1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Realme 9 Pro, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker and marginally taller, but both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. S21 Ultra is heavier, which may feel more premium or cumbersome depending on preference. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. The difference is marginal. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2412 | S21 Ultra’s higher resolution results in significantly sharper images and text. |
| PPI | 515 | 400 | S21 Ultra's display is noticeably sharper and more detailed, important for visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED display provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, significantly enhancing viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is far brighter, offering excellent outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. Realme 9 Pro's brightness is not stated in the provided data, suggesting it may have significantly less brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset offers significantly higher performance, leading to faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 402,916 | S21 Ultra is much faster, handling demanding games and tasks with ease. Realme 9 Pro is slower, good for everyday tasks but might struggle with resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra's GPU delivers much better graphics performance for gaming and other demanding graphical tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | S21 Ultra captures more detail and performs better in low-light due to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom and portrait capabilities, absent in Realme 9 Pro. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | S21 Ultra offers higher-resolution selfies with more detail, while Realme has wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 9 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme 9 Pro has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens, allowing for both wide shots and close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra provides much higher video recording capabilities (8K) for professional video usage. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a benchmark score suggesting good photo and video quality, no score for the Realme 9 Pro. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a benchmark score suggesting good selfie photo and video quality, no score for the Realme 9 Pro. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide a similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 9 Pro charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging, and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | S21 Ultra might have a longer software update lifespan |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi ac | S21 Ultra offers faster and more efficient WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer bluetooth version for a more stable and reliable connection |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, 2 mics | S21 Ultra offers more immersive and higher quality audio, while Realme has dual mics for better audio clarity during calls. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9 Pro may have a faster unlock experience due to the side mounted sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection. Realme 9 Pro screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | S21 Ultra has extra environmental sensors like the barometer for atmospheric pressure reading, compass for navigation purposes. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, higher pixel density, and much higher brightness provide a significantly better viewing experience.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU offer superior performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers more versatile options with multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors and 8K video recording.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- More Comprehensive Feature Set: Has stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and better sensor suite.
- Better Connectivity Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offering more stable and reliable connections.
- Longer Software Support: Provides a greater range of operating system updates.
- Better Build Quality: Provides superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging allows the phone to recharge quicker.
- Wider Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
- Lower cost: Typically more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Heavier and more expensive, does not have a dedicated wide-angle or macro lens.
- Realme 9 Pro: Significantly less powerful, has an IPS LCD display, and a less versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who require a versatile and high-quality camera system, including telephoto zoom and 8K video.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize display quality for watching movies, videos and browsing the web.
- Professional users: Users who require the best performance and features available in a smartphone
- Users with larger budgets: Those who are willing to pay for a premium experience.
Realme 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a capable phone at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: People who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and basic photography.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Individuals who prefer a lighter phone for ease of handling.
- Users requiring a wide angle or macro lens: Users looking for more options when taking photos.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra:
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Watching HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Using the phone as a productivity tool for multitasking.
- Realme 9 Pro:
- Casual social media use and web browsing.
- Taking snapshots and general photography.
- Enjoying standard media content at decent quality.
- Using the phone for basic day to day tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive).
- How important is display quality and performance? (S21 Ultra excels in both).
- What are my photography needs? (S21 Ultra offers better versatility and quality, while Realme 9 Pro offers wide angle and macro lenses).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User - Choose the Realme 9 Pro as it provides a good balance of features for everyday use at a much lower price.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Photographer/Videographer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera system, including telephoto zoom and high-quality video recording.
- Scenario 3: Demanding User/Gamer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior performance, display and overall features.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User Seeking Balance - Both phones are a good fit. If budget is a primary concern, the Realme 9 Pro is a great option. If a premium display and performance are important, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G may be preferred despite the cost.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the Realme 9 Pro offers good value for its price, the S21 Ultra provides a far superior experience in nearly every aspect that is important to me. I prioritize a high-quality display, exceptional performance, and a versatile camera system. The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and brightness, coupled with the powerful Exynos 2100 chipset, would provide a much better everyday experience. While it is more expensive, the overall performance and features make it worth the premium price for my specific needs. Even though the Realme 9 Pro has a wide angle and macro lens, the versatility and quality of the S21 Ultra's camera system outweighs the Realme 9 Pro's lens selection. The S21 Ultra would provide a smoother, more immersive experience for gaming, photography and media consumption.
