Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. OnePlus 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | S21 Ultra is larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. OnePlus 9 is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 192g | OnePlus 9 is noticeably lighter, better for long holding periods. S21 Ultra is heavier which might be more premium to some. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | S21 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, making text and images appear crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 402 | S21 Ultra has higher pixel density resulting in a noticeably sharper image, particularly beneficial for detailed graphics and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1100 nits | S21 Ultra offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to its higher peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 in OnePlus 9 generally shows superior performance in demanding tasks and games according to benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 880,900 | OnePlus 9 has a higher AnTuTu score indicating better general performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 (OnePlus 9) typically shows slightly better performance in gaming applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra likely offers longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless, No charger in-box | 15W wireless, Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging features, but no included charger. OnePlus 9 offers significantly faster charging but lacks reverse wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos in good lighting due to its higher resolution sensor; OnePlus 9 has slightly larger individual pixels which can be better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (2 lenses) | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom, allowing better zoomed shots without losing detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution selfies with better low-light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 offers a wide angle lens with high detail, good for landscape and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra allows wide angle and macro photography, beneficial for creative shots. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 has an additional black and white sensor to add contrast in photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capable of high-resolution video recording, though S21 Ultra supports 24fps while OnePlus 9 supports 30fps at 8k resolution. S21 Ultra also has slightly better slow motion support |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 | Not tested | S21 Ultra's camera has been rated by DxOMark offering insight into its performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra's selfie camera has been rated by DxOMark offering insight into its performance. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Quad Camera, OIS, Laser AF | Triple Camera, Ultra Stable Video | S21 Ultra offers more zoom capabilities and OIS while OnePlus 9 offers dedicated video stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 15 | Android 11, Max Android 13 | S21 Ultra has a longer software update lifespan, which means getting more android version updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have modern Bluetooth connectivity for stable and power-efficient connections. S21 Ultra includes more audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9 offers more satellite support, potentially better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra provides an option for more internal storage for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8/12GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Both have stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, S21 Ultra adds Hi-Res Audio, OnePlus 9 adds a 3rd microphone for better noise cancelling. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have in-display fingerprint scanners for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers the most durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes a barometer sensor, providing more environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness provide a sharper and more visible screen, especially outdoors.
- Better Camera Zoom Capabilities: Dual telephoto lenses offer significantly better optical zoom.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes Macro and Wide Angle lens alongside dedicated sensors.
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for heavy users.
- More RAM Options: Offers up to 16GB of RAM for demanding applications and multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB for those who require a lot of on-device storage.
- Reverse Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: For enhanced audio quality.
- More Durable Screen: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better scratch resistance.
- Longer Software Updates: Guaranteed to receive Android version updates up to Android 15.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a Barometer sensor.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly quicker charging speeds to minimize downtime.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
- Strong Processor: Snapdragon 888 generally provides better benchmark performance.
- Better Wide Angle Camera: Offers a great wide angle lens for landscape and group photos.
- Black and White Sensor: Dedicated sensor to enhance the photo contrast.
- Extra Microphone: For enhanced noise cancellation in calls or recordings.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- More Affordable: Typically available at a lower price point compared to the S21 Ultra.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger and heavier, with slower charging.
- OnePlus 9: Less versatile zoom and fewer camera features, shorter software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize versatile cameras with great zoom capabilities.
- Heavy Multitaskers: Users who need a lot of RAM and storage for demanding applications.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a high-brightness display for bright sunlight readability.
- Power Users: Users who desire maximum screen real estate and long battery life.
- Future Proofers: Users that want the longest possible software update life.
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:
- Gamers: Those who want the best performance for mobile gaming.
- Users On-the-Go: Those who want a lightweight phone with fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a great wide angle lens for general use.
- Price-Conscious Buyers: Those who want a flagship-level experience at a more reasonable cost.
- Audio Call Users: Users that need high quality sound and noise cancellation on their calls.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Professional photography, video editing, extended travel, graphic design, presentations.
- OnePlus 9: Gaming, social media, daily commutes, casual photography, making calls, quick photo sharing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and zoom capabilities, or do you focus on speed and quick charging?
- Do you need a larger, brighter screen and a more premium feel, or a lighter more compact phone with great performance?
- Are you willing to pay extra for a longer software update life, more storage and RAM and additional sensor, or do you prefer a lower cost with faster performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focused): If you are a photography enthusiast who needs versatility and zoom, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the superior choice, despite its higher price.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Speed): If performance, speed, and fast charging are your main priorities, and you prefer a lighter device, the OnePlus 9 is a better fit.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Conscious): If you want a flagship experience but are working with a tighter budget, the OnePlus 9 provides very good performance with some tradeoffs compared to the S21 Ultra.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While I appreciate the OnePlus 9's speed and faster charging, my personal priorities lie more with camera versatility, display quality, and long term software support. The S21 Ultra's significantly superior camera zoom and larger, brighter display, along with the added benefit of future-proof software updates up to Android 15, make it the better long-term investment for my needs, despite its higher price and heavier weight. The additional sensors, such as the barometer, and the larger RAM and storage options also align with my usage patterns which involve demanding multitasking and a wide array of photography.
