Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Apple iPhone 13
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Apple iPhone 13, focusing on the practical implications of each specification:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | S21 Ultra is significantly larger, making it less pocketable and potentially harder to use one-handed. iPhone 13 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 174g | S21 Ultra is notably heavier, which can lead to fatigue during extended use. iPhone 13 is lighter, offering better comfort. |
| Build Type | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.1" | S21 Ultra offers a much larger screen, ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. iPhone 13 is better for those preferring smaller size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1170x2532 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display with more detail, better for high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 460 | S21 Ultra offers a slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; the difference is minimal for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | S21 Ultra has better outdoor visibility, more readable in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone 13's A15 chip provides significantly higher performance compared to S21 Ultra's Exynos 2100 in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,256,049 | iPhone 13 is faster and more responsive in tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) (4 core Apple GPU graphics) | iPhone 13 has superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 108MP (f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm) | 12MP (f/1.6, 1.70µm) | S21 Ultra captures more detail in good lighting due to higher resolution. iPhone 13 offers better low-light performance due to larger pixel size and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | None | S21 Ultra offers dedicated zoom for portraits, not available on iPhone 13. |
| Selfie | 44MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm) | 12MP (f/2.2, µm) | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution front camera, better for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated zoom, allowing closer photos from a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/2.55", 1.40µm) | iPhone 13 offers wide-angle shots, not available on S21 Ultra. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm) | None | S21 Ultra has macro capabilities for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion 960 fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion 240 fps | S21 Ultra can record in higher resolution and offers higher slow-motion frame rate, better for video content creators. Both provide excellent video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | No data | S21 Ultra has a better camera and selfie performance based on these scores. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3240mAh | S21 Ultra has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, though real-world endurance depends on optimization. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 20W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | MagSafe wireless charging 15W, Qi magnetic fast wireless charging 7.5W | S21 Ultra supports reverse charging. iPhone 13 features MagSafe, Samsung has reverse wireless charging and a faster standard wireless charging. Both don't include chargers. |
Other | Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 13 | Practical Impact | |----------------|---------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | iOS 15 (upgradeable to 18) | Different user interface and app ecosystem. | | RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 4 GB | S21 Ultra has much more RAM, allowing for better multitasking. | | Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra uses a more modern version of bluetooth technology. | | Security | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security | S21 Ultra has a fingerprint sensor for biometric unlocking. iPhone 13 offers secure face recognition. | | Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a more durable screen. | | Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | S21 Ultra has more advanced sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking with a higher resolution and smoother refresh rate (120Hz).
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a more flexible camera setup with multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and macro capabilities.
- Larger Battery: Provides potentially longer battery life, which is crucial for heavy users.
- Faster Charging: Comes with 25W charging which is faster than the 20W on the iPhone 13.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Fingerprint sensor: Faster unlocking in some situations.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM, resulting in better multitasking.
- More advanced connectivity: More Wifi and Bluetooth features, and a more accurate GPS.
Apple iPhone 13 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip provides faster app loading and better overall performance in benchmarks.
- Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry around, suitable for one-handed use.
- Better Low Light Camera Performance: Larger pixel size on the main camera allows for better low-light photography.
- MagSafe: A more convenient wireless charging system with added accessories.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Has Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X and 3 microphones for better audio.
- eSIM Support: Offers digital SIM support.
- OS Ecosystem: The iOS ecosystem is known for its smooth experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra sacrifices portability and weight for a larger screen, better cameras and bigger battery.
- The iPhone 13 sacrifices camera versatility, display size and battery size for a smaller, faster phone with MagSafe.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos, games, and other visual content.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want the most flexible camera system with multiple lenses, high-resolution shots, and macro capabilities.
- Heavy Users: People who need a long-lasting battery to power their devices through a busy day.
- Multitaskers: Users who need a phone with plenty of RAM.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and playing graphically intensive games on a large, high-resolution display.
- Taking detailed photos from various distances and angles, including macro shots.
- Filming high-resolution videos with a professional touch.
- Using multiple apps and programs simultaneously with ease.
Apple iPhone 13 is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who want a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use smartphone that fits well in their pocket.
- Casual Photographers: Those who primarily take photos in good lighting conditions or prioritize low-light performance over versatile zoom options.
- iOS Ecosystem Fans: Users who prefer the iOS operating system and its app ecosystem.
- Users Seeking Convenience: Those who like the simplicity of a compact phone and the convenience of MagSafe.
- Users Seeking Smooth Performance: Those who prioritize high performance and responsiveness.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking great photos and videos in everyday settings, focusing on simplicity and quality.
- Enjoying a seamless experience within the iOS ecosystem and its apps.
- Using the phone comfortably one-handed and carrying it easily.
- Using MagSafe accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions for potential buyers:
Do you prioritize screen size and camera versatility or compact design and performance? If screen size and camera versatility are most important, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. If you prefer a smaller, faster phone, the iPhone 13 might be ideal.
How important is battery life to your daily routine? The S21 Ultra will likely last longer on a single charge, especially for heavy users. If you are not a heavy user, the iPhone 13 will be enough.
Do you prefer Android or iOS? This is a key point. The two ecosystems have different features. If you already have apps purchased on either ecosystem it is better to stay with that ecosystem.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photographer/Videographer – Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera system, higher video resolution, and additional features like optical zoom and macro capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User/Casual Gamer – Choose the Apple iPhone 13 for its balance of performance, ease of use, compact design and excellent photo quality for everyday use.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Consumer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its larger screen and longer battery life.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here's why:
- I value a large, high-quality display for consuming content and working on the go. The 6.8" AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is significantly better for my primary use case of media consumption and document editing.
- I want a versatile camera system to experiment with. The S21 Ultra's telephoto lenses and macro capabilities appeal more to my photography needs.
- I need a long-lasting battery. The larger 5000mAh battery ensures I can use the phone heavily throughout the day.
- I am comfortable with the extra bulk. While the iPhone 13's compact size is appealing, I am willing to trade that for the larger display and camera system of the S21 Ultra.
- The Android OS is my preference. I am used to the flexibility of Android.
- More RAM. 12 GB or 16GB of RAM is far better for multitasking.
While the iPhone 13 has a faster processor and is more compact, my needs and preferences lean towards the S21 Ultra's feature-rich, media-centric experience. For me, the S21 Ultra represents a better balance of practical features and capabilities for the types of tasks I perform on a smartphone.
