Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. iPhone 15 Pro is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 187g | The iPhone 15 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods and less cumbersome to carry. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones without folding mechanisms. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.1" | S21 Ultra offers a significantly larger screen for immersive viewing, while iPhone 15 Pro provides a more pocketable size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1179x2556 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a sharper image with more detail, which is beneficial for media consumption and detailed work. |
| PPI | 515 | 461 | S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality OLED technology offering excellent colors and contrast, with subtle differences in panel calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth and responsive user experience due to their 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro's higher brightness ensures superior visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | A17 Pro is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro demonstrates vastly superior performance in benchmark tests, indicating a significant real-world performance difference. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (6-core) | A17 Pro's GPU provides superior graphical capabilities for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3650mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery capacity which potentially offers longer battery life, however, real-world endurance depends on the device's power efficiency. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 27W fast charging | iPhone 15 Pro has slightly faster wired charging. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless | MagSafe, Qi Wireless | S21 Ultra offers more versatile wireless charging capabilities, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro supports the MagSafe Ecosystem. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm pixel | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3", 1.22µm pixel | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution, while iPhone 15 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially capturing more light and detail in low-light scenarios and natural bokeh. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated Telephoto + Portrait lens, which can offer better portrait shots than the main camera. iPhone 15 Pro does not have a specific portrait lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm pixel | 12MP, f/1.9 | S21 Ultra has higher resolution, while the iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, potentially improving low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel | 12MP, f/2.8, 1.00µm pixel | iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly higher resolution with a wider aperture, resulting in better zoom capabilities in low-light conditions. |
| Wide + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm pixel | Both devices have a similar wide + macro camera with almost identical features. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | S21 Ultra can record in 8K resolution, while both devices capture up to 4K@60fps, and offer slow-motion capture at 240 fps. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main: 154, Photo: 153, Video: 158 | iPhone 15 Pro's camera substantially outperforms S21 Ultra based on DxOMark benchmarks, offering superior overall camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Main: 149, Photo: 145, Video: 156 | iPhone 15 Pro's selfie camera significantly outperforms the S21 Ultra based on DxOMark benchmarks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.8" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1440x3200 resolution provides sharper and more detailed visuals.
- More RAM: With up to 16GB RAM, S21 Ultra is better suited for demanding users needing heavy multitasking.
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery potentially provides longer battery life compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
- Versatile Camera System: Inclusion of a dedicated Telephoto + Portrait lens and 8K video recording provide more options for users interested in more versatile photography.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to reverse wirelessly charge other devices.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Physical fingerprint sensor provides an additional biometric unlock method, which some users prefer.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A17 Pro chip offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, resulting in faster app loading and smoother usage.
- Higher Display Brightness: 2000 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera System: Significantly higher DxOMark score in all categories indicates better overall image and video quality.
- Lighter and More Compact: The iPhone 15 Pro is lighter and smaller, making it more comfortable for daily use.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Better energy efficiency and potential improvements with peripherals.
- MagSafe Ecosystem: Supports the MagSafe ecosystem for accessories and charging.
- eSIM Support: Provides the flexibility of using a digital SIM for easy switching between carriers.
- Improved Audio: Better stereo recording due to 3 microphones.
- Software Updates: Apple provides longer and more consistent software updates.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for a larger display and versatile charging options.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Has a smaller display, a lower battery capacity (which might be offset by efficiency gains), and less versatile wireless charging, but is better in performance and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large screen for watching videos, playing games, and consuming content.
- Multitasking Users: Those who frequently use multiple apps simultaneously and benefit from having more RAM.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who prioritize a large battery for longer usage periods without needing to charge often.
Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatility and need various camera options, such as a telephoto lens and 8K video.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Editing photos and videos on the phone.
- Long days without access to a charger.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro is ideal for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize top-tier performance and responsiveness for demanding tasks.
- Photography Experts: Users who want the best image and video quality in a smartphone.
- Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem (i.e., other Apple devices) and value consistent software updates.
- Users with an active lifestyle: Users who prefer a lighter and more compact device that is easier to handle.
Professional Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video and photography capabilities and have more need for better video and audio capture.
Use Cases:
- Running demanding mobile apps and games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for professional purposes.
- Seamless interaction with other Apple devices (Airpods, Macbook etc.).
- Working outdoors in bright sunlight.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your priority: Size or portability? Do you value a larger, more immersive screen (S21 Ultra) or a more compact, lightweight device (iPhone 15 Pro)?
- Is raw performance or battery life more important? Do you prioritize top-tier processing speed and graphical capabilities (iPhone 15 Pro) or do you need the most amount of usage time between charges (S21 Ultra)?
- How important is camera quality? Are you looking for versatility and 8K video recording (S21 Ultra) or superior overall image and video quality (iPhone 15 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption): If you primarily use your phone for watching movies and playing games, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is recommended for its larger display and versatile video options.
- Scenario 2 (Professional Use): If you rely on your phone for demanding work, such as editing photos and videos or running professional applications, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the better option with its superior performance and camera quality.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday User): If you want a phone that strikes a balance between performance, camera quality, and ease of use, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is recommended for it's significantly better performance and camera quality with the cost of a smaller screen.
My Choice
Given my personal priorities, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While the larger display and battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are appealing, the performance difference and superior camera quality of the iPhone 15 Pro are more critical for me. I often use my phone for demanding tasks like editing photos and videos, and the performance and camera improvements provided by the iPhone 15 Pro would provide a much better user experience for my needs. The smaller, more portable size of the iPhone is also more comfortable for my everyday use.
