Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker but has a similar footprint; Realme 12x is slimmer and lighter, making it more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | Realme 12x is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger display, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1604 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper text, images, and video; Realme 12x has a lower resolution, which may appear less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 264 | S21 Ultra provides much clearer visuals, with smoother text and images, especially noticeable on close inspection. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to Realme 12x's IPS LCD; this leads to a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation; users will experience similar visual fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is vastly superior in bright outdoor conditions. The Realme 12x lacks brightness information, so it is assumed to be significantly dimmer. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 442,599 | S21 Ultra will handle demanding apps and games with ease, while the Realme 12x may show limitations with heavy usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, enhancing gaming performance and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra's main camera captures significantly more detail with higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra allows optical zoom and portrait shots, missing on Realme 12x. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 8MP, f/2.1 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies; Realme 12x has slightly better low light due to wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra offers additional zoom capabilities |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Realme 12x provides depth information for better portrait mode while S21 Ultra does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | S21 Ultra allows capturing wider shots and close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra offers higher video resolutions and frame rates; professional-grade video recording. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115 (Photo 121, Video 100) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has been tested by DXOMark and demonstrates strong image and video quality capabilities; Realme 12x performance is unknown. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135 (Photo 133, Video 140) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra selfie camera quality was also tested by DXOMark and demonstrates strong performance. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom, Quad Camera, RAW | Digital Zoom, Dual Camera | S21 Ultra offers far more comprehensive video features and camera modes than Realme 12x. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges faster, saving you time. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14 | Realme 12x offers the latest Android version out of the box; S21 Ultra can be upgraded to a more recent one, but may have limited update longevity |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with extensive profiles | 5.2 with basic profiles | S21 Ultra offers more advanced Bluetooth features, enhancing connectivity with accessories. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Single-band GPS | S21 Ultra offers better accuracy with additional satellite systems |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer similar large internal storage options. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | S21 Ultra with 16 GB RAM allows for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage, so select storage options carefully |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Canceling Mic | Hi-Res Audio | S21 Ultra provides a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x offers a more accessible and faster side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a stronger screen protection; Realme 12x does not specify screen protection |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Magnetometer | S21 Ultra includes advanced sensors for improved use; Realme 12x includes Magnetometer for magnetic readings |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and higher brightness for excellent visual quality, even in bright conditions.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to faster app performance and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile multi-lens setup, offering optical zoom, higher resolution, and superior video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: More convenient battery management options.
- Superior Build Quality and Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection
- Enhanced Connectivity and Audio: Offers faster Wi-Fi, more advanced Bluetooth features, and Dolby Atmos audio, providing a more seamless user experience.
- Feature rich Camera The S21 Ultra has various features like RAW, 4k/8k video recording, OIS, more zoom etc
Realme 12x Advantages
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and easier to carry.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient and faster unlock
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more up-to-date Android OS version.
- Affordability: Likely to be more budget-friendly than the S21 Ultra.
- Portrait Mode (depth) camera: Provides better depth information than S21 Ultra
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra:
- Heavier and thicker.
- Older OS at launch (though upgradeable).
- Likely more expensive.
- Realme 12x:
- Lower resolution and less bright display.
- Less powerful performance for demanding tasks.
- Less sophisticated camera system.
- Lacks wireless charging and other advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users
- Power Users: Professionals and enthusiasts who need top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and display quality.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize versatile camera features, including optical zoom, high-resolution images, and 8K video recording.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who appreciate the best visual and audio quality for watching videos and playing games.
- Business Professionals: Those who rely on fast processing, and efficient connectivity to stay productive.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing professional-grade photos and videos for content creation.
- Editing photos and videos on-the-go.
- Playing graphic-intensive games.
- Multitasking between various demanding apps.
Realme 12x Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Users who prefer lightweight phones: Those who find heavier phones inconvenient and prefer a more compact and portable design.
- Users who want a newer Android Version Out-of-the-box, the Realme 12x offers the newest version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual browsing and social media.
- Everyday photography for social media posting.
- Basic gaming and media consumption.
- Daily communication and organization.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Realme 12x offers good value in the budget-friendly category.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a premium phone, offering more features and performance at a higher cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? - The S21 Ultra is likely to be much more expensive, while the Realme 12x is in the more budget-friendly category.
- What are your primary use cases? - Do you need premium features and performance, or is a simple, reliable phone enough?
- How important is the camera quality? - Do you need features like telephoto lenses, RAW photography, 8k recording? Or do you just need to take casual photos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior camera system and video capabilities make it a powerful tool for professional content creation.
Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget - Recommendation: Realme 12x. Its lighter design, newer OS, and lower price make it a great phone for everyday use without breaking the bank.
Scenario 3: Gamer: - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The better chipset, GPU and RAM give it a significantly higher performance for smooth gaming.
Scenario 4: Power User who wants a budget-friendly phone - Recommendation: Neither, consider a different phone that has a stronger processor and performance than the Realme 12x, while not being as expensive as the S21 Ultra.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is older and likely more expensive, its superior display, significantly better performance, and much more versatile camera system align with my needs. I value the premium experience the S21 Ultra offers, including features like wireless charging, better screen protection, and enhanced audio.
Although the Realme 12x has a more recent version of Android and is lighter, the compromise in display quality, camera capabilities, and overall performance is too significant for me. I would be willing to pay a premium for the superior experience that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides. However, if I was on a budget, I would consider other phones that have a better processor and performance than the Realme 12x.
