1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable and harder to use one-handed compared to the more compact iPhone 16. |
| Weight | 227g | 170g | S21 Ultra feels significantly heavier, potentially causing fatigue during extended use. The iPhone 16 is much easier to handle and carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.1" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming due to its larger screen. iPhone 16 is more convenient for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1179x2556 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution provides a sharper and more detailed display, noticeable for text, images and high-resolution videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 460 | S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, resulting in crisper visuals compared to iPhone 16. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. Differences in image quality are minimal in most usage. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience, appearing more fluid than the iPhone 16's 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 is significantly better for outdoor visibility and bright sunlight use, as it gets much brighter than the S21 Ultra. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A18 is significantly more powerful, providing noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,753,018 | Apple iPhone 16 provides a superior performance with its chipset, almost 2.3x more powerful than S21 Ultra. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple's GPU likely provides better graphics performance, especially in demanding gaming situations. Precise performance depends on optimization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3561mAh | S21 Ultra offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. Actual usage time depends on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Charging speed is similar. Samsung uses Li-Polymer, Apple uses Li-Ion batteries, the practical impact of this is negligible to the user. |
| Features | Reverse, 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | 25W Wireless Charging | S21 Ultra offers versatile charging options including reverse wireless charging. iPhone 16 has faster wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 108MP f/1.8 1/1.33" | 48MP f/1.6 1/1.3" | S21 Ultra's higher resolution offers greater detail. iPhone 16’s larger pixels and wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the iPhone 16 lacks. |
| Selfie | 44MP f/2.2 1/2.65" | 12MP f/1.9 | S21 Ultra has higher megapixel count, although the iPhone 16 may produce more detailed images due to wider aperture and likely better image processing. |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP f/4.9 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the iPhone 16 lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 1/2.55" | 12MP f/2.2 1/2.55" | Both have similar specs for ultrawide and macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K/24fps | Up to 4K/60fps | S21 Ultra can record at higher 8K resolution offering more flexibility for editing, while iPhone 16 excels at 4K capture |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra scores are good, but iPhone 16 results are missing. |
| Features | OIS, Laser AF, Quad Camera | Cinematic Mode, Pro Video Mode, Ultra Stable Video, Dual Camera | S21 Ultra offers better zoom versatility, while iPhone 16 has a focus on cinematic style video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | iOS 18 | Different ecosystems: Android offers more customization, iOS provides a more streamlined, user-friendly experience with emphasis on privacy. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, Direct, Display | WiFi 6E | iPhone 16 has faster Wi-Fi 6E, Samsung offers additional features of Direct and Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone 16 uses a newer version with increased range and efficiency. S21 Ultra has more audio codecs support |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems + NavIC | iPhone 16 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone 16 offers eSIM support, providing an additional option for mobile plans. Samsung supports two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Storage options are the same for both. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance with intensive apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, requiring careful management of device storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos + 3 mics | S21 Ultra supports Hi-Res audio, iPhone 16 has an additional microphone for enhanced audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Features | S21 Ultra has a dedicated fingerprint sensor, making it slightly more secure than basic security on the iPhone 16. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Samsung's glass has better impact and scratch protection, the glass on the iPhone 16 is not stated. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic | S21 Ultra is equipped with more sensors that enable additional features and functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.8" screen provides an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media and gaming.
- Higher Display Resolution: The 1440x3200 resolution provides crisper and more detailed visuals.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling enhance user experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lenses and higher megapixel sensors for more creative control.
- Larger Battery Capacity: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB RAM for superior multitasking and performance with intensive apps.
- Versatile charging options: Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W
- Additional Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio support.
- Additional sensors: Fingerprint, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors
Apple iPhone 16 Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter and Smaller: More pocketable, comfortable for extended use, and easier for one-handed operation.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits of brightness provides better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Performance: Apple A18 chipset provides superior processing power and better gaming performance.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 has better range and power efficiency.
- Faster Wireless Charging: 25W Wireless Charging.
- Better Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E provides faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in congested areas.
- More Satellite Systems: NavIC, QZSS support for enhanced location accuracy.
- eSIM Support: Digital SIM allows for easier plan switching and device setup.
- Additional Audio Features: 3 microphones
Trade-offs:
- Samsung S21 Ultra: Larger size and weight, less powerful chipset, lower outdoor brightness.
- Apple iPhone 16: Smaller screen, lower display resolution, lower refresh rate, smaller battery, less versatile camera system, less RAM, no fingerprint sensor
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Enjoying movies, videos, and games on a larger, high-resolution display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Utilizing multiple lenses and higher resolution for creative photography.
- Power Users: Needing long battery life and ample RAM for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who prefer physical SIM cards: The S21 Ultra does not have eSIM support
- Users who prefer fingerprint sensors: The S21 Ultra has a physical fingerprint sensor
Use cases:
- Watching movies and playing games on a larger screen.
- Shooting high-resolution photos and videos using multiple cameras.
- Using the phone for extended periods for productivity tasks.
Apple iPhone 16 is ideal for:
- Users valuing portability: Preferring a smaller, lighter device for easy handling and pocketability.
- Users needing top performance: Demanding fast processing speeds and smooth gaming experiences.
- Users wanting better outdoor visibility: Needing a bright display for use in bright sunlight.
- Users immersed in Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Users who want an eSIM: The iPhone 16 offers eSIM functionality.
Use cases:
- Using the phone comfortably with one hand.
- Running intensive applications and playing graphically demanding games.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Taking advantage of the streamlined iOS experience and integration with Apple devices.
Price-to-value:
- The S21 Ultra, being an older device, will likely be available at a lower price. It still delivers an excellent display and camera system.
- The iPhone 16 is likely to be more expensive but delivers newer technologies such as a faster processor, brighter display, and newer connectivity standards, which may justify the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Size and Portability: Do you prioritize a compact, lightweight device or a larger display for media consumption?
- Performance and Battery: Do you need the absolute best processing power, or do you prioritize longer battery life and multitasking capabilities?
- Operating System: Are you invested in the Android or iOS ecosystem, or are you open to either?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption and Photography: If your priority is a big, high-resolution screen for movies and a versatile camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a strong choice, especially if budget is a concern.
- Scenario 2: Portability and Performance: If you want a smaller device that offers top-tier performance, great outdoor visibility, and a streamlined ecosystem, the Apple iPhone 16 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: All-Rounder: If you’re looking for a balance between a good screen, strong camera, long battery life, and good performance, you need to consider which features are the most important to you. The S21 Ultra excels in display, battery, and camera versatility, while the iPhone 16 shines in performance and portability.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 16.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has some strong advantages like a larger screen and more versatile camera system, the iPhone 16's performance and usability advantages are more compelling for my needs. I value a smooth experience, and the Apple A18's processing power will ensure this for years to come. The significantly lighter and smaller form factor is also much more convenient for daily use, especially since I prefer using my phone with one hand. The brighter display is very beneficial for me as I spend time outside, even though the S21 Ultra's display is very good. While I would miss the 120Hz display, the overall performance, portability and better ecosystem integration of the iPhone would be more enjoyable for daily use. Although the S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, the iPhone's faster wireless charging and improved connectivity with features like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are more practical for me. While the S21 has a finger print sensor, I do not consider that a dealbreaker.
While it's older, the S21 Ultra is a still a great phone, but the technology in the iPhone 16 would outweigh the features the S21 Ultra offers for me.
