Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Realme 11
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | The Realme 11 is slightly thinner (0.8mm) which may feel more comfortable in hand, while the Samsung is marginally wider. Overall size is very similar. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | Realme 11 is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to hold. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone form factors. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.72" | Both have very similar screen sizes; the difference is almost negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | The Samsung has a significantly sharper display, resulting in finer details and clearer text. |
| PPI | 515 | 392 | Samsung's higher pixel density makes text and images appear much clearer and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles than Realme's IPS LCD, enhancing the overall visual experience. It's also more energy-efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling and gaming experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | The Samsung's display is considerably brighter, offering much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Samsung's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 389,600 | The Samsung is much faster, ideal for demanding tasks and heavy gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Samsung's GPU is far more powerful, delivering much better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | Samsung's higher resolution and larger sensor will likely capture more detailed images with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not available | Samsung offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed portraits and improved details. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung's higher resolution selfie camera will capture more detailed selfies, but Realme's wider aperture may perform better in low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not available | Samsung's telephoto lens offers a dedicated zoom lens for capturing far away subjects. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode and better background blurring. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Not available | Samsung's dedicated ultra-wide camera allows for wide-angle shots as well as macro photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The Samsung can record much higher resolution video, suitable for professional-grade footage. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 120fps | Samsung provides far more granular slow-motion video capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 (Photo 121, Video 100) | Not available | Samsung's camera scores are significantly higher, indicating superior image and video quality. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 135 (Photo 133, Video 140) | Not available | Samsung's front camera is rated very well for both photos and videos. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features: 4K/8K video, Optical zoom/OIS, advanced focus modes | Basic features: Digital zoom, Dual Camera, Autofocus | The Samsung provides more advanced features for versatile photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, so battery life will be comparable, though other factors like display tech and chipset can affect real-world battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | The Realme will charge faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging (15W), Reverse Wireless charging (9W), Reverse charging, No in-box charger | None | The Samsung offers more versatile charging options, including the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | The Realme has a newer base OS, but Samsung will receive OS updates up to Android 15. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Samsung's Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency and better performance on congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Samsung's newer Bluetooth standard provides slightly improved efficiency and potential for faster pairing. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS, Galileo | The Samsung offers more advanced GPS location capabilities for more accurate positioning. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | Samsung offers a 512 GB variant for those needing substantial storage for high-res photos and videos. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8/12GB | The Samsung offers a larger 16 GB RAM option for more demanding users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers | Basic Audio Features | Samsung offers a significantly better audio experience with dedicated features and better quality sound playback. |
| Security Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide similar levels of biometric security, though users may prefer one style of fingerprint scanner over the other. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Samsung is more scratch and shatter resistant with better glass protection. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Hall | Heart Rate | Samsung includes an environmental sensor suite with a barometer while Realme includes a heart rate monitor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better pixel density, brighter AMOLED screen with vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Higher Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with multiple lenses (telephoto, wide, macro), higher resolution main and selfie cameras, far better video recording options, and better still photography as validated by DXOmark scores.
- Versatile Charging Options: Wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more flexibility.
- Enhanced Audio: Superior sound output with Dolby Atmos and high-resolution audio support, stereo speakers.
- Newer WiFi & Bluetooth Standards: Provides higher transfer speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks.
- Better Build Quality & Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which is superior to Gorilla Glass 5 on the Realme.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended use.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging.
- Newer OS Out of Box: Ships with Android 13 and provides a more recent software experience at launch.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Includes an extra sensor for users interested in health features.
- Lower Price Point: It's generally less expensive than the Samsung.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is heavier and slightly thicker than the Realme 11, potentially making it less comfortable for some users, but it does have a much larger sensor that allows it to take amazing photos.
- The Realme 11 compromises on display quality, processing power, and camera versatility to achieve a lower price and more lightweight build.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power users: Those who demand the highest performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a versatile and high-quality camera system with advanced features.
- Media consumers: Those who value a top-tier display experience with vibrant colors, high resolution, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Professionals: Users that need to record high-resolution video with versatile camera and video capabilities.
- Users who need wireless charging: Users that want fast and versatile wireless charging.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on high settings without lag or frame drops.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Watching HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Working with graphic-intensive applications.
- Using the phone as a wireless charger for other accessories.
Realme 11 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a good value for money without the need for the highest-end specifications.
- Everyday users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and general communication.
- Users who prioritize lighter phones: Those looking for a comfortable and easily portable phone.
- Users who want faster charging times: Users who prioritize speed when charging their phone.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and communication.
- Casual gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Taking decent photos in good lighting conditions.
- Users who are not as demanding and prioritize general day-to-day use.
- Fast charging for quick top-ups.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is likely to be more expensive than the Realme 11.
- What are your priorities? Do you value peak performance, camera versatility, and display quality or are you more concerned with a lighter phone, faster charging and an affordable price?
- What is your primary use case? Will you be using your phone for demanding tasks, or just for daily communication and social media?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you want the best possible performance, camera, display, and features regardless of price, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- If you want a good, lightweight, and affordable phone for everyday tasks, and want the newer OS out of the box, then the Realme 11 is a sensible pick.
- If camera quality is a big concern, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a far more versatile system for both still and video photography with a large advantage in both areas.
- If you want faster charging speeds and a more recent out of box OS experience, the Realme 11 is preferable.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it's older and potentially more expensive, its superior display, much better camera system, significantly higher processing power and advanced features offer an experience that far surpasses the Realme 11. As a user who values high-quality photos, a great visual experience, and consistent performance, the Samsung aligns perfectly with my priorities. The extra cost is justifiable given the substantial improvements across key areas like camera, display and performance. Even if it’s older, the higher-end hardware, features and higher rating from DXOMark makes this my preferred choice.
