1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-09-01 | Nokia C31 is newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software features (though OS updates matter more) |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical slab-style phones. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly shorter and thinner, while C31 is wider. Overall, both are large phones, but S21 Ultra more compact |
| Weight | 227g | 200g | Nokia C31 is noticeably lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.75" | Negligible difference in size; Both provide large screen experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1600 | S21 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, resulting in much clearer text and images, making it much better for media consumption. C31's display is noticeably less detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 260 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI leads to a much crisper display, noticeable in everyday use, especially for reading and viewing high-resolution media. C31's display will appear pixelated in comparison. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making it much better for consuming content, especially HDR content. C31's display is functional but less visually pleasing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra provides a significantly smoother visual experience, making scrolling and animations feel much more fluid. C31's 60Hz display will feel less responsive. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. The Nokia's brightness is unknown, making it difficult to evaluate outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is much more powerful, leading to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. C31 will struggle with demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 109,200 | The S21 Ultra's score is over 6x higher, indicating a huge performance advantage. S21 Ultra is capable of intensive tasks, while the C31 is only suitable for basic usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | IMG8322 | The S21 Ultra's GPU is far more powerful, meaning much better gaming performance, and smoother rendering. The C31 will not handle graphically intensive games well. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 13MP | S21 Ultra's main camera captures significantly more detail and performs better in low light. C31's is suitable for basic photography. |
| Telephoto (1) | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra has optical zoom capabilities, allowing for closer shots without losing detail. C31 lacks this, limiting its zoom performance. |
| Telephoto (2) | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a second telephoto lens, offering additional zoom levels and versatility, whereas the C31 lacks any telephoto capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | Not Available | S21 Ultra can capture wide-angle shots and detailed macro shots. C31 lacks a dedicated wide angle and macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra's selfie camera captures significantly more detail, better low light performance, and higher quality video. C31 will take lower-resolution photos with less detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | C31 includes a dedicated portrait lens for depth effect, a feature missing from the S21 Ultra. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | C31 includes a dedicated macro lens, which S21 Ultra does not feature |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, various modes | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra supports much higher resolution video recording and has more advanced features (EIS, Stereo Sound). C31 provides only basic 1080p recording. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has been tested and has excellent performance, while the Nokia C31 does not have any public scores, suggesting it is not as good. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both have similar capacity, suggesting comparable endurance. Actual battery life will vary based on usage and other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges considerably faster. C31's slower charging may require longer charging times. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge and also charge other devices wirelessly. C31 does not support wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to Unknown | S21 Ultra has a guaranteed update to Android 15, meaning it's supported for longer. C31's update support is unknown. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Direct, Display, MiMO | Wi-Fi Hotspot | S21 Ultra supports a much faster and more advanced Wi-Fi standard. C31 supports older WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with many features | 4.2 with basic features | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better stability, range, and power efficiency, and with more functionality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | S21 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. C31 supports a basic suite of location services. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more storage options for higher file capacity; both are available with 128 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 4GB | S21 Ultra has a lot more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better app switching. The C31 will lag more often when multiple apps are in use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancelling, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | S21 Ultra has a much richer and immersive audio experience with better audio quality. C31 will have basic audio quality. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors, but the mounting location differs. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus screen protector | Unknown | S21 Ultra uses a more durable display protection. The type of protection used by the Nokia C31 is unknown. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | S21 Ultra has more sensors, enabling more features such as orientation-based features, advanced motion tracking, and environmental data. C31 has a basic set. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness. This results in a drastically better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and its GPU provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming capability.
- Professional-Grade Camera System: Offers a much more versatile and advanced camera setup with higher resolution sensors, multiple telephoto lenses, ultra-wide capabilities, and higher quality video capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: Supports much faster charging speeds and has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Premium Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers and noise cancellation providing an immersive audio experience
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Comes with far more RAM for smoother performance and has more storage options.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for improved screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes more sensors for features such as a compass, gyroscope, and barometer.
- Longer Software Support: Offers guaranteed OS upgrades until Android 15.
Nokia C31 Advantages
- Lighter Weight: Is slightly more portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious users.
- Portrait and Macro Lenses: Includes depth and macro lenses missing on the S21 Ultra.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, while the S21 Ultra launched with Android 11.
- Front Facing Flash: Features a front facing flash for better selfies in low-light conditions
Significant Trade-Offs
- Samsung S21 Ultra: The S21 Ultra's drawbacks revolve around its potentially higher price and its lack of macro or portrait lenses. However, the advantages in almost every other area make it a significant overall upgrade.
- Nokia C31: The Nokia C31's primary trade-off is its substantial performance and display sacrifices, which may significantly impact user experience. While being cheaper, it provides a more basic experience, suitable for basic tasks.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile photographers, gamers, and media consumers who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Professional mobile photography and videography
- Demanding gaming and graphic-intensive applications
- High-resolution media consumption (movies, streaming)
- Multitasking and productivity
- Price-to-Value: Offers a high value for users who need top-tier performance, display quality, and camera features.
Nokia C31
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those with very basic smartphone needs, and those who prioritize lightweight design.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, messaging)
- Light web browsing and social media
- Casual photography
- Users not needing to do intensive tasks
- Price-to-Value: Provides good value for users who need a basic smartphone at a low price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use Cases: What will you primarily use your phone for? (e.g., Gaming, Photography, Basic Tasks)
- Performance & Display Needs: How important are high-performance capabilities and a high-quality display to your overall satisfaction?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (High-Performance User): If performance, a high-quality display, and advanced camera capabilities are priorities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget User): If you prioritize affordability and basic tasks, the Nokia C31 may be sufficient, acknowledging the significant trade-offs in performance, display, and camera quality.
- Scenario 3 (Media Consumption User): If you want to watch a lot of movies and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G with its superior display and audio capabilities is recommended.
- Scenario 4 (Basic User): If you just need a device for basic communication and light use, the Nokia C31 will suffice as a more affordable option, however, it will not be the best experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it's a much older phone, its performance is still leaps and bounds ahead of the Nokia C31. The significantly superior display and camera quality are significant factors in my decision. The difference in real world usage will be substantial, as the Nokia C31 will lag much more often than the S21 Ultra. The extra cost is worth it considering the far superior performance, display, and camera capabilities. The Nokia C31 is only suitable if you absolutely need the cheapest phone possible and aren't going to be doing anything besides basic communication.
