1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus Zenfone 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 148 × 68.5 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 8 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 169g | S21 Ultra feels heavier; Zenfone 8 is easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 5.9" | S21 Ultra provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. Zenfone 8 is more compact, better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers sharper visuals with more detail; Zenfone 8's resolution is still good but less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 446 | S21 Ultra has noticeably sharper text and images, better for reading and fine details. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | S21 Ultra is much better visible outdoors in bright sunlight; Zenfone 8 may struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but brightness differences impact outdoor use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Zenfone 8's Snapdragon 888 offers a slight performance advantage in demanding tasks and gaming compared to the Exynos 2100 in S21 Ultra. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 891,700 | Zenfone 8 has a higher benchmark score, suggesting slightly better raw performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Zenfone 8's Adreno GPU is generally favored in gaming performance compared to Mali GPU in S21 Ultra |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, 1/1.33" sensor | 64MP, 1/1.7" sensor | S21 Ultra captures more detail and has better low-light performance due to the larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers superior versatility in photography with dedicated zoom lenses. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, 1/2.65" sensor | 12MP, 1/2.93" sensor | S21 Ultra's selfie camera captures more detail with better low-light capabilities and a wider field of view. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers more optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, 1/2.55" sensor | 12MP, 1/2.55" sensor | Comparable quality, both offer similar wide-angle and macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, 720p@960fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 720p@480fps | Both offer excellent video recording, but the S21 Ultra offers higher frame rate slow-motion |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | 116 | Similar performance with Asus showing slightly better results |
| DxOMark Video | 100 | 118 | Asus Zenfone 8 has significantly better video performance |
| DxOMark Selfie | 135 | Not tested | Samsung excels in selfie performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | S21 Ultra has longer battery life; Zenfone 8 may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Zenfone 8 charges slightly faster, but the S21 Ultra has a larger battery. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more flexibility with wireless and reverse charging |
| Other | |||
| Software | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | S21 Ultra will receive longer software updates. |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra has larger storage option, but both lack expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6/8/12/16GB | Both offer good RAM options, but S21 Ultra offers the highest memory configuration. |
| GPS | More limited GPS | More GPS options | Zenfone 8 has slightly better positioning capabilities. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | 3 microphones | Both offer excellent audio options, but different strengths; S21 Ultra has Dolby Atmos. |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer equal screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger and Sharper Display: The 6.8" screen with higher resolution (1440x3200) and pixel density (515 PPI) provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and superior clarity for detailed tasks.
- Superior Camera System: Multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution main and selfie cameras, and overall better performance in various conditions, especially in low-light and zoom capabilities.
- Larger Battery & Versatile Charging: A 5000mAh battery offers longer usage times and supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging options.
- More Software Updates: The S21 Ultra will receive software updates for a longer period.
- Premium Features: Dolby Atmos audio enhances the audio experience.
Asus Zenfone 8 Advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Smaller size and lighter weight (169g) make it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides marginally better performance, especially in graphically intensive tasks such as gaming.
- Slightly better Video Recording performance: The Asus Zenfone 8 performs better in video recordings according to DxOMark, especially noticeable in stabilization and dynamic range.
- Faster Charging: The 30W charging is slightly faster than the S21 Ultra’s 25W charging.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Supports more satellite systems, allowing for potentially more accurate location tracking.
- Better Audio Recording: Features 3 microphones, which may lead to better audio recording quality in certain scenarios.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger size and weight may not be convenient for all users.
- Zenfone 8: Smaller screen, fewer camera features, shorter battery life compared to the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching movies, playing games, and consuming content on a large, high-quality display.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility, quality, and features for capturing various types of photos and videos.
- Power Users: Users who need a large battery and wireless charging for all-day usage and flexibility.
Users wanting a premium experience: Individuals who want top-of-the-line features and are willing to pay a premium.
- Use Case: A professional photographer who needs a versatile camera system with high zoom capabilities, along with a large display for editing photos on the go.
Asus Zenfone 8 is Ideal For:
- Users Who Prefer Compact Phones: Users who prioritize portability and one-handed use.
- Gamers and Performance Seekers: Users who want good performance in games and demanding tasks without the bulk of a large phone.
- Those who prioritize battery charging speeds: Users who want a phone that will charge quicker
Users who want a great but simple phone: Users who want a great user experience without all the bells and whistles.
- Use Case: A commuter who wants a powerful phone that is easy to carry in a pocket and use with one hand, primarily for social media, casual games, and listening to music.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Size and Handling: Do you prefer a large immersive display or a compact, pocketable device?
- Camera Needs: Do you need advanced zoom capabilities, multiple camera lenses, and overall better image quality, or is a standard camera system sufficient?
- Battery and Charging: Do you prioritize battery longevity and wireless charging, or is slightly faster wired charging more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a photographer/videographer that wants the best camera system and are willing to pay a premium, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: If you want a phone that can be used easily with one hand, that's powerful enough for gaming, and have a slightly lower budget, choose the Asus Zenfone 8.
- Scenario 3: If you want the best battery life and a bigger screen for media consumption and a powerful camera system, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite being slightly older, it excels in key areas that are important to me. As a user, I appreciate a larger, high-quality display for media consumption, and I find the camera versatility and performance extremely valuable for photography and video creation. While the Zenfone 8 is a great phone for those who prefer compactness and good performance, the S21 Ultra offers a more premium and versatile experience that aligns more closely with my needs.
The slightly faster charging speed of the Zenfone 8 is appealing, but the S21 Ultra's larger battery and wireless charging capabilities make up for that difference. The software support for the S21 Ultra is also an added bonus for long-term use. Therefore, the S21 Ultra's superior camera and display, coupled with its larger battery, make it the clear winner for my usage.
