1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-07-13 | Asus is newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm | Asus is larger and thicker, making it less pocketable. Samsung is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 239g | Samsung is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference; both offer a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2448 | Samsung has a noticeably sharper display, better for detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 395 ppi | Samsung's display will look crisper and less pixelated than the Asus. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Asus offers smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1200 nits | Samsung's display is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Asus has a more powerful and efficient chipset, resulting in better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,203,000 | Asus demonstrates superior performance in demanding tasks, like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Asus has a more powerful GPU for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Asus offers potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Asus charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless 9W, No Charger | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging 10W | Samsung offers wireless charging; Asus has "Bypass charging" which can be useful when gaming for a long time. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Samsung's primary sensor is higher resolution and larger, but real-world differences depend on processing. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP x2 | None | Samsung offers significantly better zoom capability with dedicated telephoto lenses. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 13MP | Both offer similar wide-angle image capture but in different camera setup |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP | Asus offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Samsung boasts higher resolution; Asus has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, Various modes | Up to 8K@24fps, Various modes | Both have 8K video capability, but Asus has a better slow-motion and 4k@120fps video modes. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie 135 | Not available | Samsung offers a benchmark on camera performance for mobile and selfie camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Asus has a more recent Android version out of the box but will get fewer major upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ad) | Both offer fast Wi-Fi, but the Asus has 802.11ad. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer similar modern Bluetooth, but Asus has LDAC and AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both have similar storage options |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both offer ample RAM for multitasking, with Asus providing a 8GB variant. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports SD cards for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 4 Mics | Asus boasts a more advanced audio system for an immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer premium screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Samsung has a barometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density provide a clearer, more detailed viewing experience, great for media consumption and content creation.
- Brighter Screen: The 1500 nits brightness is notably better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, enhancing usability in various environments.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers better zoom capabilities with dedicated telephoto lenses, as well as a great selfie camera. The inclusion of Laser AF for faster focusing is a plus. The benchmark for both mobile and selfie camera are also available.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging which can be more convenient for some users.
- More Software Updates: Promises up to Android 15, offering potentially longer software support and access to newer features.
- Barometer: Includes a barometer sensor that can be helpful for atmospheric pressure readings.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and higher AnTuTu score deliver significantly better performance for gaming, demanding apps, and overall responsiveness.
- Smoother Display: The 165Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother, enhancing the user experience.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for extended usage, ideal for gamers and heavy users.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is much faster than Samsung's 25W, reducing charging time.
- Advanced Audio: DTS/DTS:X support, 4 microphones for a better audio experience.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots.
- More satellite systems: Offers more accurate GPS capabilities for navigation.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung: The older chipset means it will be slower and less efficient, and will heat up more compared to the Asus. The charging speed is slow compared to the Asus.
- Asus: Larger and bulkier size with a lower resolution screen might not be ideal for some users, specially the ones who are after a good camera experience. Will have fewer software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize a premium display with high resolution and brightness for media consumption.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatile zoom capabilities and overall camera performance.
- Users who want a more compact and pocketable phone.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging and software updates.
- Use Cases:
- Content creation and editing, where the display's accuracy and resolution are important.
- Outdoor use under bright sunlight, where high brightness is essential.
- Photography and videography with its versatile zoom capabilities and features.
- Everyday use with a focus on a balance of features.
Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Ideal Users:
- Mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance and a smooth, responsive display.
- Power users who need long battery life and fast charging for extended use.
- Users who appreciate high-quality audio and want an immersive experience.
- Users who prioritize a smooth and responsive experience above all.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Extended use scenarios where battery life and quick charging are crucial.
- Immersive media consumption and gaming with the enhanced audio features.
- For those who want the best in performance without caring about the bulkiness.
Price-to-Value:
- Considering that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is an older device, it might offer a better price-to-value ratio if found at a lower price point than the Asus ROG Phone 6. However, if performance is top priority, the Asus might provide better value for money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What do you prioritize the most: display quality or performance?
- If a top-tier display is a must, the Samsung is preferable.
- If maximum performance is essential, especially for gaming, the Asus is the better choice.
- How important is battery life, charging speed, and software update to you?
- If battery life and fast charging are crucial, the Asus is superior.
- If you prioritize longer software support, then the Samsung is preferable.
- What is the primary use case for the phone?
- If you mainly use your phone for media consumption, daily use, and photography, the Samsung might be the better pick.
- If your primary use case is gaming, power-intensive tasks, and audio quality, then the Asus is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional User who uses phone for work: The Samsung is recommended as the sharp display will be a plus for checking documents and emails and the versatile camera might be useful for some projects. The wireless charging might also be a useful feature.
- Scenario 2: A gamer and heavy user: The Asus is recommended for a better gaming experience with smoother display and better processor. The bigger battery capacity and fast charging speed is another plus.
- Scenario 3: Budget Conscious user: If the Samsung is offered at a lower price than the Asus, the Samsung will be a better buy, as it still delivers a decent user experience.
What I would choose and why!
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 6. While the Samsung has a great screen and a more versatile camera setup, the Asus offers a superior performance boost with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This is particularly important to me as I use my phone for gaming, and multitasking. The larger battery, faster charging and smoother display are also big pluses for the Asus. The bulkiness is something I can live with for the performance. While the Samsung has a slightly better camera system and promises a better software update experience, the Asus’s gaming capabilities outweigh those advantages for me.
