Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Realme 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is larger and slightly thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 178g | Realme 9 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | S21 Ultra's larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 411 ppi | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks inherent to AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | S21 Ultra provides much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 216,850 | S21 Ultra has far superior processing speed for all tasks, including heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, leading to a vastly superior gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67" sensor | S21 Ultra's larger sensor generally captures more light and detail. Realme 9 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution, more detailed selfies with a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra provides additional optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | Realme 9 allows for capturing wider landscapes and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor | Realme 9 allows for close-up shots of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | S21 Ultra can capture wide angle and close-up shots with the same lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra provides professional-grade video recording quality and versatility. |
| DxoMark (Mobile/Selfie) | 115/135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has been extensively tested and rated with positive results. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, Quad Camera, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, Phase Detection Autofocus | S21 Ultra offers a more versatile and feature-rich camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under similar conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9 charges faster with 33W. S21 Ultra offers wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | Reverse charging | S21 Ultra has additional charging features. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 12 | Realme 9 ships with a newer OS out of the box, but S21 Ultra has guaranteed updates. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra has newer WiFi, which offers higher speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth standard for better device connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | S21 Ultra provides better location accuracy through additional GPS frequency bands. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | S21 Ultra has a lot more storage, especially for larger files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage options. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | S21 Ultra has an enhanced audio experience due to Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra offers more environmental sensors, useful for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and larger RAM result in significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Higher Quality Display: The larger, higher resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provides a more immersive and enjoyable visual experience, especially in bright conditions.
- More Versatile Camera System: The quad-camera setup, including telephoto lenses, offers greater flexibility and higher quality photos and videos with additional features like 4K/8K video, optical zoom, and advanced features like RAW and Night Mode.
- Advanced Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and a more comprehensive sensor suite provides a richer user experience.
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better protection for the screen
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Realme 9 is significantly lighter and more compact, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and pocketability.
- Faster Charging: With 33W fast charging, the Realme 9 charges faster than the S21 Ultra.
- Lower Price: The Realme 9 generally is significantly less expensive, providing better price-to-value ratio.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Provides more versatility for landscape and close up shots
- Newer Android out of box: Comes with newer version of Android compared to S21 Ultra.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Realme 9's chipset and GPU are significantly less powerful than the S21 Ultra, which can be a limitation for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Camera Quality: The Realme 9 lacks optical zoom and a dedicated telephoto lens, and its image quality and video capabilities are not comparable to the S21 Ultra.
- Display Quality: The display on the Realme 9, while being AMOLED, isn't as high resolution, bright or smooth as the S21 Ultra.
- Advanced Features: The Realme 9 lacks wireless charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and the same level of sensor capabilities found in the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile, high-quality camera system with optical zoom, advanced shooting modes, and professional-grade video recording.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who prioritize a large, high-resolution display with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rates for consuming videos and other media.
- Professionals: Individuals who need advanced features, such as wireless charging and advanced sensors, and a versatile camera for work purposes.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth frame rates.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Extensive multitasking with resource-intensive applications.
- Immersive media consumption in various lighting conditions.
- Using as a work tool for field photography, video logging and other business needs.
Realme 9 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users looking for a good smartphone at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight, compact phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a decent camera with some versatility (wide and macro), and are not as concerned with top-tier performance.
- Users Needing Good Battery Life: Users looking for good battery with quick charging speeds.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media use.
- Casual photography with wide and close up capabilities.
- Long hours of browsing and media consumption with good battery life.
- Users seeking a phone for basic and consistent day to day tasks
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 9 offers a strong value proposition at a lower price, appealing to users who prioritize affordability without sacrificing core features.
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with a premium price tag that reflects its top-tier specifications, features, and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is substantial, so budget is a key factor.
- What are your primary use cases? Prioritize camera, gaming, or basic daily tasks based on your needs.
- Do you value top performance and features, or is a good all-rounder enough? Consider if you need the best in class experience, or if a more affordable alternative will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you need the best performance, a superior camera, and advanced features, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, despite its higher price.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize affordability, a lightweight design, and good battery life for everyday use, the Realme 9 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If photography is your top priority, with optical zoom and versatile video capabilities, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 4: Casual User: If you need a reliable phone for basic tasks and casual photography with a lightweight design, the Realme 9 is sufficient.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here's why:
While the Realme 9 offers a good overall experience at a lower price point, the S21 Ultra excels in almost every category that I value in a smartphone. As someone who consumes a lot of content and enjoys mobile gaming, the S21 Ultra's superior display and performance are important to me. Additionally, I often take a lot of photos, and the versatility of S21 Ultra's camera system, along with the professional grade video capabilities are vital for my needs. While it may be heavier, larger, and more expensive, the overall experience that the S21 Ultra provides is far better. Also, I tend to keep my phones for a few years, and the higher quality and performance of the S21 Ultra makes it a better investment in the long run. The additional features like wireless charging and a robust sensor suite also add to its value.
