Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Oppo A55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Oppo A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.6 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, but similar width; S21 Ultra has a larger overall volume |
| Weight | 227g | 193g | Oppo A55 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.51" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, offering more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra display is significantly sharper, resulting in clearer text and images |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra offers much greater pixel density, which translates to a sharper image |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing user experience |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more visible in bright sunlight due to its significantly higher brightness; Oppo A55 brightness is unknown |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra’s chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and better performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 379,800 | S21 Ultra offers almost double the performance, making it suitable for heavy gaming and multitasking |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 Ultra's GPU is much more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger in-box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra has added features such as reverse charging and wireless charging, which are not found on the Oppo A55 |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed images with higher resolution and better low-light performance due to wider aperture |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom quality and portrait shots |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera with better low-light capture and details |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a second telephoto lens for additional zoom options. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Oppo A55 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Oppo A55 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated wide-angle lens, lacking in the Oppo A55 |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra records much higher resolution videos, providing more detail and flexibility |
| DXOMARK Mobile | 115 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra has a DXOMARK score of 115, meaning higher quality images in general |
| DXOMARK Selfie | 135 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra has a DXOMARK score of 135, meaning higher quality selfie images |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max version 15 | Android 11, Max version - | S21 Ultra provides a longer software support lifespan |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, which gives faster speeds and lower latency |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | S21 Ultra features more advanced Bluetooth version with a wider range of profiles |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S21 Ultra includes Dual-Band GPS, offering more accurate location services |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | S21 Ultra has higher maximum storage capacity, beneficial for those storing large amounts of files and videos |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra's RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | S21 Ultra provides better audio output with spatial sound, better speakers, and clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Oppo A55's side-mounted sensor is more practical and quicker access |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | S21 Ultra features additional sensors, including a barometer and compass, enabling advanced functionalities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness provide a vastly better viewing experience.
- Exceptional Performance: A much more powerful processor and GPU result in smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a versatile array of lenses with higher resolution sensors, resulting in superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Oppo A55’s 10W charging.
- Additional Features: Reverse charging, wireless charging, and the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection.
- Audio Quality: Better audio with enhanced spatial sound.
- Software Support: More OS updates are promised
Oppo A55 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more accessible than the S21 Ultra’s in-screen sensor.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for close-up shots, a feature lacking in the S21 Ultra (without using the wide-angle).
- Lower Cost: Usually available at a much lower price point
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: More expensive and heavier.
- Oppo A55: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, and less advanced camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Gaming Enthusiasts: Users who play graphics-intensive games and require high performance.
- Power Users: Users who multitask heavily and require a fast, responsive device.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and appreciate a high-quality display.
- Professionals: Users who rely on their phones for productivity tasks and advanced features.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography
- High-end mobile gaming with demanding titles
- Multitasking between numerous apps
- Outdoor usage where screen visibility is paramount
- Presentations and work-related tasks
Oppo A55 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users Who Prefer Lighter Phones: Those who value a more comfortable, less cumbersome phone.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Simpler device with standard use cases.
Specific Use Cases for Oppo A55:
- Basic social media browsing
- Making calls and texting
- Casual photography and video recording
- Users who prioritize lightweight and compact designs
- Users who need a backup phone
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers premium features and performance, justifying a higher price.
- Oppo A55: Provides decent value for a very budget friendly phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The price difference is significant.
- What is my primary use case? Is it gaming, photography, basic use, or professional use?
- How much do I value display quality, performance, and camera quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Pro Camera: If you need top performance, amazing camera capabilities, and a high-quality display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget & Light Use: If you are on a tight budget and need a phone for basic tasks, the Oppo A55 is adequate.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Features: If you want a decent experience at a lower cost, the Oppo A55 can be considered however, the S21 Ultra's better features are much better value for money when considering the longevity of the device, which is a major factor to consider.
My Choice
Given the provided specifications and considering my preferences as a power user who values a high-quality display, top-notch performance, and an excellent camera system, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The significantly superior display, processing power, versatile camera system, and additional features make it the more compelling option, despite its higher price and larger size. I am willing to pay a premium for a flagship-level experience that can handle all my needs, from intensive multitasking and gaming to high-quality photography and video recording. The longevity of the device and the increased software support also make it a better investment in the long run for me personally, and the improvements in almost every area justify the higher price tag.
