Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. OnePlus Nord 2 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Nord 2 is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | Nord 2 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | S21 Ultra offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. Nord 2 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a sharper, more detailed display, better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 409 | S21 Ultra has noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset offers slightly better overall performance, while Nord 2 is also very capable for most tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 714,400 | S21 Ultra is marginally faster in benchmarks, but both offer very good real world performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G77 MC9 | S21 Ultra may have better graphics performance in some demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra is likely to offer longer battery life, especially with the larger display |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Nord 2 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | None | S21 Ultra offers added convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detail, but both can produce great photos in different lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor may perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 32MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (2 lenses) | No | S21 Ultra offers much greater optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | Yes | Both have wide-angle capabilities but with different resolutions and sensors. Nord 2 has a dedicated wide lens and a secondary black and white lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Yes | No | S21 Ultra can handle both macro and wide angle shots with the same camera |
| Black & white | No | Yes | Nord 2 offers monochrome photos with a dedicated sensor |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra can record at higher resolutions |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has a known camera performance rating by an independent benchmark source |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has a known selfie camera rating by an independent benchmark source |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | S21 Ultra will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have fast, modern WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with a lot of extra features | 5.2 | S21 Ultra offers extra Bluetooth features for audio and connection profiles. |
| GPS | Comprehensive GPS features | Standard GPS capabilities | S21 Ultra has better and more accurate positioning features |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a 512GB variant for heavy storage users. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 6/8/12GB | S21 Ultra may provide better multitasking capabilities with more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra provides a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive sensor suite | Basic set of sensors | S21 Ultra has extra environmental sensors useful for some advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate. This is a substantial advantage for media consumption, gaming, and overall visual experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Multiple telephoto lenses, more versatile zoom capabilities, better performing main sensor, and higher resolution selfie camera.
- Higher Performance: Slightly better chipset and GPU leading to better gaming performance.
- Bigger Battery: Larger battery for longer usage.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Audio: Enhanced Audio Features
- More RAM & Storage Options: Option for 512 GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers greater durability against scratches and drops.
- Longer Software Support: Guarantees longer OS and security updates.
- Better positioning: More accurate location tracking and more navigation features
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- More Affordable: Generally more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Black & White Lens: Provides different creative options for photography.
- Decent Performance: Good performance for everyday tasks, but not quite as powerful as the S21 Ultra.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Bigger and heavier, with a higher price point.
- Nord 2: Lower resolution display, less camera versatility, lower overall performance, and smaller battery, with no wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who require high-end performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with high-resolution capture, versatile zoom capabilities, and better low light performance.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos or consume media and want a high-quality display and audio setup.
- Professionals: Users who value high quality features and do not mind paying a premium.
- Users who value long software support: For users that like to use the same phone for a long period of time and need up to date software and security patches
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a good smartphone without paying a premium price.
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize lightweight design, good performance for regular tasks, and fast charging.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take snapshots and don't need advanced zoom capabilities.
- Users who prioritize portability: For users who value a light and easy-to-hold phone.
Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Professional photography/videography, mobile gaming, high resolution media consumption, heavy multi-tasking, long usage without charging, and users who value the best features available.
- Nord 2: Social media, casual gaming, web browsing, quick charging on the go, photography with creative options, and users looking for good value for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra is generally a more expensive phone.
- How important is camera versatility and quality? The S21 Ultra offers a more versatile and professional camera system.
- Do I prioritize battery life or charging speed? S21 Ultra has more battery life, but the Nord 2 has significantly faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the main concern: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the better option due to its lower price.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera are top priorities: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the preferred choice for its better display, processor, and versatile camera.
- Scenario 3: User values portability and ergonomics: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the more portable option.
- Scenario 4: User values battery and charging speed: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a longer battery life, while the OnePlus Nord 2 5G charges much faster.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is a solid option and has some appealing advantages like its fast charging, my use case requires the best display, camera capabilities, and overall performance.
As someone who enjoys mobile photography, videography, and occasionally plays games, the S21 Ultra’s more versatile and capable camera system with higher-quality sensors, multiple zoom lenses, better low-light performance, higher resolution display, and greater processing power would be a significant advantage for me. Additionally, the wireless charging, better audio, and more comprehensive sensor suite are all features I would appreciate having. The S21 Ultra's longer software support also makes it a more future-proof option.
While I acknowledge the Nord 2's lighter design and rapid charging as attractive features, the S21 Ultra better matches my needs despite being a heavier and more expensive phone.
