1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and bulkier, less pocketable, the Nord is slimmer and more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 170g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, may cause fatigue over extended use. Nord CE 5G is much lighter. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.43" | S21 Ultra offers more immersive experience for media consumption, while Nord is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has much sharper display, text and images are noticeably more detailed. |
| PPI | 515 | 410 | S21 Ultra displays crisper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 700 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | S21 Ultra offers much faster processing and better power efficiency for demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 385,000 | S21 Ultra delivers significantly better overall performance, faster app loading, better multitasking, smoother gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU for high-end graphics, better for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images due to larger sensor and higher resolution. Nord CE 5G has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra can achieve superior optical zoom and portrait mode, Nord CE lacks dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | S21 Ultra takes higher resolution, better selfies with more light, better detail and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides further reach in optical zoom and allows clear images for distances compared to the Nord CE 5G which does not have this feature. |
| Wide Angle lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.25, Unknown sensor size | Nord CE 5G can capture a broader field of view, S21 Ultra lacks dedicated ultra-wide angle lens. Sensor size is unknown |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides macro capabilities and wide angle shots without a dedicated sensor compared to the Nord CE 5G. |
| Black & white | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor size | Nord CE 5G has a dedicated monochrome sensor for black and white photos, S21 Ultra lacks this feature. Sensor size is unknown. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, advanced EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher video recording quality and advanced stabilization for pro video use, but will take more space. |
| DXOMARK Mobile Score | 115 | 84 | S21 Ultra has vastly superior overall camera quality based on DXOMARK scores. |
| DXOMARK Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra selfie camera is high-performing and is only available on the S21 Ultra. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra has longer battery life and better battery endurance. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Nord CE charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices and has versatile charging capabilities; however it does not come with a charger in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | S21 Ultra has longer software support, and more updates from Google over time. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on crowded networks, Wi-Fi MiMO improves bandwidth and network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, multiple profiles | Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC, AAC | S21 Ultra has a more advanced Bluetooth, better compatibility, while Nord CE 5G supports LDAC and AAC for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, NavIC system | Nord CE 5G has slightly better location accuracy by support for more satellite systems, and is useful in locations with dense structures and difficult GPS connections |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support using two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better handling of memory-intensive apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone can expand storage via microSD. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Mic | S21 Ultra provides more immersive audio and clearer calls, the Nord CE is a basic option |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security with fingerprint sensor on both devices. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has more environmental sensors for use in outdoor environments, and for use in conjunction with advanced functions. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, much higher brightness, and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate provide a significantly better visual experience for media consumption and everyday use.
- Much Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and much higher AnTuTu score result in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior resolution, larger sensor sizes, additional telephoto lenses, and overall better DXOMark scores deliver far more versatile and higher-quality photos and videos.
- Better Battery Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and reverse wired charging add significant convenience and versatility.
- Longer Software Support: Upgradable to Android 15, ensuring longer life and more software updates.
- Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers offer a better audio experience.
- Better connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.2, allows for faster connections.
- More sensors: Allows for more robust and accurate tracking and other features.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and easier to carry around.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster wired charging with 30W compared to 25W on the S21 Ultra.
- Wider Angle lens: Can capture a wider area in one photo without having to take panorama or stitching multiple shots together.
- More GPS system support: Better location accuracy by including QZSS, and NavIC system.
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly 5G option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G trades a heavier design and much higher cost for its superior performance, cameras, and overall user experience.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 5G sacrifices performance, camera versatility, and display quality for a lighter design and a much lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, and users who prioritize top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and video recording.
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- Media consumption (movies, videos) where display quality is critical.
- Heavy multitasking for productivity.
- Users needing a phone that will stay updated for a longer time.
- Price-to-value: High-end price, but the performance and camera justify the cost for users who need these features.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a capable 5G phone without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media and browsing.
- Casual mobile gaming.
- General media consumption where display quality is less critical.
- Users who need a lightweight and slim smartphone.
- Users needing a phone that charges quickly.
- Price-to-value: Good value for those looking for a budget-friendly 5G phone with capable performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The S21 Ultra is considerably more expensive.
- Priorities: What features do you value most (camera, performance, display, size, weight)?
- Use Case: How will you primarily use your phone (gaming, photography, general use)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Ultimate Performance): If top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are your priority, and budget is not a primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the superior choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget Conscious): If you want a capable 5G phone without spending a lot of money, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G provides a good balance between price and features.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focus): If you value a powerful, versatile camera system with advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 4 (Lightweight): If you want a light and slim phone that is easy to carry, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is a better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Despite the higher cost, the sheer performance advantage, the vastly superior camera capabilities, the better screen and more premium experience outweighs the slightly larger size and weight. As someone who values the best possible technology available, I would prefer the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, it offers a more versatile user experience and the added benefit of longer software support and a more comprehensive sensor suite makes it a better long-term investment.
