1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm | Similar sizes, but A04 is slightly wider and thicker, may feel less premium in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 192g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, which might be less comfortable for extended use but could feel more solid. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, providing more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a much sharper and clearer image with finer details. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density makes text and images look noticeably sharper, while A04 might appear slightly pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED display offers superior colors, contrast, and deeper blacks, making media consumption more enjoyable, and better power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother animations and scrolling, making the user interface feel more fluid, while A04 might appear less responsive. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra's higher brightness makes it much easier to use outdoors in direct sunlight. A04's brightness is not specified, likely very low. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful processor, enabling significantly faster performance for all tasks including gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 124,000 | S21 Ultra has far superior performance in benchmarks, which directly translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in much better graphics performance, especially important for demanding games and other graphically intensive apps. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Not specified | S21 Ultra supports faster charging, allowing the phone to be recharged more quickly, while A04’s charging capabilities are not specified. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers additional flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging. A04 only has non-removable battery, not offering any advanced charging features |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.8µm | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed images with its higher-resolution sensor, resulting in better quality when zoomed in or cropped. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm & 10.8MP f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lenses for better optical zoom capabilities, allowing to take close-up photos without losing details. A04 has no telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle lens to capture more of the scene, very useful for landscape and group photos. A04 has no wide angle lens |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures significantly sharper and more detailed selfies with its higher-resolution sensor. |
| Portrait Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 has dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, S21 Ultra doesn't need one due to its superior sensors |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra is capable of much higher quality video recording, ideal for professional or semi-professional video content creation. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not available | S21 Ultra's camera has a well tested and performs better based on its DXOMark score compared to A04. |
| Camera Features | Extensive features (OIS, Laser AF, etc) | Basic features | S21 Ultra has more advanced features offering greater control and better image/video quality like optical zoom, RAW, night mode, while A04 has basic features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness provides a premium viewing experience.
- High Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU enable smoother performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with multiple lenses, higher resolution sensors, and advanced features for exceptional photo and video capabilities.
- Premium Build and Features: Offers features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and enhanced audio.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer OS out-of-box: Ships with Android 12 out-of-the-box, although its max version is lower than the S21 Ultra
- Lower Price: A much more affordable option, making it accessible to budget-conscious users.
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: Higher price, heavier weight, and no charger included.
- A04: Significantly inferior display, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Users who prioritize a premium viewing experience and smooth performance.
- Individuals who need advanced features such as wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity work.
- Enjoying media consumption with high fidelity visuals and audio.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price tag but offers flagship-level performance, camera, and features, excellent for users who prioritize these aspects.
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday use.
- Users who prioritize lighter weight and don’t need high-end performance.
- Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic communication and social media.
- Use Cases:
- Casual web browsing and social media.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Everyday communication and calls.
- Users with basic smartphone needs.
- Price-to-Value: Highly affordable option that fulfills basic smartphone functions, excellent for users who don’t need advanced features and need something cheap.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the A04.
- What are your performance needs? Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, or just basic communication?
- How important is the camera to you? Do you want the best possible camera features and image quality or are basic photos sufficient?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User If you are on a tight budget and need a basic smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the better option due to its lower price.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast If you prioritize performance, a great camera, and a high-quality display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the best choice, despite its higher price.
- Scenario 3: Casual user with a preference for premium experience If you are a casual user but still value a high-quality display and overall premium user experience, the S21 Ultra is still the best option despite the higher price.
My Choice
Given the specifications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it's significantly more expensive, its superior display, processing power, and camera system make it the far better choice for someone who values performance and overall user experience. The vastly improved screen is a noticeable difference, enhancing media consumption and general usage, and the camera features offer significantly better quality and versatility. The performance difference between the two devices also makes the S21 Ultra far more future-proof, and it will last significantly longer without needing to be upgraded. While the A04 might be sufficient for basic usage, it falls far short in terms of functionality and features.
Ultimately, if budget was not a concern I would choose the S21 Ultra, it provides a much better overall experience.
