1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 159.9 × 73.3 × 8 mm | The S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and bulkier, which might be less comfortable for smaller hands or one-handed use. The Realme 10 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 178g | The Realme 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The S21 Ultra might feel heavy in comparison. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, offering greater resistance to scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | The S21 Ultra offers a larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking. The Realme 10 is more manageable for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed display, which is noticeable when viewing high-resolution content or small text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 411 | The S21 Ultra's higher pixel density makes the display appear sharper with finer details, enhancing visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast due to AMOLED tech. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | The S21 Ultra's higher brightness makes it significantly better for outdoor viewing in bright sunlight, improving screen visibility in challenging lighting conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | The S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding applications. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 401,886 | The S21 Ultra performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating faster overall performance suitable for gaming and heavy usage |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The S21 Ultra's more powerful GPU enables smoother gameplay and better graphics in demanding mobile games. |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | The S21 Ultra’s larger RAM capacity means better multitasking with more apps running in the background, preventing slowdowns during heavy use. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | The S21 Ultra's main camera captures significantly more detail, allowing for larger prints and better cropping capabilities. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2.76" | The S21 Ultra's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and less image noise. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP | None | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities and portrait mode photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 16MP | The S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfie photos and videos, ideal for social media and video conferencing. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.06" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, which helps in better low light conditions for selfies |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | The S21 Ultra includes an ultrawide lens with macro mode that allows for more versatile photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | None | The S21 Ultra has a telephoto lens which allows for much better zoom capabilities |
| Black & White | None | 2MP | Realme 10 includes a B&W sensor for artistic, monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The S21 Ultra supports much higher resolution video recording and superior stabilization, making it suitable for professional video content creation. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, etc | Digital Zoom, HDR | The S21 Ultra has a much more feature-rich camera system with more versatile photo and video capabilities. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 | N/A | The S21 Ultra's camera system has been tested and has a very good rating indicating a higher quality camera for both photo and video |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 | N/A | The S21 Ultra's selfie camera system has been tested and has an excellent rating indicating a higher quality camera for both photo and video |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life for typical use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Realme 10 charges faster than the S21 Ultra, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No charger in-box | No Wireless Charging | The S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging, and can wirelessly charge other devices, whereas, Realme 10 does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher-resolution, and brighter screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a premium viewing experience, especially for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Superior chipset and RAM enable faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- More Versatile Camera System: Multiple telephoto lenses, better zoom capabilities, larger sensor size, and higher-resolution selfie camera result in superior image quality and more creative options.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging without cables and powering other compatible devices.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection, enhancing durability and reducing chances of damage.
- More Advanced Sensors: Barometer and advanced GPS for more accurate data.
- Better Audio: Better quality speakers and microphone with additional features.
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry, especially for one-handed use and for people who prefer smaller devices.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets the phone back up and running more quickly.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: The newer version allows for more advanced bluetooth functionality.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be more affordable, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Black & White Camera: Provides an extra camera feature to experiment with artistic photography.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The larger size and weight might be cumbersome for some users. It also has a slower charging speed and may have a higher price tag.
- Realme 10: Sacrifices processing power, display quality, camera features, and build quality for its lower price and more compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Users who demand high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera quality, with versatile zoom options and a comprehensive feature set.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a large, high-resolution, and vibrant display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users who use their phone as a professional tool: The superior camera capabilities and advanced sensors make it ideal for work and on-the-go situations.
- Users who require the best possible video experience: 8K recording and excellent stabilization.
Use Cases:
* Professional photography, heavy gaming, video editing and watching high-resolution content.
Realme 10 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a good smartphone experience at a more affordable price point.
- Users Seeking Portability: Users who prioritize a lightweight and compact design for comfortable use.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users who prioritize a long battery life: Though both phones have the same battery capacity, due to less power demanding processes, the Realme 10 can likely perform better in this category.
Use Cases:
* Everyday use, casual social media browsing, and simple photography.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions buyers should consider:
- How important is performance? If you need top-tier performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice. If you only use your phone for basic tasks, the Realme 10 is fine.
- What are your camera requirements? If you need versatile zoom, high-resolution photos, and excellent video capabilities, the S21 Ultra's more advanced camera system is essential. If you take photos occasionally for basic social media, the Realme 10 is a good option.
- How important is the overall user experience? If you value a larger, sharper, and brighter screen with a smoother refresh rate, the S21 Ultra offers a premium experience. If you want a lightweight, easy to handle phone, the Realme 10 is a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power user who wants the best possible mobile experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its top-tier performance, display, and camera.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious user who wants a reliable and portable smartphone: Choose the Realme 10 for its lower price, lighter design, and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: User who values photography and videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its advanced camera capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is the older phone, the benefits it provides are so superior to the Realme 10. The most significant benefits to me would be the camera quality, the high performance and the amazing display. While the Realme 10 is more budget friendly, for my needs, I need the performance and the camera quality of the Samsung, which is well worth the cost. The advanced features of the S21 Ultra, such as wireless charging, better speakers and advanced sensors also make it a clear winner for me. The only real benefit to the Realme 10 is the slightly lighter profile. However, the difference in weight does not outweigh the benefits of the S21 Ultra.
