1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is larger, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands and pockets. iPhone 16 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | S21 Ultra is heavier, which may cause fatigue during prolonged use. iPhone 16 Pro is lighter and easier to handle. |
| Build Material | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown (screen) | S21 Ultra provides known superior scratch and shatter resistance. iPhone 16 Pro protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.3" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. iPhone 16 Pro is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1206 x 2622 | S21 Ultra provides a sharper image with more detail, ideal for pixel-peeping and viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 460 | S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, resulting in a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Differences are marginal. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 16 Pro has much better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for bright sunlight use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 16 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to faster processing and better power management. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 1,947,255 | iPhone 16 Pro is significantly faster and more responsive for all tasks, especially gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 16 Pro's GPU likely provides superior graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images due to higher resolution. iPhone 16 Pro may perform better in low light with larger pixels. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto capabilities. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 12MP, f/1.9 | S21 Ultra's selfie camera boasts higher resolution, while the iPhone 16 Pro might perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 12MP, f/2.8 | iPhone 16 Pro has a wider aperture and more light-gathering capability for zoomed shots. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 0.8MP | iPhone 16 Pro has a depth sensor which may improve augmented reality experiences. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | iPhone 16 Pro captures much more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps | S21 Ultra allows 8K recording for higher quality video. iPhone 16 Pro has a much higher 4K frame rate with more flexibility. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3582mAh | S21 Ultra has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but optimization plays a big role. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones have similar wired charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, Reverse 9W | 25W | iPhone 16 Pro has faster wireless charging. S21 Ultra provides reverse wireless charging for accessories. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Larger Display: 6.8" screen provides more immersive experience for media consumption and productivity.
- Higher Resolution Display: 1440 x 3200 resolution is noticeably sharper with more pixel density, ideal for detail-oriented tasks.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity potentially leads to longer usage without charging.
- Versatile Camera System: Telephoto, portrait, and wide-angle lenses offer diverse shooting options. 8K video recording is available.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other devices, such as earbuds, wirelessly.
- More RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM providing more multitasking capabilities.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Advantages
- Superior Performance: The A18 Pro chipset offers significantly faster and smoother performance in all tasks.
- Lighter & More Compact: The smaller, lighter design is more comfortable for single-handed use and portability.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits of brightness results in better visibility in outdoor lighting conditions.
- More advanced Wireless Charging: 25W wireless charging is faster.
- Updated Software: iOS 18 provides access to the latest software features and security updates, as well as a streamlined user experience.
- More internal storage: Up to 1024GB of internal storage is available.
Trade-offs
- Samsung: Offers a more versatile camera and battery, but at the cost of size, weight, and processing power.
- Apple: Provides superior performance and a more compact design, but at the cost of a smaller screen, a lower resolution display and a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User
- Media Consumption Enthusiast: Prefers larger displays for video watching and gaming.
- Photography Buffs: Appreciates the versatile camera system and higher-resolution main sensor.
- Multitasking Power User: Needs high RAM for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Battery Life Priority: Needs maximum uptime from a single charge.
- Android Ecosystem Lover: Prefers the Android experience and open nature.
- Users on a budget: Since this is an older phone, it can be found at a reduced price compared to the iPhone 16 Pro
Specific Use Cases:
- Binge-watching videos and streaming content on a larger screen.
- Photography and videography with the various lenses and 8K recording.
- Extensive mobile gaming with high-quality graphics, benefiting from large screen and high resolution
- Frequent travel or being away from a power outlet for extended periods.
- Running resource-heavy applications and performing complex tasks.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Ideal User
- Performance Seeker: Needs the fastest and smoothest experience, for gaming or other demanding tasks.
- Compact Design Preference: Wants a more pocketable and lightweight phone for better portability.
- Outdoor User: Needs optimal screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- iOS Ecosystem Enthusiast: Prefers the seamless experience of iOS and Apple services.
- Creative Professional: Values video recording tools and seamless editing capabilities.
Specific Use Cases:
- Fast-paced, intensive mobile gaming.
- Professional video editing and content creation.
- Outdoor use in bright conditions and sun.
- Users who prefer a streamlined and polished user experience.
- Users who require a portable and light device for daily usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prioritize a larger screen for content consumption or a more compact phone for portability?
- Performance Needs: Do you require top-tier processing for demanding tasks, or is a mid-range chipset sufficient for your usage?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you already invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem, or are you willing to switch?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Heavy Media User): If you prioritize media consumption, the larger, higher-resolution screen of the S21 Ultra is better.
- Scenario 2 (On-The-Go Professional): If you need top performance, portability, and best in class visibility outdoors, the iPhone 16 Pro is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious): If you need a powerful phone with a great camera and are on a tighter budget, the Samsung S21 Ultra 5G will likely offer great value for money.
My Choice
I would choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro.
While the Samsung S21 Ultra 5G is a great phone with a larger display and more versatile camera, the performance difference between the two is very significant. The A18 Pro chipset in the iPhone 16 Pro ensures a smoother experience across all tasks, from gaming to everyday app usage. The brighter display is also a crucial factor, especially for outdoor use. Although the smaller battery is a drawback, the increased power efficiency of the A18 chip balances this out to some extent. Finally, the portability and the overall premium feel of the iPhone 16 Pro makes it the more compelling option for me.
