1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker, while both share similar height and width. Realme is more pocketable |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | Realme C35 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame | Unspecified screen protection, plastic frame and back | S21 Ultra has premium build and superior scratch resistance |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a sharper and more detailed image |
| PPI | 515 | 401 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density means text and images appear crisper |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight, Realme C35 brightness is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 230,726 | S21 Ultra performs much better in benchmarks, indicating superior performance for demanding tasks |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 Ultra's GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor, which should lead to better image quality, especially in low light |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP, f/2.4 + 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers versatile zoom capabilities |
| Ultra-wide | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra can capture wide shots |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfies, though Realme has a slightly wider aperture |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra supports significantly higher video resolutions and features EIS and Stereo Sound |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | Not Available | S21 Ultra is rated for its overall mobile camera quality. The Realme C35 was not tested. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra is rated for its overall selfie camera quality. The Realme C35 was not tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster, although both will provide similar all-day battery life |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and high brightness provide a dramatically better viewing experience, especially in bright environments.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and greater RAM allow for significantly smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Versatile Camera System: Multiple lenses, including telephoto and ultrawide, plus significantly better video capabilities (8K, EIS, Stereo Sound), make it a much more versatile camera phone.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio quality with Dolby Atmos provide added convenience and enjoyment.
- Better Software Support: Samsung offers up to Android 15, while the Realme is not confirmed for upgrades beyond Android 11
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Macro Lens: It has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Lower Price: Likely significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Heavier and more expensive.
- Realme C35: Inferior display, much lower performance, significantly less capable camera system, and lacking premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system with many features.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos or playing games on their phone and want a superior display experience.
- Users Seeking Premium Features: Those who value wireless charging, high-quality audio, and long-term software support.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Shooting professional-grade videos in 8K.
- Playing graphically intensive games smoothly.
- Multitasking between resource-heavy applications.
- Enjoying immersive movies and shows with rich colors.
Realme C35 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Light Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone to hold and carry around.
Specific Use Cases for Realme C35:
- Casual social media browsing and messaging.
- Basic web surfing and email checking.
- Everyday photography without demanding needs.
- Those looking for a secondary phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers high value for users who need the best performance, display, and camera features, but it comes at a premium price.
- Realme C35: Provides a budget-friendly option, sacrificing high-end features for an affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget?
- Are you willing to pay a premium for high-end features, or are you seeking a budget-friendly option?
- What is your primary use case?
- Do you prioritize performance, camera capabilities, or a basic phone for everyday tasks?
- What features are most important to you?
- Is a high-quality display, advanced camera features, or a lighter design more critical for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-Focused User: If you want the best performance, display, and camera, and are willing to pay more, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a functional phone for basic tasks and prefer an affordable price and lighter design, choose the Realme C35.
- Scenario 3: Camera Focused User: The S21 Ultra will provide far better images and video quality than the Realme C35. If you care about camera quality choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The superior display, significantly more powerful performance, versatile camera system, and extra features like wireless charging, make it the better choice for my needs. While the Realme C35 is lighter and more affordable, the S21 Ultra provides a far superior user experience, and I am willing to pay more for this increase in performance. Additionally, the fact that the S21 Ultra will receive software updates for many years makes it a more future-proof investment, even though the phone is older. The much better quality of images from the camera is a crucial point for my needs. Although, if I was on a tight budget, the Realme C35 could be a reasonable choice.
