version: 5.2 version, providing a more stable and reliable connection.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Slower processor and charging speeds, but more audio features and flexible charging options, along with longer OS support.
- ZTE: Lacks wireless charging options, older software support, and has an unknown level of screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize convenience features like wireless charging, and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Users who value audio quality for music and media consumption, and for call clarity.
- Users who value longer software support, who prefer to keep their phones for longer time.
- Users who want a reliable camera system that has been tested and evaluated.
- Users who need eSIM compatibility.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travel: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, eSIM support can be useful.
- Media Consumption: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio will enhance the user experience.
- Professional: The video recording quality and software features can be good for simple recordings.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is ideal for:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and need to quickly top up their batteries.
- Users who value high quality photography and have specific needs like great low light performance and zooming capabilities.
- Users who need a large amount of internal storage for media and files, and need a greater amount of RAM for multitasking.
- Users who appreciate a full screen experience, due to the under-display camera technology.
- Users who want the latest technologies, like a better version of bluetooth and MIMO Wi-Fi.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming: The powerful chipset and high refresh rate display will provide an excellent experience.
- Content Creation: A large storage, combined with powerful processor and versatile camera suite can be beneficial.
- Power Users: Users who value performance, fast charging, large storage and RAM options, alongside modern technologies.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget and how does that relate to the price-to-value of each phone? The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has much more advanced hardware.
- Do you prioritize cutting edge performance or convenience features? S21+ focuses on convenience and long term support, while the ZTE focuses on speed and hardware capabilities.
- How important is camera versatility and advanced features like wireless charging to you? The ZTE features a versatile camera and no wireless charging, while the S21+ has less versatile lenses and wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a reliable phone for everyday use, value ease of use, wireless charging and audio quality and appreciate the security of longer software support: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- If you are a power user who needs the best performance for gaming, content creation and other intensive tasks, and value a full display experience: Choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's why:
- Performance is key: I prioritize a fast and smooth experience, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides a significant performance advantage.
- I Value Versatility and Modern Technologies: I appreciate the variety of lenses and an under-display camera, with modern technologies like bluetooth 5.2 and MIMO Wi-Fi.
- Fast Charging is Important: The 65W fast charging is a major convenience factor for me, ensuring that I can quickly get my phone back up and running.
- I am willing to trade some convenience features: While I appreciate wireless charging and reverse charging, these features are not essential for my needs. I value performance and the overall experience more than the small convenience.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a solid phone with its own strengths, for my specific needs, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's performance and advanced hardware make it the better choice. The lack of an official DXOmark score for the ZTE is a limitation, but the hardware specifications and the performance difference outweighs this for me.
