Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Realme C55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme C55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-03-08 | Realme C55 is significantly newer with potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.6 × 75.9 × 7.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly thicker but similar in height and width. Realme C55 is more pocketable due to the thinner profile. |
| Weight | 227g | 189.5g | Realme C55 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long-term use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.72" | Minimal difference in screen size, both offer a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display with significantly higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 515 | 392 | S21 Ultra display is noticeably sharper, better for detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling, better for gaming and fluid UI. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 680 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra's chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 245,800 | S21 Ultra offers much faster performance across the board, more future proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 Ultra's GPU offers better graphics performance for demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, expect similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme C55 charges faster than the S21 Ultra. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, No in-box charger | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging options, but no charger in-box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 64MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos with higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/2" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, capturing more light for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers versatile zooming capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 8MP | S21 Ultra captures much higher resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers additional telephoto zoom options. |
| Portrait Depth Sensor | None | 2MP | Realme C55 provides portrait effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP | None | S21 Ultra provides wide and macro photography capabilities. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording capabilities with 8K, high FPS and multiple resolutions. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra's camera has received significantly higher scores on benchmark tests, indicating superior performance. |
| Camera Features | 8K video, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Quad camera | Dual camera | S21 Ultra has significantly more versatile and advanced features, offering much more control and quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Realme C55 has a newer Android version, but S21 Ultra has received updates up to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 Ultra supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with more features | 5.2 LE | S21 Ultra has more advanced Bluetooth features for better audio connections. |
| GPS | L1+L5 dual-band | Standard GPS | S21 Ultra offers more accurate GPS with dual-band support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM and Dual Standby |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers up to 512 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6/8 GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM, for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra provides a much better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic | Side-mounted | Realme C55 has a more practical side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic sensors | S21 Ultra has a wider range of sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate and higher brightness leads to a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colours, sharper visuals and better outdoor visibility.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking and superior gaming performance compared to the Realme C55.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra has a much more versatile and capable camera system, including multiple telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and advanced video features.
- Better Audio: The S21 Ultra offers significantly better audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers compared to the Realme C55’s basic audio setup.
- Better build quality: The S21 Ultra offers Gorilla Glass Victus and a more comprehensive sensor array.
- More RAM and Storage Options: With options for up to 16GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, the S21 Ultra is better equipped for heavy users.
Realme C55 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: The Realme C55 is more compact and easier to handle due to its lower weight and thinner profile making it more portable.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging provides quicker charging times compared to the S21 Ultra’s 25W charging.
- Newer Software: The C55 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, but S21 Ultra receives regular updates.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side mounted fingerprint scanner may be more practical for some users.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The S21 Ultra offers dramatically superior performance, but this comes at a higher cost and weight.
- Camera: While the Realme C55 offers a decent main camera, it lacks the versatility and advanced features of the S21 Ultra, which has better resolution, zoom, and low-light performance.
- Display: The S21 Ultra has a far superior display over the C55, with better colours, brightness, sharpness, and refresh rates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and advanced features for professional-grade images and video.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who enjoy high-quality video streaming, immersive audio experiences, and need a sharp, bright display.
- Users who need High-End Features: Individuals who want premium features like wireless charging, advanced connectivity and more comprehensive sensor suite.
Specific Use Cases for the S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Demanding productivity tasks.
- Long trips where good battery and display are essential.
- High quality media consumption.
Realme C55 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals looking for a reliable smartphone at an affordable price without the need for premium features.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Users who prefer a light phone: People who want a light and compact device.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Individuals who want a fast charging experience.
Specific Use Cases for the Realme C55:
- Everyday social media, web browsing, and communication.
- Casual photography and quick snaps.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Long battery life.
- Users on a tight budget that want a good modern experience
Price-to-Value:
- The S21 Ultra is an older flagship phone, so can sometimes be found for a very good price, but is typically significantly more expensive than the Realme C55 due to its superior features and performance.
- The Realme C55 offers great value for its price, being an affordable, budget option, but comes with sacrifices in performance, screen quality and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a higher priced option, whereas the C55 is an affordable budget option.
- What are your primary use cases? High-end gaming, video editing, and photography or general social media browsing and light tasks.
- How important are performance, camera quality, and display quality to you? The S21 Ultra excels in all three, whereas the C55 makes sacrifices in order to achieve its price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is key: If you need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Camera quality is paramount: If you prioritize camera capabilities, including zoom, low-light performance, and versatile modes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's advanced camera system is a clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Budget is the primary concern: If you are looking for a capable smartphone at an affordable price, the Realme C55 offers good value for everyday use, although sacrifices need to be made in camera quality, performance and screen quality.
- Scenario 4: Portability and convenience: If a lightweight phone with quick charging is important, the Realme C55 is the more suitable choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it's an older device and can be bulky, the sheer superiority of the display, camera system, and overall performance makes it a much more compelling option for me. The premium features, such as wireless charging, superior audio, and a more comprehensive sensor suite also justify the higher cost for my needs. I value a high-quality camera for photography, and the S21 Ultra's advanced capabilities in this area are a huge selling point. The superior performance would also mean I can use the phone for demanding tasks such as video and photo editing with no issues. Ultimately, for my needs, the S21 Ultra provides a significantly better user experience across all the key areas that are most important to me.
