1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the OnePlus Nord 4, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable for some. Nord 4 is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 199.5g | Nord 4 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1240x2772 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display, noticeable in fine details (text, images) |
| PPI | 515 | 450 | S21 Ultra offers clearer visuals and better readability, especially for small text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology, offering deep blacks and rich colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4's Snapdragon chip is newer and more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 has significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating superior performance in gaming and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's Adreno GPU likely offers better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4's larger battery should provide better battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Nord 4 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Wireless, reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options, such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution main sensor and larger sensor for capturing more details and better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra selfie camera has significantly higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor, potentially resulting in better quality selfies especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Nord 4 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing wide landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, allowing for varied shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra can record professional-grade 8K videos; Nord 4 records excellent 4K videos. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has been independently tested and scored for camera quality. Nord 4 lacks a DXOMark rating and therefore lacks independent data. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | Nord 4 has a newer and more up-to-date OS out of the box with longer support for future versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, dual band | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support high-speed Wi-Fi, with S21 Ultra having dual-band for potentially faster and more stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version, which may offer improved efficiency and range. |
| GPS | More Systems | More Systems | Both offer precise location tracking. Nord 4 supports more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both offer generous storage options for different user needs. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Both offer plenty of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | S21 Ultra has slightly better audio features and high quality audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer convenient and basic fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has robust screen protection; Nord 4's protection is unknown, which may be a risk factor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | S21 Ultra includes additional environmental sensors; Both have essential sensors for motion tracking and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Significantly sharper screen with more pixel density (515 PPI vs. 450 PPI), beneficial for detailed viewing and text clarity.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers 8K video recording, dedicated telephoto lenses, and macro lens, giving more shooting options.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenient charging options and can also charge other devices wirelessly.
- DXOMark Tested Camera: Provides an independent evaluation of the cameras quality
Practical Implications for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Sharper display for more detailed viewing of photos, videos, and text.
- A more versatile camera system for better zoom capabilities, portrait shots, and advanced shooting options for professional-grade content.
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging enhances convenience for users who use compatible accessories.
- A more mature and tried camera system with third-party testing, for users who prefer data-driven approaches.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Faster processor and higher benchmark scores (1,366,982 vs. 749,000), resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (2200 nits vs. 1500 nits), offering better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: Much faster 100W charging, reducing downtime significantly.
- Larger Battery: Larger capacity battery (5500mAh vs. 5000mAh) which enhances the time between charges.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer OS (Android 14 vs. Android 11) and likely longer software support.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for prolonged use due to its lighter weight.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more scenery in photos.
- Newer Bluetooth: More up-to-date Bluetooth version for the newest devices.
Practical Implications for Nord 4:
- Superior performance results in better day-to-day user experience, especially for heavy usage scenarios, including gaming.
- Better outdoor visibility, particularly under direct sunlight, ensures a great viewing experience anywhere.
- Faster charging drastically reduces the waiting time and offers higher mobility.
- Longer battery life for all-day usage without the need for frequent charging.
- Lighter and more ergonomic design for ease of use and portability.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle lens is more practical for landscape photos.
- More compatible and efficient with newer Bluetooth devices and accessories.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Trades performance and charging speed for camera versatility and display resolution.
- Nord 4: Trades a high-resolution screen and more versatile camera for performance, fast charging, and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional photographers/videographers: Benefit from 8K video recording, multiple lenses, and higher resolution.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Benefit from the sharper display and high pixel density.
- Users who value wireless and reverse charging.
- Users who value independently tested cameras.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional photography and videography requiring detailed shots and advanced zoom capabilities.
- Enjoying high-resolution content and detailed images.
- Wireless charging of other devices.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord 4:
- Gamers: Benefit from the superior processor and GPU.
- Users who value battery life and fast charging.
- Users who frequently use their phones outdoors: Benefit from the brighter display.
- Users who value the most up-to-date software.
- Users who want a lightweight and comfortable phone.
Specific Use Cases for Nord 4:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings.
- Extended use outdoors for extended periods of time.
- Heavy daily usage with minimal charging breaks.
- Users who prefer a more lightweight phone for portability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case? (Photography, gaming, general use)
- How important is screen quality, particularly the resolution?
- How important is battery life, charging speed, and wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its versatile camera system with multiple lenses, higher resolution, and 8K recording will be more beneficial.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 4. The superior processor, higher benchmark scores, and faster charging will provide better performance.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 4 is better for users looking for everyday use, especially if battery life and performance is a concern. If a top-of-the-line camera system is a priority, then S21 Ultra is a reasonable choice.
My Choice
Based on my analysis, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
Here's why:
- Performance is King: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a substantial upgrade over the Exynos 2100 in the S21 Ultra, offering significantly better performance, which is crucial for everyday smoothness and gaming.
- Battery and Charging: The combination of a larger battery and 100W charging is too good to pass up. This reduces battery anxiety and downtime.
- Practicality: The Nord 4 is lighter and the brighter screen is a significant improvement, especially when used outdoors.
- Newer OS: Starting with Android 14 offers more up-to-date features and a longer period of software support, adding longevity to the device.
While the S21 Ultra has its strengths (especially in camera versatility), for my everyday needs, the Nord 4 offers a more balanced and practical experience with superior performance, faster charging, and modern software. The S21 Ultra's slightly superior camera features are not enough to sway my choice away from a generally much faster and more modern mobile device.
