1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-01 | ROG Phone 7 is a significantly newer device with potentially more advanced technology. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 7 is larger and thicker, making it less pocketable. S21 Ultra 5G may be more comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 239g | S21 Ultra 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Both offer large, immersive screens. Minimal practical difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2448 | S21 Ultra 5G has a sharper, more detailed display, noticeable when viewing high-resolution content and reading small text. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra 5G provides a crisper and cleaner display with superior image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 7 will have significantly smoother scrolling and animations, especially beneficial for gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1500 nits | Both offer excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 7 has a significantly faster and more efficient processor, resulting in better overall performance, app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,603,292 | ROG Phone 7 offers significantly higher performance, making it superior for gaming and resource-intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | ROG Phone 7's GPU delivers superior graphics performance, making it significantly better for graphically demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 7 will likely offer considerably longer battery life, especially beneficial for heavy users and gamers. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | ROG Phone 7 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Wireless, reverse wireless, no charger | 65W charger in-box, bypass, reverse wired | ROG Phone 7 includes a fast charger, while S21 Ultra requires a separate purchase; S21 Ultra offers greater charging flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra 5G captures more detail; ROG Phone 7 uses larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (2 lenses) | No | S21 Ultra 5G has far greater optical zoom capabilities and better portrait modes. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | Yes | ROG Phone 7 has a dedicated wide-angle camera, whereas the S21 Ultra uses an ultrawide lens as a main lens for wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | ROG Phone 7 can take close-up shots with a dedicated macro camera. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra 5G captures more detailed selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K, 960fps slow-motion | Up to 8K, 480fps slow-motion | Both offer excellent video capabilities; S21 Ultra offers slightly higher slow-motion framerate. |
| Camera DXOMark | Main: 115, Selfie: 135 | - | S21 Ultra's cameras have been benchmarked with a good overall score, there is no current information on the ROG Phone 7. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | ROG Phone 7 ships with a newer version of Android and has been updated to the latest software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 7 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 7 offers a slightly newer Bluetooth standard for potentially better connectivity and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | Yes (L1+L5) | Yes (L1+L5), NavIC | ROG Phone 7 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | ROG Phone 7 comes with more internal storage options by default, offering additional storage space for data. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | ROG Phone 7 has advanced audio processing technologies with additional microphones. S21 Ultra includes Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both provide a basic fingerprint scanner for biometric unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have similar top of the line screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic | No Additional Sensors | S21 Ultra includes more environmental sensors, which can be useful for specific applications (like weather). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Resolution & Pixel Density: The S21 Ultra 5G's higher resolution (1440x3200) and pixel density (515 PPI) make its screen significantly sharper than the ROG Phone 7.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra 5G boasts a more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto lenses and a higher-resolution main sensor, providing more zoom and better overall image quality.
- More Versatile Camera: The inclusion of optical zoom and a dedicated telephoto lens allows for significantly greater zoom range and better portrait photography than the ROG Phone 7, with a higher DXOMark score.
- Wireless Charging: The S21 Ultra allows for both wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a barometer on the S21 Ultra means users can have more accurate weather reports and altimeter data.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in the ROG Phone 7 offers dramatically higher performance, scoring 114% higher in AnTuTu benchmarks. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 165Hz refresh rate of the ROG Phone 7 provides an exceptionally smooth and fluid experience.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The ROG Phone 7's 6000mAh battery and 65W fast charging offer significantly longer battery life and faster recharge times than the S21 Ultra 5G.
- Latest Software: The ROG Phone 7 has more modern software, being released with Android 13.
- Enhanced Audio: The ROG Phone 7 features DTS/DTS:X and 3 microphones for more immersive audio and clearer calls
- Wi-Fi 7: The ROG Phone 7 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring a better internet experience.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra 5G: Trades superior performance and gaming features for better camera quality and a sharper screen.
- ROG Phone 7: Trades some camera versatility and sharpness for significantly higher performance and a better gaming experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality, versatile photography with excellent zoom capabilities,
- Media Consumers: Those who value a very high-resolution and sharp display for enjoying detailed content, and streaming movies.
- General Users: Users looking for a well-rounded flagship with a top-tier camera system and a premium build.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Detailed image editing and viewing.
- General daily use with a focus on media consumption.
Ideal User for Asus ROG Phone 7:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who require top-tier gaming performance, a high refresh rate screen, and long battery life.
- Power Users: Those who run resource-intensive apps and need a device that can handle heavy multitasking.
- Users with High Demands: Users who require a phone that can keep up with a modern lifestyle and have the latest software and connectivity features.
Specific Use Cases for ROG Phone 7:
- Competitive mobile gaming and streaming.
- Heavy multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Extended use without frequent charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, now older, can be found at lower price points than the ROG Phone 7. This provides better value for those not needing the best performance available.
- The ROG Phone 7, being a newer device, demands a premium price, but offers the best gaming performance and updated software available.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use)
- How important is display quality vs. performance? (Resolution vs. smoothness)
- What is more important, camera zoom or battery life? (Photography vs. extended use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers: Choose the Asus ROG Phone 7. Its superior performance, higher refresh rate, and larger battery are ideal for gaming.
- For Photography Focused Users: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice, with its more versatile camera system and superior zoom capabilities.
- For General Users: Consider the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if you prioritize a better display with slightly better camera performance, or the Asus ROG Phone 7 if you want the latest performance with improved battery life, software, and connectivity.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 7. My reasoning is as follows:
- Future-Proof Performance: The ROG Phone 7's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is significantly more powerful and will stay relevant longer.
- Gaming & Multitasking: My daily usage often involves resource-intensive tasks. The ROG Phone 7's faster performance is essential for me and its 165hz refresh rate is a massive advantage.
- Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery and fast charging are a huge convenience. I appreciate not needing to charge my phone as often.
- Latest Technology: The ROG Phone 7 has been updated to the latest standards in software and connectivity (Wi-Fi 7), which gives it a huge advantage over older devices.
While I appreciate the S21 Ultra 5G's superior camera and screen resolution, I place more value on performance, battery life and the latest software features. The ROG Phone 7, therefore, aligns more closely with my specific needs.
While the camera is important to me, I can accept the ROG Phone 7's tradeoffs, as it is still capable of capturing impressive photos and the performance it offers is just too good to pass up. The ROG Phone 7's additional audio enhancements also appeal to me, as I like to listen to music frequently and want the best possible sound quality.
