Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. OnePlus 12R
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 12R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm | Slightly taller, wider and thicker, the S21 Ultra may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 227g | 207g | OnePlus 12R is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Negligible size difference, both offer expansive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1264x2780 | S21 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display with higher pixel density, noticeable for viewing high-res images and videos |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 450 ppi | S21 Ultra will render sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers superior contrast, colors and better power efficiency for dark themes. OnePlus display is not specified so no comparison is possible. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 4500 nits | OnePlus 12R is significantly brighter, much better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 12R's Snapdragon offers significantly better performance, smoother gaming and faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,743,901 | OnePlus 12R has dramatically better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 12R's GPU is faster, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra captures more detail, though 12R has larger pixel size, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | S21 Ultra's selfie camera offers more detail and better low light capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | OnePlus 12R offers a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | OnePlus 12R offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra offers a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra offers higher video resolution but the 12R has video stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 (Main), 135 (Selfie) | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers a better selfie camera based on DXOMark results but both phones performance is subjective. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus 12R offers longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus 12R charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Charging Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | Reverse Charging | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging options but OnePlus 12R has higher charging speed. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 17) | OnePlus 12R has a more recent Android version. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 12R has a newer and faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | OnePlus 12R has a newer version, potentially more efficient. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra has a higher 512GB option but both have the same entry levels. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/16 GB | Both offer similar performance at the higher RAM tier. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper visuals due to higher resolution and pixel density, noticeable for detailed content.
- More versatile camera system: Includes dedicated telephoto lenses offering optical zoom capabilities, and better selfie capabilities based on DXOMark scores.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio: For enhanced audio experience.
OnePlus 12R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset and GPU resulting in better gaming and multitasking.
- Much Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage.
- Newer Android OS & Wi-Fi: More modern software and faster Wi-Fi standards.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: More diverse photo taking experience with more lens options.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Better display sharpness and versatility in camera but older generation performance.
- OnePlus 12R: Exceptional speed, brighter display, and fast charging but the display sharpness is lacking and the camera versatility is not as advanced as the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Values a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and high-resolution details, and prefers the flexibility of wireless charging.
- High-Resolution Content Viewers: Appreciates the sharper display for enjoying detailed videos and images.
- Audio Lovers: Appreciates better audio quality with features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users in Controlled Environments: Ideal for users who are not in bright environments where the lower display brightness is not a problem.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Detailed landscape photography with optical zoom.
- Watching high-resolution movies and editing photos on the go.
- Using wireless charging overnight or reverse charging other devices.
OnePlus 12R Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Prioritizes speed for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Outdoor Users: Needs a very bright display for visibility in sunlight.
- Power Users: Wants a longer lasting battery and quick charging.
- Users seeking modern software: Wants the most modern android version and the latest WiFi technology.
Use Cases for OnePlus 12R:
- Playing graphics intensive games with high frame rates.
- Using the phone outdoors for navigation and viewing social media.
- Needing a quick charge before heading out.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and speed over display sharpness and camera zoom capabilities? If speed and battery are top priority, choose the OnePlus 12R. If display sharpness and telephoto capabilities are more important then the S21 Ultra is the choice.
- How important is display brightness for outdoor use? If you need maximum brightness, the OnePlus 12R is superior. If you are mostly indoors the S21 Ultra should be suitable.
- Do you need wireless charging and more telephoto camera options? If these features are important, the S21 Ultra should be preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I want a phone for gaming and outdoor use."
- Recommendation: OnePlus 12R due to its superior performance and brighter display.
Scenario 2: "I want the best possible camera and screen for viewing high-resolution media."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its higher resolution display and more versatile camera system, as long as you are not bothered by a less powerful chipset and slightly less battery capacity.
Scenario 3: "I need a balance between performance and features and a battery that will last all day."
- Recommendation: OnePlus 12R, with its longer battery and fast charging.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the OnePlus 12R.
Here's why:
- Performance is King: As someone who uses a smartphone for a multitude of tasks, including gaming and heavy multitasking, the significantly superior processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a major draw. The Antutu scores make it clear that the 12R is far ahead on performance and this is what I would value the most.
- Practical Benefits of Brightness and Charging: The 4500 nits brightness is a game changer for outdoor visibility and a significant improvement over the S21 Ultra. The 100W fast charging is incredibly convenient, something I value very much. This negates the loss of wireless charging.
- Modern OS and Connectivity: The newer Android version and WiFi 7 capabilities make the 12R a more future proofed device.
While the Samsung S21 Ultra's higher resolution display and telephoto zoom capabilities are compelling, the performance trade off and the lower screen brightness make it less appealing for my personal use case. I would prefer a faster, brighter screen that charges faster. The difference in telephoto capabilities does not matter as much as the overall usability. In essence, the 12R offers a more balanced set of features that are more important to me, ultimately making it my choice.
