1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Realme 11 Pro+, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and thicker; Realme 11 Pro+ is more pocketable and easier to handle |
| Weight | 227g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro+ is significantly lighter, better for long periods of holding. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Very similar viewing area; negligible difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | S21 Ultra offers noticeably sharper images and text. More detailed for viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 394 | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper, more detailed display, making text and images noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | S21 Ultra offers much better visibility in bright sunlight, crucial for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a more powerful processor resulting in faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 540,800 | S21 Ultra offers faster app loading and smoother overall performance; noticeable difference in heavy use cases |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity implies comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Realme 11 Pro+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | 2x2500mAh | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless and reverse charging. Realme 11 Pro+ 2x2500mAh is to provide faster charging. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 200MP, f/1.69, 1/1.4" sensor | Realme has a higher resolution sensor but slightly smaller and narrower aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated lens for zoomed in and portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" sensor | S21 Ultra has better selfie camera performance with a wider aperture, more resolution, and a slightly larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated periscope lens for long distance zoom photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Realme offers a wide-angle perspective, better for landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.3, 1/5" sensor | Realme allows capturing detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | S21 Ultra has a single ultrawide lens that can also be used for macro shots |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@480fps | S21 Ultra offers higher video resolution, 8K recording provides professional-grade content creation capabilities. Realme 11 Pro+ 480 fps for slow-motion. Both are capable video recorders. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has very good camera performance according to DxOMark scores, with high ratings for both mobile and selfie camera. Realme 11 Pro+ does not have official testing data. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Laser AF, RAW | Noise reduction, Triple camera, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features, including 8K, while Realme offers features that enhance video stability and has a wider aperture. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and brightness result in sharper images and better outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 offers better performance for demanding tasks, gaming and better app loading and smooth operations.
- Advanced Camera System: Features two telephoto lenses, 8K video recording, and a generally versatile camera system with high DxOMark score.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Offers more convenient charging options.
- Better build quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection
- More Sensors: Includes compass and barometer in addition to the common sensors
Realme 11 Pro+ Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more portable for extended periods of use.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 200MP main sensor allows detailed photos although the pixel size is smaller.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Allows for more creative photography options.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 13, though both are upgradeable to 15
- More Storage Option: Offers 1TB internal storage.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier, larger, and slower charging.
- Realme 11 Pro+: Lower display resolution, brightness, and less powerful chipset and less versatile camera system without a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities and professional-grade video recording.
- Outdoor users: Individuals who need a bright display for use in sunny conditions.
Users who prefer a premium experience: Appreciate top-tier performance, premium build quality, and features like wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases: Professional photographers/videographers, heavy mobile gamers, frequent travelers requiring reliable GPS and connectivity, users needing a bright screen for outdoor work.
Realme 11 Pro+ Ideal Users:
- Users prioritizing battery and charging: Those who need fast charging to minimize downtime.
- Users seeking a lightweight and portable device: Those who value comfort and ease of handling.
- Social Media content creators: Users who need a device with good social media content creating and sharing, wide-angle shots and macro photography capabilities.
Value-conscious buyers: Those who seek a balance of features and price.
Specific Use Cases: Daily commuters, social media enthusiasts, users who need a reliable device with a large storage option.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Priced higher due to its premium features and build quality.
- Realme 11 Pro+: Offers good value for its price with fast charging and a large storage option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority for display quality and outdoor visibility?
- How important is processing power for your daily tasks and gaming?
- What are your main photography needs (zoom, wide-angle, low light, etc.)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Professional Photographer): If your main use case is photography, videography with high zoom capability, and a bright display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Frequent Traveler/Student): If you need a lightweight phone with a big storage for daily use with a good battery, then Realme 11 Pro+ would be a great option.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): If you prioritize fast charging, a lower weight and budget and want decent camera capabilities, the Realme 11 Pro+ is a solid option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a more modern design and much faster charging, my personal preference leans towards the superior display quality, more powerful processing capabilities, and versatile camera system of the S21 Ultra. I value the higher resolution, brightness and performance for a more premium experience. The telephoto lens and high zoom capabilities along with 8k video recording capability is very valuable to me. The slightly heavier weight and slower charging are trade-offs I would be willing to make for the superior performance and camera quality the Samsung offers. While not as new and modern, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has very good features that I prioritize more than the benefits offered by the Realme 11 Pro+.
