Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. OnePlus 10 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, making the 10 Pro a bit more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 201g | OnePlus 10 Pro is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference; both offer large, immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3216 | Both are extremely sharp, with pixel density differences that are imperceptible to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 515 | 525 | Both have excellent pixel density; very sharp displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing Spec | Samsung's AMOLED generally offers superior blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1300 nits | S21 Ultra will be noticeably more visible in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro is more efficient and powerful, leading to smoother performance, especially in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 900,491 | OnePlus 10 Pro benchmarks higher, indicating slightly better overall system performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 730 (Adreno 730) | OnePlus 10 Pro's Adreno 730 provides a superior graphical experience, especially for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Lens | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", Samsung S5KHM3, 0.80µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789, 1.12µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution, while OnePlus 10 Pro has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto and portrait lens for enhanced zooming and bokeh. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", Samsung S5KGH1, 0.70µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution, while OnePlus 10 Pro has a slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm | S21 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities with larger sensor |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | OnePlus 10 Pro includes a dedicated wide angle lens for landscape photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated ultrawide and macro lens for capturing detailed close-ups. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K @ 24fps, multiple 4K and 1080p options with HDR and EIS | Up to 8K @ 24fps, 4K @120fps, multiple 4K and 1080p options with HDR and EIS | Both offer high-quality video recording with EIS, S21 Ultra has 960fps slow motion while 10 Pro offers 480fps. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 122 | OnePlus 10 Pro offers slightly better overall camera performance based on DXOMark scores |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Missing Spec | S21 Ultra selfie camera has been rated excellent by DXOMark, but no rating for the OnePlus is available |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF, RAW | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW 12 bits | Both cameras have robust features. S21 Ultra has an extra camera for more versatility, but the 10 Pro has improved software processing features and better autofocus capabilities. |
| ### Battery |
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | OnePlus 10 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, max version 15 | Android 12, max version 14 | 10 Pro has a newer OS out of the box, but Samsung will receive more software updates overall. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | OnePlus 10 Pro has faster WiFi technology, more future-proof. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both phones have identical Bluetooth technology and features. |
| RAM | 12 or 16 GB | 8 or 12 GB | S21 Ultra has the option for more RAM, better suited for more demanding users. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Camera Versatility: Features an additional telephoto lens, and a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, providing more flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The zoom capabilities are superior, especially for longer-range shots.
- Brighter Display: Offers 200 nits more brightness, significantly improving outdoor visibility.
- More RAM Option: Has a 16GB RAM variant for heavy multitaskers
- More Software Updates: The S21 Ultra will receive more overall Android OS upgrades from Samsung
- Stronger Audio Feature Set: Supports High-Res Audio, and a wider array of Bluetooth features.
OnePlus 10 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides higher benchmarks and improved gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging significantly reduce charging time.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for prolonged use and fits more easily into a pocket.
- Newer WiFi Standard OnePlus 10 Pro supports WiFi 7, making it more future-proof
- Better Video Performance: Has a better video performance based on DxOMark scores
- Improved Autofocus: Features laser autofocus (LAF) with better contrast and phase detection
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier, bulkier, and slower charging, less powerful chipset.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Less flexible camera system, less RAM options, dimmer display, only 2 major software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility, zoom capabilities, and overall image quality across different scenarios.
- Multitaskers: Users needing lots of RAM for productivity tasks.
- Outdoor Users: Users who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight and need a brighter screen
- Audio Professionals: Users that need to listen to Hi-Res Audio on their device
- Long-term Users: Users that prefer a phone that will receive many software updates
Ideal Users for OnePlus 10 Pro:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need top-tier performance and fast refresh rates for gaming.
- Users On-the-Go: Those who value lightweight, compact designs and quick charging.
- Video Content Creators: Who are looking for excellent quality video and a highly performant device.
- Users seeking a future-proofed device: Those who need to have access to the latest and greatest WiFi features.
Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Ideal for capturing detailed landscape and nature photography, utilizing its versatile zoom, also ideal for people who want to use their phone long term due to the additional software updates.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Ideal for extended gaming sessions, quick content consumption, daily use for active users who need fast charging, and users that want the best connectivity.
Price-to-Value:
- S21 Ultra: Offers greater value for users looking for more camera versatility and display brightness, while sacrificing some processing power.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Provides a great value for users who prioritize performance, charging speed, and a more compact build, but might be limited by a less versatile camera and dimmer display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Camera Versatility vs. Performance: Do you prioritize camera features, like multiple lenses and zoom, or top-tier performance, particularly for gaming?
- Charging Speed vs. Display Brightness: Is fast charging a must-have, or is better outdoor visibility more important?
- Size & Weight: Do you prefer a more lightweight, compact device, or are you okay with a larger, heavier one for extra features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Travel Photographer: Choose the Samsung S21 Ultra for its versatile zoom, extra cameras, and brighter screen for outdoor use.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus 10 Pro for its superior chipset, better GPU, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Daily Commuter: Choose the OnePlus 10 Pro for its lighter design and rapid charging, the 10 Pro is likely to be more convenient to use daily.
- Scenario 4: Long term user: Choose the S21 Ultra for its longer software updates
My Choice and Why:
I would personally choose the OnePlus 10 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a more versatile camera system, the OnePlus 10 Pro's faster charging, more compact design, better processing performance, and more future-proofed WiFi capabilities are more important for my daily usage. I value the increased performance for gaming and other demanding tasks and the convenience of fast charging. Although the S21 Ultra's display brightness is better for outdoor use, the OnePlus 10 Pro is sufficient in most situations. The advantages of a lighter, more modern feeling device is the more compelling for me. The additional software updates that the S21 Ultra will receive is offset by the better performance of the 10 Pro.
