1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use, while Realme 12 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | Realme 12 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size, both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2412 | S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display with more detail, better for reading and viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 394 PPI | S21 Ultra's higher PPI translates to sharper text and images, noticeable for users with keen eyes. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, standard for premium smartphone displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and daily use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 950 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor use under bright sunlight, offering significantly better visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is older but benchmarks higher, suggesting better app loading and overall snappiness. Realme 12 Pro's chipset is more modern but performance scores lower. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 574,000 | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating superior processing power for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 710 | S21 Ultra's GPU suggests better performance for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm | S21 Ultra captures more detail and is better in low-light thanks to larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, enabling better zoomed-in and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 16MP, f/2.4 | S21 Ultra captures sharper and brighter selfies with its higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | Realme 12 Pro captures higher resolution telephoto images with wider aperture, while the S21 Ultra has larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm | S21 Ultra offers more detailed wide-angle shots due to higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher resolution video recording (8K), suitable for professional-level content creation. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra's camera is rated much better in photo and video performance based on DXOMark scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, assuming similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, which is a huge convenience. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options, including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging to other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro ships with a more up-to-date Android version; S21 Ultra will likely be fully updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest standards for fast and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both offer the same Bluetooth version with slight differences in codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both offer a comprehensive set of global navigation systems for accurate location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM for using two phone numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer ample storage with the same maximum of 512GB. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | S21 Ultra has up to 16GB of RAM, which may provide better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users should consider their storage needs carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Both offer good audio quality. The extra microphone in the Realme 12 Pro may offer slightly better voice call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer standard biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra includes more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution and brightness, providing a noticeably sharper and more viewable screen in bright conditions.
- More Powerful Performance: Higher benchmark scores and more powerful GPU, ideal for demanding apps, gaming and smoother overall performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera setup including a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens, 8K video recording, and superior photo quality according to DXOMark. Larger sensors and higher resolution in multiple cameras contribute to this.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience for users who need these features.
- More RAM Options: Offers up to 16GB RAM for better multitasking and handling of memory-intensive applications.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- More Sensors: Includes a compass and barometer.
- Mature Software Ecosystem: While older, Samsung's software has matured with good feature sets.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging, a crucial convenience for users who need quick power top-ups.
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry around.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, providing the latest software features.
- Modern Chipset: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is a more modern chip built on a 4nm process
- Potentially Better Telephoto Camera: Higher resolution telephoto camera with a wider aperture, this is not a clear win since sensor sizes are not identical.
- Additional microphone: Might offer better call quality and audio recording.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Sacrifices faster charging and is heavier and bulkier for superior display, processing power and versatile camera.
- Realme 12 Pro: Compromises on display quality, peak performance and camera versatility for lighter weight, faster charging, more modern software and more compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier photo and video quality, needing a versatile camera system and advanced features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who value a high-resolution, bright display for consuming content outdoors.
- Users invested in the Samsung ecosystem: Those who want seamless integration with other Samsung devices.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize battery life and fast charging for daily use.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking a balance of performance and features at a more reasonable price (considering the S21 Ultra is an older flagship).
- Users Seeking Portability: Users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone that is comfortable to handle and carry.
- Users who value modern Android: Those who want the latest software updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Ideal for professional photographers, content creators, and gamers due to its powerful processing, versatile camera, and high-quality display.
- Realme 12 Pro: Well-suited for students, travelers, and busy professionals who need a reliable daily driver with a long-lasting battery and quick charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra likely has a higher price point (or at least had when new) due to its flagship specifications and advanced features but has depreciated due to it being an older flagship device.
- The Realme 12 Pro likely provides a better price-to-performance ratio for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, daily use, multimedia consumption)
- How much do you value fast charging vs. wireless charging?
- How important is top-tier camera performance and display quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If gaming, video editing, and the best possible camera performance are paramount, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Battery-Focused User: If you prioritize long battery life and quick charging, the Realme 12 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a combination of good performance, good camera and a good battery life and a modern operating system, the Realme 12 Pro is better.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a tighter budget, the Realme 12 Pro likely offers better value and a solid overall experience.
My Choice
Based on my analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. My rationale is primarily driven by my preference for a top-tier display, versatile camera system, and robust performance, which are more important to me than the faster charging offered by the Realme 12 Pro. While the S21 Ultra is an older device, its overall image quality, higher display brightness, and overall higher processing power are worth more to me than the newer but less capable Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
I would prioritize a great camera for capturing various scenarios and a display for viewing high-quality content. The S21 Ultra's superior display with higher resolution and brightness is a big selling point for me, especially when using the phone outdoors. The larger RAM is also beneficial for multitasking. I am also a fan of the added wireless charging.
