Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Nokia G42
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-06-28 | Nokia G42 is significantly newer, potentially offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, but the Samsung is slightly thicker (0.3mm), hardly noticeable in daily use. |
| Weight | 227g | 193.8g | Nokia G42 is noticeably lighter (33.2g), making it more comfortable for prolonged handling and less tiring during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.56" | Samsung offers a slightly larger display, which might be preferred for media consumption, gaming and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1612 | Samsung's significantly higher resolution results in much sharper images and text; a visible difference when viewing high-quality content or reading small text. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 269 PPI | Samsung’s higher PPI display is noticeably sharper, offering much clearer images and fine details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung’s AMOLED panel offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark mode; generally a better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling, which may be noticeable when moving between apps or during gaming and also during daily navigation. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Samsung's display is much brighter, ensuring excellent visibility under direct sunlight; the Nokia's brightness is unspecified and could be problematic in outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ (8 nm) | Samsung's Exynos chip (5nm) is more powerful and efficient than the Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) resulting in snappier performance, faster app loading times and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 380,000 | Samsung is significantly faster in real-world use with almost double the score on benchmarks; noticeable in gaming, multitasking, video editing and heavy-duty apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | Samsung's GPU is more powerful, offering superior graphics processing performance in gaming, video editing and other graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity which may result in similar battery life, however usage and system optimization will play a significant role. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Samsung's faster charging (25W) will result in slightly shorter charging times compared to Nokia's 20W. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, No Charger | No Charger | Samsung offers added battery features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience; Neither include chargers in the box, requiring a separate purchase. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Samsung offers a much higher resolution and a larger sensor, resulting in better detail and overall image quality in good lighting conditions; Low-light performance is also expected to be better. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing for high-quality zoomed shots with better results than digital zoom; Nokia has no telephoto camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung offers a much higher resolution front-facing camera, better for selfies and video calls; Nokia has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | N/A | Samsung has an additional telephoto lens for further zooming capabilities; Nokia does not have one. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait shots, but the overall quality will still be limited to the main sensor limitations; Samsung has no dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia offers a macro lens for detailed close-up shots, although image quality may be limited by the small sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive shots and has macro capabilities with this lens, making it a more versatile camera system. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record at much higher resolutions with additional stabilization and features like HDR, offering professional-grade video quality; Nokia is limited to 1080p video quality with no advanced features. |
| DxOMark | Mobile:115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | Samsung has superior camera performance with significantly higher scores from DxOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 13, Max 14 | Nokia ships with a more recent Android version, but may receive less long-term support and less feature rich software compared to Samsung; The Samsung will have a longer OS support than the Nokia. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6. Samsung offers Wi-Fi MIMO which can offer slightly better wireless performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, Multiple Profiles | 5.1, LE, A2DP | Samsung supports a more modern Bluetooth version with additional profiles, which can provide better sound quality and more connectivity options than the Nokia which has a more basic implementation. |
| GPS | Dual-Band GPS | Single-Band GPS | Samsung's dual-band GPS (L1+L5, E1+E5a) should offer more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Samsung's Dual SIM support offers flexibility for using two numbers, beneficial for those travelling or having business/personal numbers; Nokia only has a single SIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | Samsung provides more storage options, with some models having up to 512GB, while Nokia has a limited 128GB; Samsung is suitable for heavy media consumption, while the Nokia is limited and could require cloud storage. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | Samsung has far more RAM which allows better multitasking and handling of demanding apps; Nokia is more limited in resource management. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, requiring users to rely on cloud storage or choosing a higher internal storage option during purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | 2 Microphones | Samsung has significantly better audio features, enhancing the music and video-watching experience with immersive spatial audio, higher-quality audio playback and a noise-canceling microphone, where the Nokia is more basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Nokia’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor may offer faster unlocking compared to the basic sensor in the Samsung; Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung offers a more scratch and damage-resistant glass than the Nokia. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Samsung offers additional sensors that will allow features like advanced gaming, environmental measurements etc; the Nokia is basic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness. This results in a much more enjoyable visual experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Higher Performance: A more powerful processor and GPU mean faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile quad-camera system with superior main sensor, telephoto lenses, higher resolution front camera, and 8K video recording capabilities, resulting in better image and video quality in various scenarios.
- More Battery Features: Additional battery features like wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more convenience for daily use.
- Better Audio: Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers higher storage options and RAM for handling demanding tasks.
- Connectivity: Support for Dual-band GPS, Wi-Fi MIMO and more Bluetooth profiles.
- Build Quality: More robust screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus
- Sensors: Additional sensors including a barometer for enhanced functionalities.
Nokia G42 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with a more recent version of Android.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be more convenient for unlocking the device.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Provides a few dedicated sensors that the Samsung lacks, although with limitations due to the sensors themselves.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Samsung: Higher price point due to advanced features and technology; it is heavier and thicker.
- Nokia: Lower screen quality, significantly lower performance, and limited camera capabilities compared to the Samsung. Lacks many premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, content creators who need the best video capabilities, avid photographers who prioritize image quality, gamers who want a smooth experience, and media enthusiasts who enjoy a high-quality display.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and video production, graphic-intensive gaming, heavy multitasking, demanding apps, high-quality video streaming, and tasks that require top-tier performance and quality.
- Price-to-Value: High price but offers a premium experience with flagship-level specs that provide excellent value for users who need top-tier performance.
Nokia G42:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lighter device with basic functionality, casual users with light to moderate use-cases, users who prioritize the latest software over features.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, basic photography, less demanding mobile games, and daily communication.
- Price-to-Value: More affordable with basic features making it good value for those with lower budgets and less demanding needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Samsung is significantly more expensive than the Nokia.
- What are my performance needs? If you need demanding performance or will run many apps, the Samsung will be much more effective.
- How important is display quality and camera performance? If you prioritise high resolution, a vibrant screen, and a versatile camera system, the Samsung is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you love taking photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you only need basic smartphone capabilities and want to save money, the Nokia G42 is a good option.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: If you prioritize mobile gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a superior experience with its advanced display and powerful chipset.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption: If you stream a lot of movies or tv shows on your phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G would be the better choice, thanks to its stunning high resolution and high quality display.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is the more expensive option, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is undeniable. I value a high-quality visual experience for content consumption and gaming and a reliable, powerful camera system for everyday use, and the S21 Ultra delivers significantly better in these key aspects. While the Nokia G42 is a fine phone for basic use and comes at a more affordable price, it is simply outclassed in nearly every important category. The extra investment for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is worth it for the superior experience and advanced features I want in my everyday smartphone.
