1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, making the Nord 3 a bit more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 227g | 193.5g | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Virtually identical, negligible difference in perceived size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1240x2772 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display, leading to more detail and clearer text. |
| PPI | 515 | 451 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in a visibly sharper image and more defined text and icons. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1450 nits | S21 Ultra is slightly brighter, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight, though the difference is minimal. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 3's newer chipset typically provides faster processing and improved energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 has significantly better benchmark performance, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3's GPU generally offers better performance in graphic-intensive tasks, including gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard (Main) Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detail, allowing for more aggressive cropping and editing. |
| Standard (Main) Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.56" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor collects more light, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Standard (Main) Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Nord 3's larger individual pixels may offer better light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto+Portrait Camera | 10.8MP (1/2.65") | None | S21 Ultra offers greater versatility, enabling optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies, but pixel binning on the Nord 3 may mean comparable low light results. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (1/2.65") | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed images, which the Nord 3 lacks |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (1/2.8") | Nord 3 allows users to capture more of a scene in a single frame. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (1/5") | Nord 3 can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP (1/2.55") | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide camera, offering wider field of view and macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra allows for higher resolution video recording. |
| DXOMARK Mobile Score | 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been independently tested and scored for its mobile camera performance. Nord 3 lacks this data. |
| DXOMARK Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been independently tested and scored for its selfie camera performance. Nord 3 lacks this data. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. Actual usage will vary by user habits. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Nord 3 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options, but lacks in-box charger. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 15) | Android 13 (Upgradeable to 16) | Nord 3 is shipped with a newer OS and has longer future software support. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra provides the option of up to 512GB for users who need the most space for media. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/16 GB | Both have ample RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | Nord 3 features a newer Bluetooth version which may offer faster data transfer rates and better power efficiency. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a more rugged screen. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has a noise cancellation microphone, potentially providing clearer audio in calls. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a more detailed and crisp viewing experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers dedicated telephoto lenses, superior selfie camera, and wider ultrawide/macro capabilities for more diverse shooting scenarios. Also can shoot 8K video.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, enhancing charging flexibility.
- Better Build: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Connectivity: Supports additional connectivity features, including ANT+, more Bluetooth profiles, and more satellite systems for GPS.
- Premium Audio: Noise cancelling microphone.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is geared towards users who prioritize a premium display and a versatile, high-quality camera system. The additional charging options and build quality add to its premium appeal.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Newer chipset with superior benchmark performance leads to snappier response and smoother gameplay.
- Significantly Faster Charging: 80W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, ensuring longer software support.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry due to its reduced weight and smaller dimensions.
- Wide Angle and Macro Cameras: Provides a wide angle lens for expansive scenic shots and macro lens for close up shots.
Practical Implications: The Nord 3 targets users who want a smooth and fast experience, with less time spent waiting for the device to charge. It is also more comfortable for daily handling due to its lighter design.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger and heavier. Slower charging speeds.
- Nord 3: Lower resolution display. Less versatile camera system with lower photo capabilities, no telephoto lens. Lacks wireless charging. No advanced screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, media consumers, users who value a premium display and versatile camera system, and those who want advanced connectivity features.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-level mobile photography and videography.
- Watching high-resolution content (movies, streaming).
- Users wanting the most premium possible build quality, screen, and battery charging options.
- Power users who want a plethora of advanced features.
- Users that need the most internal storage.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but offers more premium features. Good value for those who will fully utilize its advanced capabilities.
OnePlus Nord 3
- Ideal User: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, those who prioritize performance and fast charging, and users seeking a lighter, more compact phone.
- Use Cases:
- Fast-paced mobile gaming.
- Heavy daily usage with frequent multitasking.
- Users that value smooth, fast app-switching and loading.
- Users who need a long lasting battery and rapid recharging.
- Users who need a lighter and more comfortable phone to hold.
- Price-to-Value: Offers very good value for its performance, with a more affordable price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Camera Priority: How important is a versatile, high-quality camera system with zoom capabilities (S21 Ultra) vs. a camera that performs well in standard situations but includes a wide angle and macro lens (Nord 3)?
- Performance vs. Premium: Do you prefer a faster performance and charging experience (Nord 3) or a premium display and build quality with more features (S21 Ultra)?
- Size and Comfort: Is a lighter, more compact phone with a fast charging a priority (Nord 3), or do you value the premium features even at the cost of a heavier device (S21 Ultra)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior zoom capabilities, advanced image processing, 8K video recording, and overall versatile camera setup.
- Mobile Gamer: Choose the Nord 3 for its faster performance, improved heat management, and faster charging times.
- Budget-Conscious Power User: Choose the Nord 3 for its impressive performance at a more affordable price.
- Premium Experience Seeker: Choose the S21 Ultra for its advanced display, build quality, wireless charging, and the highest quality camera system and audio capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is undoubtedly a premium device with a fantastic camera system and display, the OnePlus Nord 3 offers a better balance for my personal priorities. The significantly faster charging speed and newer chipset are very important for my daily usage, as I want my phone to be responsive and ready to go at any time, without being tied down with slow charging. Additionally, I value the lighter and more compact design for daily comfort.
While the camera system on the S21 Ultra is superior, the camera on the Nord 3 still produces very good photos and is more versatile in terms of its additional wide angle and macro capabilities. Also, the newer Android operating system will mean it will be supported for longer. For me, the Nord 3’s focus on speed and modern software, combined with its value-oriented price, makes it the better choice, even though it does make sacrifices in screen and camera quality.
