1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the HTC U23 Pro, focusing on practical user experience:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-05-18 | HTC U23 Pro is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 166.6 × 77.1 × 8.9 mm | HTC U23 Pro is slightly taller and wider, but both have the same thickness. Differences are negligible in daily use. |
| Weight | 227g | 205g | HTC U23 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods of use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal difference, both offer a large, immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers a sharper, more detailed display, noticeable in text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably crisper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, no practical difference. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra display is much brighter, offering significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. HTC U23 Pro brightness data is missing and needs verification. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both are capable chipsets. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is slightly newer but benchmarks are not conclusive in daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 699,600 | S21 Ultra scores higher, suggesting potentially better performance in demanding tasks, though the real-world difference is likely small for most use cases. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs, with slight differences in performance for graphics-intensive applications, but not a dealbreaker for the average user. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4600mAh | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a small increase in battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | HTC U23 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless charging, 9W Reverse wireless charging | 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wireless charging | S21 Ultra has more wireless charging features, while both support wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | HTC U23 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 108MP f/1.7 | Both have a 108MP main camera with similar specs; HTC has wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 32MP f/2.45 | S21 Ultra's selfie camera has higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for further zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP f/2.4 | HTC U23 Pro has an 8MP wide angle camera for wider shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | N/A | 5MP f/2.2 | HTC U23 Pro has a depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | HTC U23 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated Wide Angle+ Macro camera for ultrawide and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports higher video resolutions, ideal for professional video recording. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | N/A | S21 Ultra has scored well in camera benchmark, the HTC U23 Pro's camera has not been tested. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | N/A | S21 Ultra has scored well in the selfie camera benchmark, the HTC U23 Pro's selfie camera has not been tested. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness, especially important for outdoor visibility and sharper viewing experience.
- Better Camera System: Multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution selfie, better video recording quality (8K).
- More Powerful Chipset: While benchmark scores show a small advantage, the S21 Ultra's chipset is sufficient for most intensive tasks.
- More Battery Features: Offers a larger battery, reverse charging and better wireless charging capabilities
- Advanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation for enhanced audio.
- Advanced Connectivity: Features like WiFi MiMO and more Bluetooth profiles for better connectivity options.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Including a barometer for additional environmental data.
- Higher RAM options: Available with 16GB RAM for improved multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 512 GB of storage.
- Proven Camera Performance: DxOMark scores indicate a high-quality camera system.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better for users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, performance, and advanced audio features.
HTC U23 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer OS: Android 13 out of the box with potential for longer updates.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging speeds
- Dedicated Macro and Wide-Angle Lens: Offers macro and wide angle lens, which are missing on S21 Ultra.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially more convenient than in-display fingerprint reader.
Practical Implications: The HTC U23 Pro is better for users who prioritize a lightweight design, up-to-date software, fast charging, and those who prefer the convenience of a side mounted fingerprint reader.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G trades a slightly heavier design and older software for a much better display, a more versatile camera system, and superior audio.
- The HTC U23 Pro trades some camera versatility and display quality for a lighter design, faster charging, and a newer version of Android.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
Ideal Users:
- Photography enthusiasts who need a versatile camera system with great zoom capabilities and higher quality video capabilities.
- Users who consume media heavily and need a vibrant, bright, and high-resolution display.
- Power users who need high performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who desire a comprehensive sensor suite for diverse applications.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Watching high-definition movies and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Navigation and outdoor activities utilizing the barometer.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 Ultra is an older flagship and its price may have dropped, making it an attractive value for its features.
HTC U23 Pro:
Ideal Users:
- Users looking for a comfortable, lightweight phone with a newer version of Android.
- Casual photographers who appreciate a wide-angle and macro lens.
- Users who value faster charging.
- Users who prefer a side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday usage with emphasis on comfort.
- Casual photography with wide angle and macro capabilities.
- Quick charging for busy schedules.
- Easy unlocking with side-mounted sensor.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: The HTC U23 Pro is priced for the mid-range market, appealing to users who don't need the most advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your purchase decision:
- Display Quality Priority: Is a high-resolution, brighter display essential for you (Samsung S21 Ultra), or is a standard display adequate (HTC U23 Pro)?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need advanced camera features like telephoto zoom and higher resolution video capabilities (Samsung S21 Ultra), or is a general-purpose camera enough (HTC U23 Pro)?
- Design and Software: Do you prioritize a lighter, more modern design with the latest Android version (HTC U23 Pro) or are you okay with older software for a better all-round experience (Samsung S21 Ultra)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatility, zoom capabilities, and superior video recording.
- Media Consumer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its brighter, sharper, higher-resolution display.
- Casual User with Budget Constraints: Choose the HTC U23 Pro for its newer Android OS, lighter design, and faster charging.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its brighter display and barometer sensor.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Despite being an older phone, the vastly superior display, more versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses, advanced audio and connectivity, and the comprehensive sensor suite make it a more compelling option for me. The higher resolution, brighter screen and proven camera performance outweights the trade-offs of a heavier design and slightly older OS. I prioritize display and camera performance and therefore, the S21 Ultra aligns better with my needs.
