Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the two phones, focusing on real-world implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and slightly thicker, which might impact one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | Nothing Phone (2a) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | S21 Ultra offers better scratch and drop protection for its display |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size, both are large-screen devices. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2412 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with more detail, better for reading, images, and video. |
| PPI | 515 | 395 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a crisper image; individual pixels are less noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | S21 Ultra is brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer, slightly more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) benchmarks higher, indicating marginally better performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Mali-G610 MC4 (Arm Mali-G610 MC4) | The GPU difference could mean subtle variations in graphics performance in demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution photos with a slightly wider aperture. The 2a has bigger pixel size, capturing more light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots; Nothing (2a) Plus relies on digital zoom for this. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (2a) has a slightly higher resolution. S21 has larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra features a dedicated telephoto lens for longer-range zoom, missing in the (2a). |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The Nothing Phone (2a) uses the same sensor for wide and macro shots. S21 Ultra has larger sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra can record higher-resolution video, offering more creative flexibility for video recording. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | The S21 Ultra has been tested and scored, suggesting a high-quality camera system. Nothing 2a has no official DXOMark score. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, Optical Zoom | Dual Camera, Time-Lapse | S21 Ultra excels in zoom and provides a more diverse camera setup. Nothing Phone (2a) offers timelapse. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 50W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | None | S21 Ultra has more charging options, including convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 14, Max 17 | Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a newer Android version and will likely receive longer software support. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual band | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities for high-speed internet connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | The Nothing Phone (2a) uses the latest Bluetooth version for more efficient connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both devices offer dual SIM capabilities. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options including a 512GB configuration. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 12GB | S21 Ultra can be configured with more RAM, enhancing multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users are limited to internal storage capacity. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio | S21 Ultra offers immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support. |
Security, Sensors & Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide standard biometric security; no significant differences. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21 Ultra provides additional sensor data for niche applications like tracking pressure changes. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | S21 Ultra provides superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offer a visibly sharper and more vibrant viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Multiple telephoto lenses and higher quality sensors results in more versatile photography and better zoom capabilities.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient for charging accessories and other devices.
- Higher quality audio Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support.
- Barometer: More comprehensive sensor suite
- More storage: A 512 GB option is available.
- Screen protection uses Gorilla Glass Victus.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Significantly lighter and slightly thinner profile offers better ergonomics for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: 50W charging allows much quicker replenishment of the battery compared to 25W.
- Newer Software: Comes with the latest Android version for longer support.
- Marginally better performance benchmarks higher in some tests.
- More efficient satellite system
- Newer bluetooth
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Heavier, older software and slower charging compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Less capable camera system in comparison with the Samsung S21 Ultra and doesn't have the same superior display quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, users who value a top-tier display, and those who want premium features like wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, extensive video recording, media consumption, high-end gaming.
- Strengths: Excellent camera quality (zoom capability), sharp and bright display, versatile charging options.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Ideal User: Users looking for a balanced smartphone with good performance, fast charging, and a lighter build.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, gaming, content consumption, fast paced lifestyles where charging needs to be quick and efficient.
- Strengths: Faster charging, lighter build, newer software, slightly better performance.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? If you value optical zoom and high-resolution photography, the S21 Ultra is a better choice.
- Do you prioritize a lightweight design and fast charging? If so, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is more appealing.
- Is having the latest software version and a phone that will be supported for longer a priority? The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a newer device and comes with Android 14, offering longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A user who enjoys taking photos often, needs great video, and wants to watch movies on their phone: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: A user who values quick charge, and wants to have a fast experience. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- Scenario 3: A user who wants the most premium device with cutting edge features: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 4: A user who wants the latest software and a phone that will be supported for longer: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it's an older device, its superior display and the versatility of the camera system align better with my personal priorities, and make up for some of its downfalls in my case.
