1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable |
| Weight | 227g | 185g | Nokia X30 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | S21 Ultra offers more screen real estate for media, gaming and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and detailed display, noticeable difference |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 409 | S21 Ultra display is noticeably sharper than Nokia X30 |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra screen is much more visible in bright sunlight, a key advantage |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful processor, better for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 410,072 | S21 Ultra significantly faster overall, better for gaming, multitasking, and app loading |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra has significantly better graphics performance, handles graphically intensive tasks better |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | S21 Ultra has larger battery and likely to provide longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Nokia X30 charges faster despite smaller battery |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging convenience, Nokia does not. S21 ultra has no included charger |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures higher detail in photos, beneficial for cropping |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers much better zoom capabilities, versatile camera system |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra has a wide-angle lens and macro capability. Nokia X30 only has a wide-angle lens |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies with wider aperture for better low light |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra captures higher quality video with more options, ideal for video creators |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has professionally tested camera quality, Nokia X30 has not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Nokia X30 has a newer base OS, but the S21 Ultra receives more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the same speed of Wi-Fi, Samsung has MIMO which helps connect to multiple antennas |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, useful for newer devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar GPS capabilities, with small differences in supported systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage capacity, good for those with large media libraries |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM for faster multitasking and smoother operation |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra has better sound quality for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both screens are equally durable |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has more sensors, including a barometer for environmental data |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness, sharper images, better outdoor visibility and smoother refresh rate.
- Higher Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU, better for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution main and selfie cameras and overall better image quality, including 8K video recording.
- Larger Battery with Wireless Charging: Longer battery life due to a larger capacity and more charging options.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support for a richer audio experience.
- Additional Features: Includes features like reverse wireless charging and more sensors.
- More RAM and Storage: Provides larger RAM and Storage options for smoother operations and more content saving.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to hold and easier to carry around due to its lower weight and smaller size.
- Faster Charging: Charges quicker with 33W fast charging compared to the S21 Ultra's 25W.
- Newer Base OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra is larger and heavier, and does not include a charging brick, making it less convenient to carry. It is also significantly more expensive.
- The Nokia X30 sacrifices overall performance and camera quality for a lighter design, fast charging, and lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile photographers and videographers, gamers, and individuals who prioritize top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Professional Photography/Videography: 8K video recording, multiple telephoto lenses, versatile camera system.
- Mobile Gaming: High refresh rate, powerful GPU, large screen.
- Multitasking: More RAM, powerful processor.
- Outdoor Use: High brightness display.
- Media Consumption: Large, high-resolution screen with excellent color accuracy.
Nokia X30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize comfort, portability and value. Those who still want a 5G device and do not require the highest performance.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Use: Lighter and more compact, more convenient for daily carrying.
- Fast Charging: Need to quickly charge the phone.
- Budget-Conscious: Seek value in a phone with good everyday features without top-tier performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is my budget? The Samsung S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the Nokia X30.
- How important are performance and camera quality? The S21 Ultra is the clear winner in both categories.
- How important is device size, weight, and portability? The Nokia X30 is much lighter and easier to carry.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "Power User": If you need the absolute best performance, camera capabilities and display quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice, despite its cost and size.
- Scenario 2: "Budget-Conscious Everyday User": If you want a good quality smartphone that is more affordable and easy to handle, the Nokia X30 is a solid option, but be aware of its limitations in display and performance.
- Scenario 3: "Traveler/Commuter": If portability and weight are primary concerns, the Nokia X30 offers a lighter and more pocketable experience.
- Scenario 4: "Content Creator": If you are someone who values video recording the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice with 8k recording capability.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is more expensive and bulky, the significantly superior display, performance, and camera system are worth the trade-offs for my needs. I prioritize these aspects over the portability and affordability of the Nokia X30. I use my phone for demanding tasks, such as gaming, content creation and media consumption, and the S21 Ultra would fulfill all these needs without compromise. The additional features like wireless charging and the wider range of sensors also appeal to me.
