1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker, C31 is slightly wider; overall similar in hand feel, S21 Ultra is larger |
| Weight | 227g | 197g | Realme C31 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra is significantly sharper; text and images will be clearer. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra display will look much more detailed and crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and superior power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra animations and scrolling are significantly smoother. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. Realme C31 brightness information is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Unisoc T612 (12nm) | S21 Ultra is significantly faster and more efficient; apps will load faster, multitasking will be smoother. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 224,223 | S21 Ultra is much more powerful for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 Ultra has superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life; dependent on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 10W | S21 Ultra charges significantly faster; less time plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra provides more flexibility with charging options; can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8 | 13MP f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed photos, performs better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP & 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities without loss of quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures highly detailed selfies with a wider dynamic range. |
| Macro | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme C31 can take close-up photos, although quality may be basic. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra offers a wider field of view. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP f/2.8 | Realme C31 offers a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra supports professional-grade video recording with much higher detail and flexibility. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile 115, Selfie 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been tested with high scores, indicating excellent image quality. Realme C31 not tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 Ultra offers more software upgrades and will receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | S21 Ultra has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi; better for streaming and gaming. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a more efficient and versatile Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | S21 Ultra has more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 32/64GB | S21 Ultra offers much more space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 3/4GB | S21 Ultra enables much better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra provides significantly enhanced audio experience with greater clarity, immersion, and fidelity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C31 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has significantly better scratch and drop resistance. Realme C31 screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Barometer, Hall | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 Ultra has more sensors for advanced features and data collection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, better color and contrast, smoother refresh rate, much higher brightness. This provides a far better viewing experience for all types of content.
- Much Higher Performance: Faster chipset, more RAM, and more powerful GPU resulting in a smoother, more responsive experience in all tasks, including gaming.
- Professional Grade Camera System: Much higher resolution main and selfie cameras, multiple telephoto lenses for optical zoom, ultra-wide lens and ability to record in 8K. Provides far more versatility and better image quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Capabilities: Offers fast wired and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging. More convenient, less downtime.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers. Provide superior audio quality.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions. Faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Software Support: Guaranteed to receive more Android OS and security updates.
- More Internal Storage and RAM: Comes with significantly more storage capacity and more RAM.
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Macro and Black & White lenses: Offers dedicated lenses for creative photography.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More ergonomic placement.
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price and weight.
- Realme C31: Noticeable compromises in display quality, performance, camera quality, and battery charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who want a versatile camera system for high-quality photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching movies, playing games, and browsing content.
- Professionals: Users who need reliable connectivity, fast performance, and security features.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional photography and videography, heavy mobile gaming, video editing, graphic design, mobile office tasks.
Realme C31 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks at a low cost.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calling, messaging, and casual browsing.
- Users who want a lightweight device: People who prioritise portability and comfort over high performance.
- Users wanting a dedicated macro and black and white lens: People who enjoy this style of photography.
Use Cases for Realme C31:
- Basic communication, casual social media, web browsing, and simple gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Offers a premium experience with advanced features, making it a better choice if budget is less of a concern.
- Realme C31: Provides essential features at a significantly lower price point, but compromises on performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? This is the most important factor as the S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need a device for gaming, photography, or just basic tasks?
- How much do you value display quality and performance? If these are critical, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-End Experience: If you want the best possible display, performance, and camera experience, and budget is not the primary concern, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious: If you need a basic smartphone for daily tasks and want to spend as little as possible, choose the Realme C31.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you are a balanced user who wants good performance and screen, it may be worth looking into alternatives that fit between these two in terms of price and features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the price difference is significant, the benefits of superior display quality, vastly improved performance, a much better camera system, faster charging, and higher-end features are worth the investment for my needs. As a tech enthusiast and someone who uses my phone heavily for both work and entertainment, the S21 Ultra simply offers a superior experience in almost every aspect that matters. The Realme C31 is a good budget option, but it compromises in many critical areas that I value, like performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities. While the Realme C31's lighter weight is attractive, the overall experience difference makes the S21 Ultra worth the extra money.
