1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Asus Zenfone 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-15 | Asus Zenfone 9 is a newer device, potentially with more recent software and security updates. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.1 mm | S21 Ultra is significantly larger, making the Zenfone 9 more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 169g | The Zenfone 9 is much lighter, improving comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 5.9" | S21 Ultra has a larger screen for immersive media consumption and better multitasking; Zenfone 9 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers a sharper display with finer details, which is noticeable for detailed images and small text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 445 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI provides a more crisp image quality, especially for text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly more readable under bright sunlight due to its higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Zenfone 9's newer chip offers significantly higher performance, better efficiency and is better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,232,500 | Zenfone 9 delivers considerably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Zenfone 9 has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphical performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Zenfone 9 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more convenient charging options, like reverse and wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra has higher main camera resolution which is great for cropping and print, while Zenfone 9 has larger pixels for better low light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra's larger main sensor can capture more light and detail. |
| Main Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Zenfone 9 has larger pixels for potentially better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 12MP | S21 Ultra's selfie camera captures more detailed self-portraits with wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Selfie Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/2.93" | S21 Ultra's selfie sensor can capture slightly more light. |
| Selfie Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.22 µm | Zenfone 9 has larger pixels for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photography. |
| Wide Angle | Comparable | Comparable | Similar performance for wide-angle photos in both devices. |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Both can record high-resolution video, Zenfone 9 offers 4K120fps while S21 Ultra 960fps slow motion |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Manual focus, Laser AF, Night Mode | Dual camera, Gimbal | S21 Ultra provides more flexibility with versatile lenses and laser AF. Zenfone 9 has better image stabilization with Gimbal. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Zenfone 9 has a more recent base OS out of the box but Samsung provides longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast, reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both support the latest Bluetooth standards for stable connections. |
| GPS | Multiple GNSS Support | More GNSS Support | Zenfone 9 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy in various locations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage space for users with large files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/16 GB | Both phones offer ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | 3 microphones | S21 Ultra has Dolby Atmos for better audio clarity, while Zenfone 9 offers 3 microphones for enhanced voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-screen Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Asus Zenfone 9's side mounted is potentially faster and more accurate than in screen. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have the same level of screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | Gravity | S21 Ultra has additional Barometer while Zenfone 9 has Gravity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience with higher resolution and brightness, which is ideal for media consumption and detailed work.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes multiple telephoto lenses providing more zoom capabilities and more camera flexibility.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Offers convenience for charging accessories or other devices on the go.
- Larger Battery: Might provide extended battery life for heavy users who need more power.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced Audio Quality for richer audio experience.
- Additional Environmental Sensors: Useful for more data tracking with additional Barometer.
- Longer Software Support: Android 15 support is great.
Asus Zenfone 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The newer Snapdragon chipset results in faster processing speeds for gaming, multitasking and intensive tasks.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Significantly more portable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Faster Charging: Quickly top up the battery when needed.
- Better Low-Light Main Camera Performance: Larger pixel size helps to capture more light in low-light scenarios.
- Gimbal Stabilization: More stable video recording thanks to Gimbal.
- Better GPS support: More accurate positioning.
- 3 microphones: Better audio capturing during recordings.
- Potentially faster fingerprint: Side-mounted fingerprint can be faster than the in-screen fingerprint on S21.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger and heavier, potentially less comfortable to hold. Older chipset offers less performance.
- Zenfone 9: Smaller screen and fewer camera features, smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos and movies on a large, high-quality screen.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses, including optical zoom capabilities, and all the features you could wish for.
- Power Users: People who use their phones heavily throughout the day and might need wireless and reverse charging.
- Multitaskers: Those who want a large screen for running multiple apps and a lot of ram for heavy multitasking.
- Users who need long software support: With Android 15 update, it gives longer support and peace of mind for future.
Asus Zenfone 9 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone that is easy to handle with one hand.
- Gamers: People who need the highest processing power for demanding games and smooth gameplay.
- On-the-Go Users: Those who need fast charging to top up quickly while traveling.
- Those who want the best video stability: Gimbal helps with stable video recording.
- Users who want the latest tech: More recent chipset, faster fingerprint, better GPS etc.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize screen size and camera versatility, or compact design and performance?
- How important are wireless charging and battery life for your daily usage?
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., media consumption, gaming, photography, portability)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer who needs a compact phone that can handle demanding tasks: Choose the Asus Zenfone 9 for its superior performance, portability, and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: You love photography and consume media on your phone: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera system and larger, higher-resolution display.
- Scenario 3: You are a heavy user who needs a reliable phone for extended use: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G might be better due to its larger battery, wireless and reverse charging.
- Scenario 4: You want a well rounded phone with great performance and modern features: The Asus Zenfone 9 is the choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 9. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a more versatile camera system and a larger display, the significantly better performance, more compact and lighter design of the Zenfone 9 are more appealing to me. I also enjoy playing mobile games, so the better chipset and GPU on the Zenfone 9 would provide a better experience for me. The smaller size also makes it more practical for day-to-day use.
