Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Nokia G60
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia G60 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 166 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is negligibly thicker; both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | Nokia G60 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for immersive media. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper text and images, much better for detail-oriented tasks. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 401 ppi | S21 Ultra provides a much crisper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, Nokia G60 brightness is unknown so is practically unusable outside on a sunny day. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chip provides much better performance for heavy tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 410,072 | S21 Ultra provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more fluid gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra's GPU is better for graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures much more detail in photos, allows for larger prints. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP + 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed images. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 8MP | S21 Ultra takes higher-resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP | 5MP | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution for wide angle shots and includes macro capabilities, Nokia G60 has only wide angle capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra allows professional-grade video recording for high-quality video content creation. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features like 8K video, OIS, and optical zoom. | Basic camera features. | S21 Ultra is a much more versatile and capable camera system. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100. Selfie: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | S21 Ultra demonstrates superior camera quality according to DXOMark's testing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | S21 Ultra offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 20W | S21 Ultra charges faster, although neither are considered extremely fast. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21 Ultra offers more convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | None | S21 Ultra can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 12, no info on upgrades | Nokia G60 has newer software out of the box, but Samsung offers a longer OS support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | S21 Ultra has slightly better WiFi capabilities due to MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra offers a slightly newer standard, although the real world implication is minimal. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Nokia G60 offers eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 Ultra provides far greater storage options. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | S21 Ultra allows significantly smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra offers more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G60's side fingerprint sensor offers a slightly more convenient experience than the basic sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite, including barometer and compass. | Standard sensor suite | S21 Ultra has more sensor capabilities, valuable for certain apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and much higher brightness result in a dramatically better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Advanced features like 8K video, optical zoom, and multiple lenses offer more flexibility and higher quality photos and videos, supported by high DXOMark scores.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and more robust connectivity options.
- Better Audio Experience: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for better immersion.
Nokia G60 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- eSIM Support: Allows easier carrier switching.
- Newer OS Out of Box: Comes with Android 12 (though the max OS version is unknown)
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: May be slightly more ergonomic for some users.
- Lower Price: Likely to be much more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier, potentially less comfortable for extended use.
- Nokia G60: Significantly less powerful, much inferior camera system, and a lower-quality display.
- Nokia G60: lacks advanced audio features
- Nokia G60: Lacks outdoor brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, and gamers who demand top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Media consumption with high visual fidelity.
- Multitasking with heavy applications.
- Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology.
- Price-to-Value: High price, but justifies it with its superior performance, camera capabilities, and features.
Nokia G60:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks and that supports eSIM.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media use.
- Casual web browsing and email.
- Light gaming.
- Users who prioritize affordability.
- Users needing the ease of eSIM support.
- Price-to-Value: Very good value for the price, providing basic features at a lower cost, but with significant compromises in performance, display, camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are my primary use cases? (Photography, gaming, media, basic use)
- How important is display quality to me? (Do I need high resolution, brightness, and contrast?)
- What is my budget? (Is a higher price justifiable for top-tier performance and features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer/videographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. It offers the superior camera system, higher video quality, and advanced features needed for serious photography and videography.
- Scenario 2: Casual user with budget constraints: Choose the Nokia G60. It provides a reliable experience for everyday use while being lighter and more affordable.
- Scenario 3: Gaming enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. It offers much higher performance, better display, and more advanced features to provide a great gaming experience.
- Scenario 4: User with heavy media consumption and outdoor usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its AMOLED display, high brightness and high resolution make it suitable for media consumption and is suitable for use outdoors.
My Choice
Given the information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it is an older phone, the performance and features it offers, especially its vastly superior display, camera system, and processing power, justify the purchase. The Nokia G60 offers a good experience for the price, but the Samsung provides a truly premium experience that excels in almost every aspect. The dramatically better display and camera capabilities make the Samsung the better choice for my needs. The lack of outdoor brightness is a deal breaker for the Nokia.
