1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-04-14 | Asus is significantly newer, offering updated tech and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Samsung is slightly taller, Asus is slightly wider. Both are similar in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 227g | 224g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Both are large, immersive displays. Minor size difference is hardly noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | Samsung has a significantly sharper display, resulting in finer details and text. |
| PPI | 515 | 388 | Samsung's display is noticeably crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Asus provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | Asus is much more visible in bright sunlight and outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Asus has a much more powerful, newer processor, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,532,000 | Asus performs significantly better in benchmarks, showcasing a considerable performance advantage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Asus has a more modern and powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Asus offers longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Asus charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless, no in-box charger | 15W wireless, 10W reverse wired, no in-box charger | Samsung offers more versatile wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Samsung has higher resolution, larger sensor, and wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance and detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens; Asus does not. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", 0.7µm | Samsung has higher resolution and wider aperture, suggesting better detail and low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm | Asus has a higher resolution telephoto lens with wider aperture offering better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Asus has a dedicated wide angle lens, providing versatility in photography. Samsung's wide angle lens doubles as a macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens while Asus does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Similar video capabilities overall, both are suitable for professional content creation. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 125 | Asus has a better overall score. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 121 | 131 | Asus has a higher photo score. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 100 | 115 | Asus has a significantly higher video score. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 (only Samsung) | N/A | Only Samsung is tested, but these scores are good. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Asus has a more recent version of Android and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus has a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Asus has a newer version, offering potential connectivity improvements. |
| GPS | Multiple systems, including L1+L5 | More systems including L1+L5, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1, B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1+L5) | Asus has more satellite systems for higher accuracy in location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer ample storage, with Asus starting at 256 GB. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 12/16GB | Both phones have generous RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allows for additional storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both offer good audio experiences, but Samsung features Dolby Atmos. Asus has 2 microphones instead of one for enhanced voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has a slightly newer version of Gorilla Glass, providing potential improvements in durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Samsung has an additional barometer. Asus features Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a more detailed viewing experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a wide range of camera lenses including a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens and a wide angle + macro lens, making it adaptable to different shooting scenarios.
- Wireless Charging Versatility: Offers reverse wireless charging capability.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Provides richer, spatial audio experience for immersive listening.
- Barometer: Provides additional environmental data, useful for outdoor enthusiasts.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in image detail and audio immersion, with a variety of lenses for photography. The sharper screen makes text and images look clearer.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides significantly better performance in all areas, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Brighter Display: Much brighter screen, providing great visibility in direct sunlight and outdoor conditions.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: Larger battery and faster charging ensure the phone can last longer and charge quickly, reducing downtime.
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent version of Android and is likely to receive longer software support and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 7 and newer Bluetooth 5.4 version.
- Higher DxOMark Scores: Suggests better overall photo and video quality.
- Enhanced GPS Accuracy: Supports more satellite navigation systems for higher location accuracy.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Provides enhanced video stabilization.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is faster, lasts longer, more visible outdoors, and provides more reliable connectivity. The newer chipset ensures it will remain fast and smooth for years to come.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Offers a better screen and potentially better low light photo quality on main lens, and a more versatile camera system, but has older chipset and lower battery capacity compared to the Asus.
- Asus: Offers superior processing power, battery life, screen brightness, and connectivity, but compromises on screen sharpness, some camera lens versatility, and audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need a versatile camera system with different focal lengths and macro capabilities, high resolution, and good low-light performance.
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize a super sharp, vivid display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Audio Lovers: Those who enjoy spatial, immersive audio experiences.
Use Cases:
- Professional or amateur photography.
- Viewing high resolution content.
- Immersive audio listening.
- Use of the barometer to collect environmental data while outdoors.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Gamers & Power Users: Those who prioritize performance for smooth gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright screen to view content comfortably in sunlight.
- Heavy Smartphone Users: Users who value long battery life and fast charging.
- Users who value cutting-edge connectivity and location accuracy: Those who want the latest Wi-Fi standards and navigation technology.
- Users who need advanced video features: Those who value gimbal stabilization capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on the go with demanding titles.
- Extended days without the need to charge frequently.
- Using the phone in bright sunlight.
- Travel and navigation using advanced GPS features
- Taking stable and smooth videos while being in motion.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is an older model, likely available at a lower price point, making it a potentially good value for those prioritizing its specific strengths.
- The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is newer with a premium price, but offers a substantial performance leap making it a compelling option for those who need maximum performance and battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your main use case? (Photography, gaming, content consumption, or general use?)
- How important is performance vs. display sharpness? (Do you prioritize speed or image clarity?)
- How much do you value battery life and fast charging vs a more versatile camera system? (Do you need all day battery life or a wide array of camera features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photography: If you need versatile camera lenses, higher resolution, and good low-light performance the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G might be the better option.
- Scenario 2: Heavy Gaming and Performance: If you prioritize maximum performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the obvious choice due to its superior chipset and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: If you need great visibility in direct sunlight, you should choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra because of the much brighter display.
- Scenario 4: General User: If you need a well rounded device with a newer chipset, long battery life and modern connectivity, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the better option.
Personal Choice and Rationale
Given my needs, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I appreciate the Samsung's sharp display and versatile camera system, the Asus’s significantly superior performance, brighter screen, longer battery life and faster charging are more important for my day-to-day use. As a tech enthusiast, I value cutting-edge processing power and connectivity, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a more future-proof experience. The performance gains will significantly improve my overall experience, especially when gaming and multitasking, making it the more practical choice for my needs. The additional GPS support, newer Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi standards also align with my preference for top-tier technology. The ability to use the phone outdoors without any visibility issues seals the deal for me.
