1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-10-15 | Galaxy A05 is newer, potentially offering more recent software and features, but this can be offset by S21 Ultra's flagship status |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly more compact. A05 is taller and wider, making it less pocketable for some users but potentially more comfortable for larger hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | A05 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. S21 Ultra might feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Similar screen sizes, difference not very noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra has much sharper and clearer display, ideal for detailed visuals. A05 has a lower resolution, which will appear less sharp. |
| PPI | 515 | 262 | S21 Ultra's significantly higher pixel density means a much sharper image. Text and images will look crisper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 Ultra's AMOLED provides superior contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks. A05's LCD will have more washed-out colors and less vibrant display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. A05 is more basic. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much easier to see in direct sunlight. The A05 brightness is unspecified which suggests poor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking, due to better architecture. A05 will have significantly slower app loading and general performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 225,154 | S21 Ultra demonstrates superior speed, app loading and multitasking. A05 is suitable for basic everyday tasks only. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 Ultra offers superior graphics processing for gaming and demanding apps. A05's graphics performance is much lower. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detail in photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom for detailed shots of distant objects and better portraits. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 8MP | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP | None | S21 Ultra provides additional zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP | A05 offers basic portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | None | S21 Ultra captures wider scenes and close-up macro shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps etc | 1080p@60fps | S21 Ultra captures significantly higher resolution and better quality video, including 8K. S21 Ultra is suitable for professional video work. A05 is suitable for casual video recording. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has been tested and scores well for its camera performance, especially in selfies. A05's camera performance is unknown but will be significantly lower than the S21 Ultra. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | Basic | S21 Ultra has features like Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW capture, 8k video recording, continuous auto focus etc. offering a much more versatile and feature-rich photography experience. The A05 offers only basic camera functions. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity for potentially similar battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Similar charging speed, but S21 Ultra has extra features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra can charge wirelessly and also wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 13 | A05 launches with a newer Android version. However, the S21 Ultra can be upgraded to the same version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | S21 Ultra's WiFi 6 offers faster speeds and better performance with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 LE | A05 has newer Bluetooth, though differences aren't very significant in real-world use. S21 Ultra includes additional audio features. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | S21 Ultra provides better location accuracy with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher storage options, for more apps and large media files. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | S21 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding apps much better, resulting in a smoother experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | S21 Ultra has much superior audio quality and features for an immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | S21 Ultra provides biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection from scratches and drops. A05 has an unknown screen protection, which will be inferior. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full suite | Basic set | S21 Ultra includes more sensors, for example: Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope and Barometer for more diverse use cases such as gaming and augmented reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and brightness result in a significantly better viewing experience, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth motion. It's ideal for media consumption, gaming, and any visual-heavy tasks.
- Flagship Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM offer significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and overall a more responsive experience. This makes the phone more future-proof for demanding tasks.
- Professional-Grade Camera System: The versatile camera array, including multiple telephoto lenses and a high-resolution main sensor, paired with advanced features like OIS, RAW capture, 8K video, and autofocus technologies enable a much better photography experience. DxOMark scores are significantly higher, indicating top-tier photo and video capabilities.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6, enhanced audio features, and a fingerprint sensor - these provide more convenience and higher quality experience.
- Superior Build Quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen is significantly more durable.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13. However, S21 Ultra can be upgraded to the same Android version.
- Slightly newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.2. This provides slightly better power efficiency, however this is not a very significant advantage.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher cost, heavier, older launch date.
- A05: Much inferior display quality, significantly weaker performance, basic camera capabilities, and a more basic set of features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, photographers, gamers, media enthusiasts, and anyone who values a premium experience and doesn't mind paying a higher price.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-grade photography and videography
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Demanding multitasking with numerous apps
- Enjoying high-resolution media with rich colors
- Users who value the best possible performance, build quality, and features
Samsung Galaxy A05:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, those with very basic needs, first-time smartphone buyers, and users who prioritize simplicity and light weight.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, messages)
- Light web browsing and social media
- Casual photography and video
- Users who need a secondary phone.
- Users with less demanding requirements
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Higher upfront cost, but offers flagship performance, a superior camera system, higher build quality, and advanced features, hence the value justifies the high price for users who need the absolute best performance.
- A05: Excellent for those with a strict budget but not suitable for anyone who values performance, display quality, or photography. The low price matches its entry-level capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If your budget is very limited, the A05 is the only option. Otherwise, the S21 Ultra has significantly higher value for the extra price.
- What are my primary usage needs? If your use-case is basic (calls, texts, web browsing, social media), the A05 might suffice. However, any kind of gaming, media consumption, video creation, or anything requiring high performance will be done much better on the S21 Ultra.
- How important are camera quality and display experience to me? If you want excellent image quality, zoom, video and a high resolution, vibrant and high brightness screen, the S21 Ultra is the only choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget, Basic Needs: If you are on a very tight budget and your needs are basic, the A05 will fulfil that need.
- Scenario 2: Mid-Range Budget, General Use: The A05 is not suitable for general use and there are much better phones in this price range. If this is your budget, then the used phone market might be an option.
- Scenario 3: Need Premium Experience, Photography Focus: The S21 Ultra is the clear choice. It has a significantly better display, vastly superior performance, a much better camera system, and additional features.
- Scenario 4: Gaming and Media Consumption: The S21 Ultra provides a significantly better experience due to its high refresh rate screen, powerful chipset, and good speakers.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is an older device, its flagship-level performance and capabilities still far surpass those of the A05. The superior display, camera system, build quality, and overall user experience justify the higher price point, and the S21 Ultra remains suitable for demanding tasks such as photography, video, gaming, and multitasking.
The A05, while newer, is an entry-level phone that provides basic functionality. The S21 Ultra is a much better device in nearly all metrics, and it provides much more utility, even if it is a little older. The A05 is only suitable for a small subset of users with very limited budgets and extremely basic use cases.
