Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-07-10 | Asus Zenfone 10 is newer, potentially having more up-to-date features and software support. |
| Size | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and more difficult to use one-handed, Zenfone 10 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 5.92" | S21 Ultra has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; Zenfone 10 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 445 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper and clearer image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; identical experience |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has a slightly smoother experience in UI navigation and supported games. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone 10 has a newer and significantly faster processor, resulting in faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 offers much higher performance, more suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | S21 Ultra likely has longer battery life due to the higher capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Zenfone 10 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, wireless 15W, reverse wireless 9W | Wireless 15W, reverse wired 5W | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, including reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution for more detail in photos, but Zenfone 10 has larger pixels. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra captures more light, offering better image quality in various lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP + 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers significantly better zoom capabilities with dedicated telephoto lenses. |
| Ultrawide Camera Res. | 12.2MP | 13MP | Similar wide-angle capabilities but with different sensor sizes. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies and has wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both have high-quality video recording capabilities; S21 Ultra has more slow-motion options. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 (overall), 121 (photo), 100 (video) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested high camera quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 135 (overall), 133 (photo), 140 (video) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a tested high selfie camera quality. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Laser AF, Optical zoom | Dual Camera, Gimbal | S21 Ultra offers more diverse shooting modes with optical zoom and laser AF; Zenfone 10 has a stabilization gimbal. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 has a newer OS out of the box, potentially resulting in better features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has slightly better Bluetooth version for improved connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Zenfone 10 supports more satellite systems, providing potentially more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual-SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB | Both are good for multitasking, S21 Ultra has slightly more option with 12GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Both offer high-quality audio; S21 Ultra has Dolby Atmos for enhanced spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | S21 Ultra offers barometer, geomagnetic sensors, while the Zenfone 10 offers a gravity sensor; both feature a comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display: The 6.8" screen with 1440x3200 resolution provides a more immersive viewing experience, sharper details, and better multitasking capabilities.
- Superior Camera System: Offers a more versatile setup with dedicated telephoto lenses for better zoom capabilities, a larger main sensor, laser autofocus, and an excellent selfie camera. The DxoMark scores confirm its higher overall quality for photos and videos.
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, a versatile and convenient feature.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience with spatial audio support.
- More sensors: Barometer and Geomagnetic for weather and orientation information
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better for users who prioritize multimedia consumption, photography, and prefer longer battery life.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: The smaller form factor and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and daily carry.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides superior processing power, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging replenishes the battery quicker.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, potentially offering better features, security, and support.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Standards: Offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and improved Bluetooth connectivity.
- Gimbal: Better video stabilization.
- More Satellite Systems: More accurate positioning.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 10 is better for users who value portability, performance, responsiveness and appreciate a smaller phone with flagship specs.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: sacrifices pocketability and one-handed use for the larger display and more versatile camera.
- Zenfone 10: sacrifices a dedicated telephoto lens for better overall performance and a more compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, or read e-books benefit from the large, high-resolution display.
- Photography Lovers: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and a versatile camera system.
- Power Users: Those who need a device for extensive multitasking and appreciate the larger battery capacity and reverse charging.
- Users who need the best picture quality in bright conditions.
- Users who need the best video quality and diverse camera features (laser AF, etc.)
- Users who need a more diverse set of sensors.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows on a large, vibrant display.
- Taking detailed photos at various focal lengths (including zoomed shots)
- Power users needing extensive multitasking.
- Long outdoor sessions using the phone (bright display)
- Professional Photography and Videography
- Outdoor activities needing barometric information
Asus Zenfone 10 Ideal Users:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Gamers and those who need fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- One-Handed Use Lovers: Users who prefer a smaller phone that's easy to hold and use.
- Travelers: Those who want a compact and lightweight phone for daily carry.
- Users who value newer technology: The latest chipset and connection technologies.
- Users who need the best performance in a compact phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth performance and fast refresh rate.
- Quickly accessing apps and multitasking throughout the day.
- Comfortable for one-handed navigation and texting.
- Easy to carry in pockets or bags without bulk.
- Navigation with high-precision GPS capabilities
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is your priority: A larger screen and versatile camera (S21 Ultra), or a compact design and high performance (Zenfone 10)?
- How important is a long battery life versus fast charging and portability?
- Are you a heavy user of zoom features, or do you need the absolute best performance in a compact form factor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Multimedia and Photography Focused: If you prioritize a large, high-quality display and a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
Scenario 2: Performance and Portability Focused: If you value smooth performance, a compact design, and ease of handling, the Asus Zenfone 10 is a better fit.
Scenario 3: Balanced User (Multimedia & Performance): If you want a more modern experience with good performance, but don't necessarily need the absolute best camera zoom or display size, the Asus Zenfone 10 offers a great balance.
My Choice and Explanation
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. My reasoning is based on the following factors:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significant performance advantage over the Exynos 2100. For daily tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness, the Zenfone 10 would provide a much smoother experience.
- Portability: As someone who prefers smaller phones, the Zenfone 10's compact form factor and lighter weight would make it much more comfortable for everyday use and pocket carry.
- Modernity: The Zenfone 10 is much newer, which means I will be getting the latest WiFi and Bluetooth technologies.
- Balance: While the camera on the S21 Ultra is definitely better on paper, I know that I would not use the telephoto features often, therefore, the Zenfone 10 camera is good enough for my needs.
While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has advantages in terms of display size, camera zoom, and battery capacity, the Zenfone 10's superior performance, compact design, and newer tech make it the better choice for my specific preferences and use cases. I prioritize a fast and smooth user experience in a compact package over a larger screen and zoom capabilities.
