Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Realme Note 50
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Realme Note 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme Note 50 is slightly taller and wider, while the S21 Ultra is a bit thicker; differences are marginal for most users. |
| Weight | 227g | 186g | Realme Note 50 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use or for users with wrist sensitivity. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.74" | Nearly identical screen sizes; negligible practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra has much sharper text and images, noticeably clearer for detail-oriented tasks, media consumption, and gaming. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 260 | S21 Ultra has a far superior display, offering crisper images and text; Realme Note 50 may appear pixelated for some. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED has much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, offering a superior viewing experience, especially in dark conditions. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is dramatically more visible in bright sunlight; Realme Note 50 may be difficult to use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 248,000 | S21 Ultra provides a much snappier experience, while the Note 50 might feel sluggish with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 Ultra provides much better graphics performance for gaming, video editing, and graphically demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 13MP | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detail and allows for larger prints and cropping without losing detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | N/A | S21 Ultra has 2 dedicated telephoto lenses enabling optical zoom, while Realme lacks dedicated telephoto. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12.2MP | N/A | S21 Ultra has a ultrawide lens for capturing more of a scene, while Realme Note 50 has no dedicated ultrawide. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 5MP | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed selfies, better for social media or prints. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra records significantly higher quality video with more detail and advanced features. |
| Camera Features | Extensive (OIS, 8K, zoom, etc) | Basic (Digital zoom, PDAF, etc.) | S21 Ultra provides professional-level control and versatility; Note 50 is more basic. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 10W fast charging | S21 Ultra charges significantly faster, reducing downtime, while the Realme Note 50 is noticeably slower to charge. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | No Wireless Charging | S21 Ultra has the convenience of wireless charging, while the Note 50 does not offer this feature. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | Realme Note 50 has a newer out-of-box operating system while the Samsung's software may be more refined. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFI 5 | S21 Ultra offers faster speeds, better latency, and performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra offers slightly more modern standards of connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | S21 Ultra has a more accurate and reliable location. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 3GB/4GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage capacity, while both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers, noise cancellation microphone | Basic Audio | S21 Ultra provides a significantly better audio experience with higher fidelity and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Realme Note 50 has a more modern and potentially quicker fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has much stronger glass for better screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic, Hall | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | S21 Ultra provides a wider range of sensors for more advanced functionality and accuracy. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology offer a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, sharper details, and superior brightness.
- Far Superior Performance: Much faster chipset and more RAM enable a smoother, snappier experience for all tasks, from basic browsing to heavy gaming and multitasking.
- Professional-Grade Camera System: Multiple high-resolution lenses, better low-light performance, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capability provide a versatile and superior photography and videography experience.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Faster wired charging and convenient wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging capabilities, increase user convenience and utility.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone offer a more immersive and clear audio experience for both media and calls.
- More Comprehensive Connectivity: Faster WiFi standards and more robust Bluetooth connectivity for better speed and reliability.
Realme Note 50 Advantages:
- Significantly Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use or carrying.
- Newer Operating System Out-of-Box: Ships with Android 13 compared to Android 11 on the S21 Ultra, but the S21 Ultra is upgradeable to Android 15.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially more convenient and faster access than the in-display sensor of the S21 Ultra (Note: this is a generalization, in-display sensors vary widely).
- More Affordable Price: Typically far more affordable than the S21 Ultra.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme Note 50 sacrifices nearly all aspects of the user experience such as display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and audio quality to achieve its low price.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is older, so it may have slightly less access to the latest software upgrades and features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking, demanding apps, and high-end gaming.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality images and videos with versatility, and those who want to use phone for professional-grade content creation.
- Media Consumers: Users who want the best possible display for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading text.
- Users Who Value Performance: Those who prioritize a seamless, fast, and reliable user experience.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography (due to 8K recording, multiple high resolution lens)
- Mobile gaming with the best possible graphics and performance
- Video editing and other graphically demanding tasks
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight (due to its high brightness and OLED display)
- Long-term ownership (due to better hardware longevity)
- Users who value convenience with wireless charging
Realme Note 50 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability over top-of-the-line features and performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light web browsing.
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who desire a lightweight phone that's comfortable to carry.
Specific Use Cases for Realme Note 50:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, social media).
- Casual web browsing.
- Use as a secondary device.
- Users who desire a light phone.
- Ideal for those on tight budget
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: While more expensive, it offers exceptional value for users who prioritize the very best in display, camera, performance, and all-around experience.
- Realme Note 50: A good option for budget-conscious users, but with major compromises on performance, display quality and camera abilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, social media, work)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for the best overall experience, or is price the top priority?)
- How important is display quality, camera performance, and overall responsiveness to you? (Are you willing to compromise on these areas for the sake of budget or size?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You prioritize a top-tier experience:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its superior display, performance, and camera system justify its higher price tag.
Scenario 2: You have a strict budget:
- Recommendation: Realme Note 50. It provides basic smartphone functions and a light design at a low cost, with major trade-offs in performance and display quality.
Scenario 3: You primarily use your phone for light tasks:
- Recommendation: Realme Note 50 may suffice for basic use, but the S21 Ultra will feel more responsive and enjoyable to use.
- Scenario 4: You care about good photos and video
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The camera is much better and far more versatile with multiple lenses, optical zoom, and better low-light performance.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older device, the gap in performance, display, and camera quality is substantial. I value a responsive user experience, and a great display for enjoying media, and a capable camera system is important for capturing good photos and videos. The added benefits of wireless charging, fast charging, and enhanced audio are also crucial for my daily usage. The Realme Note 50's primary advantage is its lower price and lighter weight, but the trade-offs in every other area is far too significant. I'd rather invest more for a better phone that will last longer and provide an infinitely better user experience.
