1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Nord CE 2 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 173g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, leading to fatigue during prolonged use. Nord CE 2 is more comfortable for extended handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. Nord CE 2 is slightly more manageable for smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display, making text and images appear clearer. Nord CE 2 has a good, but less detailed, display. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 409 ppi | S21 Ultra offers crisper visuals, with more fine detail. Nord CE 2 is still sharp but less so. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Nord CE 2's 90Hz is still fluid but less so. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Nord CE 2 likely has a lower brightness, not ideal outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is more powerful, enabling faster app launches and better multitasking. Nord CE 2 is less powerful but sufficient for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 424,800 | S21 Ultra delivers a significantly higher performance, suitable for intensive gaming and heavy workloads. The Nord CE 2 is suitable for everyday use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU for demanding graphics tasks, e.g. gaming. Nord CE 2's GPU will handle everyday tasks adequately. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | S21 Ultra should offer longer battery life, suitable for heavy usage. Nord CE 2 has slightly less battery but is more efficient. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Nord CE 2 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. S21 Ultra's charging is slower and may require more charging time. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | S21 Ultra has more charging flexibility but no charger included. Nord CE 2 offers rapid charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | S21 Ultra's larger sensor and higher resolution capture more detailed images. Nord CE 2's standard camera is good, but not as capable. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Not available | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto + portrait camera enabling optical zoom. Nord CE 2 lacks an equivalent lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra's selfie camera offers more detailed selfies and better low-light performance. Nord CE 2's is sufficient for typical selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | Not available | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens camera enabling further zoom. Nord CE 2 lacks an equivalent lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nord CE 2 has a dedicated wide angle lens camera. The S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nord CE 2 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Not available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens enabling flexible shooting. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra allows for professional-grade video recording. Nord CE 2 is limited to standard 4K. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 Ultra has better stabilization performance. |
| DXoMark Scores | Mobile:115, Selfie:135 | Not available | S21 Ultra's camera is highly rated for both main and selfie photography. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode, Optical zoom, Digital zoom | Triple camera | S21 Ultra offers advanced photography features. Nord CE 2 focuses on essential features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, and brighter screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate. Provides a much better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Powerful Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset (Exynos 2100), resulting in better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Significantly more versatile camera system with multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors, and more features like 8K video recording, OIS, RAW capture, and more, enabling better versatility in different use cases.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers flexibility and convenience for wireless charging.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio offer an enhanced audio experience.
More RAM and Storage options: Offers up to 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking and up to 512GB of storage.
- Practical Implication: The S21 Ultra is a performance and photography powerhouse designed for users who prioritize the best possible experience, regardless of the cost.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable to hold and use, especially for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging means less time plugged in and more time using the phone.
- Lower Price: Offers a good value for the price, providing capable performance for everyday tasks.
Dedicated Macro Lens and Wide Angle lens: Useful for those who enjoy closeup and wide angle photography.
- Practical Implication: The Nord CE 2 is ideal for users who want a balanced phone with good features at a more affordable price, prioritizing convenience and practicality over raw power.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra sacrifices size, weight, and affordability for top-tier performance and features.
- Nord CE 2 compromises on display quality, processing power, and camera versatility for a more pocketable, budget-friendly experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile and high-quality camera system for various shooting scenarios.
- Media Consumers: People who frequently watch videos, browse content, or play games and want an immersive viewing experience.
- Professionals: Users who need professional tools for image and video creation, and high-end performance for productivity tasks.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional Photography and Videography: Capturing high-resolution images and videos with multiple telephoto options.
- Mobile Gaming: Playing graphics-intensive games with the highest possible settings.
- Business Users: Handling heavy multitasking, running multiple apps simultaneously and using the S-Pen for productivity tasks (S-Pen is sold separately).
- Outdoor Usage: Enjoying great visibility of the bright display even in sunlight.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a well-rounded phone that offers good performance for the price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who use their phone for basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Those Who Value Comfort and Portability: People who want a lightweight and compact phone that is easy to handle.
- Fast Charging Prioritization: Users who need to charge their phone quickly for daily use.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily Communication: Browsing social media, sending emails, and making calls.
- Casual Photography: Taking photos and videos for everyday use.
- Basic Gaming: Playing less demanding mobile games.
- On-the-Go Use: Rapidly topping up the battery throughout the day for a quick boost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive).
- How important is performance for my usage? (S21 Ultra is superior for heavy tasks).
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (S21 Ultra excels in this area).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If budget is no concern and you need the best overall performance and camera experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize portability, fast charging, and a lower price, and don't need the absolute best performance or camera: Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G.
- Scenario 3: If you need a high-quality display and versatile camera but have a slightly tighter budget: Consider a different phone in between the two phones.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive and bulkier, the superior performance, significantly better display quality, and the highly versatile camera system are compelling enough for my use case. I value the ability to capture professional-quality photos and videos, enjoy a fantastic viewing experience for content consumption, and the processing power for intensive tasks and gaming. I would also value the ability to charge wirelessly and to use reverse wireless charging. Although the OnePlus has faster charging, I would prioritize the better user experience offered by the Samsung.
