Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. realme 8
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-05-28 | realme 8 is newer by 3 months, 29 days |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, impacting pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 227g | 191g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, potentially less comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Minimal difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1264x2780 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 450 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Realme 8 brightness not listed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Realme 8 has a newer, more power-efficient chipset, though actual performance needs benchmark data. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a high score, but realme 8 score is not listed making direct performance comparison difficult. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 732 | Different GPUs; real world performance difference unknown without benchmarks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a high resolution main camera. Realme 8's main camera is not specified. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots and portrait mode. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a high resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra has an ultra-wide angle lens with macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, with OIS, EIS | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution video with a wider variety of frame rates and HDR and better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | N/A | S21 Ultra has a high DxOMark score, indicating good image quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | N/A | S21 Ultra has a very good DXOMark score for its selfie camera. |
| Features | 8K video, optical zoom, quadruple camera, OIS, etc. | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a wider array of camera features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 0 mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. Real me 8's battery capacity is not listed. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 9W | Standard Charging | S21 Ultra has faster charging and wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, wireless charging | Standard Features | S21 Ultra has a larger battery and more charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Realme 8 has a newer version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | N/A | S21 Ultra supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | N/A | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio profiles. |
| GPS | Dual band GPS | N/A | S21 Ultra offers more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM, Dual Standby | N/A | S21 Ultra supports two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | N/A | S21 Ultra offers higher internal storage options. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | N/A | S21 Ultra has greater RAM options for more demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | S21 Ultra offers a premium audio experience with advanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Screen protection is unknown | S21 Ultra provides better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic Sensors | S21 Ultra has a full sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness provide a much sharper and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile quad-camera setup with higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording, resulting in higher quality photos and videos, and more flexibility.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: Supports faster wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for convenience.
- Premium Audio: Offers a high-quality audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers.
- Robust Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards and dual-band GPS.
- More RAM and Storage options: Offers higher RAM and internal storage configurations, leading to improved multitasking and storage capacity.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a broader range of sensors that provide a richer user experience with added functionality.
- Better Build Quality: Offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Runs a newer version of Android out of the box (Android 14), which may offer more features and security updates compared to the older Android 11 of the S21 Ultra.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset is more recent, likely offering better efficiency and newer features, although the exact performance vs the Exynos 2100 is unknown without benchmark data.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: The S21 Ultra is heavier and bulkier, with an older chipset, despite its performance advantages; also lacks a headphone jack.
- Realme 8: Lack of detailed specifications and test results limit comparison, but, from the information available, the Realme 8 is significantly less capable in the camera, display, and battery categories.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
Ideal User:
- Photography enthusiasts who need top-tier camera capabilities.
- Power users who demand high performance, smooth multitasking, and top of the line specifications.
- Users who consume high quality media and want a vibrant, sharp display, and a great audio experience
- Users who require advanced features for gaming and productivity.
- Users who need robust build quality, protection, and a more premium experience.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Long usage without frequent charging.
Realme 8:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a newer OS version out of the box.
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize light weight and are not concerned with the premium features of the S21 Ultra.
- Users who are not primarily concerned with advanced features or a top-end camera.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like social media and browsing.
- General media consumption.
- Casual mobile gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Offers a more premium experience, so commands a higher price. Its value proposition lies in its advanced camera, display, and performance for the demanding user.
- Realme 8: As it is an unlisted and undefined product with lacking information. it is likely positioned as a budget-friendly option, focusing on basic smartphone functionality at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Camera Needs: How important is a high-quality camera with features like optical zoom, 8K video, and advanced stabilization?
- Display Quality: How much do you value a sharp, bright display for media consumption and outdoor visibility?
- Performance and Battery: How crucial is high performance for gaming or productivity, and how important is long battery life and fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you take a lot of photos and videos and want the best possible quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice due to its advanced camera system.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: If you only use your phone for basic tasks and want a more budget friendly device, the realme 8 might be the appropriate choice, however, there is no listed information or price which makes it hard to consider.
- Scenario 3: Performance User: If you use your phone for heavy gaming, multitasking, and need top-tier performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option with more ram, even though the chipset is slightly older, it's performance is still more advanced.
My Choice
Based on the provided information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older device, its superior camera system, brighter and sharper display, advanced audio features, wireless charging capabilities, larger battery capacity, and overall more advanced sensor suite make it the better choice for a premium experience, especially for photography, media, and gaming. The S21 Ultra provides a more reliable experience even though the realme 8 is newer, due to lacking information about the realme 8. The S21 Ultra has been tried and tested and still holds up. While the newer chipset of the realme 8 is alluring, the missing specifications and lack of benchmark data make it a riskier choice and for someone that uses their phone for demanding tasks, the S21 Ultra is a better choice.
