1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162.2 × 74.6 × 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, making the 9RT slightly more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 198.5g | 9RT is significantly lighter, improving comfort during prolonged use and reducing hand fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.62" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display; text and images are clearer with more detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 397 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more refined visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, the same display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | S21 Ultra offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; OnePlus 9RT's brightness is unknown, could be a drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 typically shows better performance in gaming; Exynos performance can vary. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 881,700 | 9RT shows better performance in benchmarks, suggesting slightly snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 is generally better for gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery and likely offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | 9RT charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | 2*2250mAh double battery cells | S21 Ultra offers wireless and reverse charging flexibility; OnePlus 9RT dual-cell design can improve charging efficiency |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detail with higher resolution images; larger sensor on the S21 ultra |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra's sensor is larger, implying better low-light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait | Yes | No | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens, enhancing zoom and portrait photography capabilities |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra offers more detail in selfies, with wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra's sensor is larger, implying better low-light performance for selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens for more versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | 9RT has a wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | 9RT allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes | No | S21 Ultra captures more detail with its wide angle and macro |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 4K | S21 Ultra records in 8K for professional video content creation; both provide 4K. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra camera performance is evaluated by DxOMark, while the OnePlus 9RT is not listed on the website |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 11 (Up to 13) | S21 Ultra has a longer software update support lifespan; could be a factor for longevity-minded users. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones have the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with extensive features | 5.2 with aptX, LDAC, AAC | S21 Ultra provides a wider range of Bluetooth features, while 9RT focuses on high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Galileo (E1+E5a) | L1+L5, BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | 9RT supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher maximum storage option; OnePlus 9RT only up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB | 8GB, 12GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM for demanding multitasking and apps |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both have great audio output. S21 Ultra supports Hi-Res Audio for a slight edge in audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, increasing durability and scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes more sensors. Barometer can be useful for environmental tracking and precise location tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density result in a noticeably sharper and clearer display experience, and higher brightness.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers additional telephoto lenses, a wider-angle lens, and 8K video recording, providing a comprehensive suite of photographic tools. Also has a much better Selfie Camera.
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- More RAM Options: Up to 16GB of RAM ensures smoother multitasking and app performance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality experience for music and media.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent scratch and impact resistance.
- Environmental Sensors: Barometer for more advanced environment tracking.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates up to Android 15.
- DxOMark Scores: Demonstrates excellent camera and selfie performance with official testing.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More pocketable and comfortable for longer use.
- Better Benchmark Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates better performance in demanding tasks.
- Wide Angle and Macro Camera: Provides creative photographic options absent in the S21 Ultra.
- Enhanced GPS: Offers better location accuracy with additional satellite system support.
- Potentially Lower Price: Although not explicitly provided in specs, OnePlus devices are typically priced lower than Samsung's flagship models.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra is heavier and bulkier than the 9RT.
- The 9RT lacks the versatility of the S21 Ultra's camera system in terms of zoom capabilities.
- S21 Ultra lacks macro lens and wider-angle lense.
- The S21 Ultra does not offer the fast charging speeds of the 9RT.
- 9RT lacks wireless charging.
- 9RT has lower display resolution and PPI than S21 Ultra.
- 9RT lacks a brightness specification and may have limited visibility in bright sunlight.
- 9RT has 2 years less of software update support compared to S21 Ultra.
- OnePlus 9RT does not have any official DxOMark scores for its cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with telephoto zoom, and 8K video capabilities and better quality selfie camera.
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for demanding tasks, with more RAM and higher resolution.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for viewing content, supported by better audio output, high brightness, and more clarity.
- Users Who Need Longer Software Support: Those who prefer having the latest software and security updates for a longer period.
- Users Who Need Wireless Charging: Users who want to be able to charge wirelessly and use reverse wireless charging.
- Users who need top-tier build quality: Those who prioritize top notch build quality and screen protection.
Specific use cases for the S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming.
- Working with complex documents or spreadsheets.
- Viewing HDR content and enjoying high-quality audio playback.
OnePlus 9RT 5G is ideal for:
- Speed Focused Users: Users who need extremely fast charging, better performance and good camera quality.
- Users who want a comfortable, lightweight phone: Those who prefer a lighter and more ergonomic design for everyday use.
- Casual Photographers: Users who need a good camera setup and additional macro lens for capturing wider and close-up images.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want good performance and features at a potentially lower price point.
- Users who need very precise navigation: Those who need very accurate GPS locations.
Specific use cases for the OnePlus 9RT:
- Everyday photography and social media sharing.
- Fast-paced mobile gaming and multitasking.
- Long commutes and travel requiring fast charging.
- Users who prefer a phone for media consumption but without the most extreme specs.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The S21 Ultra is a premium flagship phone with a higher price tag. The OnePlus 9RT is generally more affordable, offering high-end features at a more competitive price, although we don't have any price details. If the price difference is significant, the 9RT provides an excellent balance of performance and features for a large group of users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and brightness? If a sharp, high-resolution, and bright screen is a must, the S21 Ultra is a clear winner.
- How important is fast charging? If quick charging is a top priority, the 9RT offers a significant advantage with 65W charging.
- How important is camera versatility? If you need the most zoom flexibility and want top quality selfies and video, S21 Ultra is your best bet. If you need a good camera that has Wide Angle and macro features, 9RT is your best bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Photography Focus): If professional-level photography is your priority, especially with zoom capabilities and 8K video, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Speed Focus): If fast charging, performance, and lightweight feel are most important, the OnePlus 9RT is the preferred option.
- Scenario 3 (Value Conscious): If you want a balance of performance and features at a potentially lower price and want fast charging, the OnePlus 9RT is the better choice.
- Scenario 4 (Multimedia Consumption): If you want a high quality display and are willing to sacrifice charging speed, choose S21 Ultra.
My Choice and Explanation:
If I had to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. My rationale is primarily based on the following points:
- Superior Display: As a frequent media consumer and someone who values sharp visuals, the higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density of the S21 Ultra’s display are incredibly appealing.
- Camera Versatility: I often find myself in situations where having a versatile camera system is beneficial, and the S21 Ultra's telephoto capabilities, combined with 8K video recording and better selfie camera, are a big plus.
- Longer Software Support: The longer software support ensures that I will have the latest features and security updates for a longer period.
- Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus gives me greater confidence in the device’s durability, and I value that in a premium phone.
While I acknowledge that the OnePlus 9RT offers faster charging and potentially better price-to-value, the S21 Ultra better aligns with my usage preferences and provides a more compelling overall experience. The additional benefits of wireless charging and the high quality of the screen make it the better choice for me, as I am not too concerned with charging speed. I prioritize camera quality and display over the marginal benefits of faster charging.
