1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller (1.1mm) but similar in width and thickness. Negligible difference in overall size. |
| Weight | 227g | 205g | A12 Nacho is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. S21 Ultra feels heavier and more premium. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, offering better resistance to scratches and impacts. A12 Nacho's screen durability is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger display, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and detailed display due to higher resolution, resulting in crisp text and images. A12 Nacho's display will look less sharp. |
| PPI | 515 | 270 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper and more detailed image. A12 Nacho will appear less sharp, with visible pixels upon close inspection. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior display technology with deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. AMOLED also more power efficient for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra provides a significantly smoother experience with scrolling, animations, and gaming due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly better for outdoor use, with very high brightness making it easily viewable under sunlight. The A12 Nacho is not rated for brightness, which usually means it is likely not very bright. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful and efficient processor, offering significantly better performance in all tasks, especially demanding ones. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 117,300 | S21 Ultra offers a vastly superior performance in all aspects, including app loading, multitasking, and gaming. A12 Nacho is considerably slower. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 | S21 Ultra's GPU is considerably more powerful, which is crucial for demanding games and graphics-intensive applications. A12 Nacho is less powerful for gaming. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life. Actual usage may vary based on display and processor load. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | S21 Ultra has slightly faster charging, resulting in reduced charging time. S21 Ultra has Li-Polymer while A12 Nacho has Li-Ion technology. |
| Features | Reverse, wireless, no charger | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers versatile charging, including reverse and wireless charging, and does not include a charger in-box. A12 Nacho lacks these. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor, Samsung S5KHM3, 0.80 µm pixel size | 48MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra has superior main camera with higher resolution, larger sensor, and wider aperture, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22 µm pixel size | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for portrait shots with enhanced zoom capabilities. A12 Nacho lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5KGH1, 0.70 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera, allowing for more detailed selfies and better quality video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor, Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22 µm pixel size | None | S21 Ultra has an additional telephoto lens for enhanced zoom. A12 Nacho does not offer this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.0 | A12 Nacho includes a dedicated wide-angle camera to capture more of the scene, making it suitable for landscape photography. The S21 Ultra is missing this. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A12 Nacho has a dedicated depth sensor, but portrait mode is not unique to it as the S21 Ultra can do it with the standard camera and other sensors |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A12 Nacho has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the S21 Ultra relies on its wide-angle lens and other camera system. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, Sony IMX563, 1.40 µm pixel size | None | S21 Ultra includes a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro camera. The S21 Ultra relies on its wide-angle lens, and other camera system to take macro shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: Yes, 34 fps | S21 Ultra has vastly superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, higher frame rates, HDR and slow motion options. A12 Nacho is limited to 1080p recording at a lower frame rate. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has superior camera quality as per DxOMark scores, indicating the image and video capture are significantly better. There are no DXoMark scores for the A12 Nacho. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode, Self-timer | S21 Ultra includes more advanced camera features that include optical zoom, stabilization, and various manual controls offering greater control over the photo taking process. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, max 15 | Android 11, max 13 | S21 Ultra is supported for longer, which means longer feature updates and security patches. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | S21 Ultra offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity due to supporting Wi-Fi 6 and having additional features like Dual-Band and Wi-Fi MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, SBC | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | S21 Ultra has more advanced Bluetooth with wider codec support and additional profiles, improving audio quality and connectivity with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra has more accurate GPS with additional frequency bands, enhancing navigation and location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM for use with multiple carriers. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB | S21 Ultra has far more storage options, offering ample space for apps, media, and files. A12 Nacho’s base storage is limited. |
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 3 GB / 4 GB / 6 GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking performance and overall smoothness of operations. A12 Nacho has much less RAM, which will limit multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone offers the option for additional storage, requiring users to manage available space efficiently. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra has a superior audio experience with Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation, and stereo speakers. A12 Nacho only has Dolby Atmos. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | S21 Ultra has basic fingerprint sensor, which can be located under the display, while A12 Nacho has a more convenient side-mounted sensor that can double as a power button. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | S21 Ultra has a full suite of sensors that enable advanced features, such as precise navigation and AR experiences and better fitness tracking. A12 Nacho has fewer sensor, which may limit its capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much brighter screen result in a much better viewing experience.
- Exceptional Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset delivers far superior processing power and GPU performance compared to the Exynos 850, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra boasts a more versatile and powerful camera setup with higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capabilities for professional-grade photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Faster charging capabilities and wireless charging offer significant user convenience.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher base storage and more RAM allow for more multitasking and more apps, photos, videos, and documents to be stored locally.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi speeds with Wi-Fi 6 and more advanced Bluetooth features provide a better user experience.
- Additional Features: Better audio with stereo speakers and better haptics.
- Longer Software Support: The S21 Ultra is supported for longer with OS updates, which will provide more software updates and security patches in the long run.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra excels in every aspect of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and connectivity, making it a top-tier flagship device.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter than the S21 Ultra, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Lower Price: The A12 Nacho is considerably more affordable, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.
- Decent Battery Life: With the same battery capacity as the S21 Ultra but less power-hungry processor and display, it may offer slightly better battery life in some usage scenarios.
- More Convenient Fingerprint: Side-mounted fingerprint reader is quicker to reach than an under display reader.
Practical Implications: The A12 Nacho provides a functional smartphone experience for those who prioritize cost and battery life over top-tier performance and display quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price, heavier build, and slightly less battery life compared to the A12 Nacho.
- A12 Nacho: Considerably lower performance, inferior display, basic camera, and lacks advanced features found in the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who desire the best performance, display, and camera experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Professional Photographers/Videographers: Users who need high-quality video and photo capabilities, optical zoom, and manual controls.
- Power Users & Gamers: Those who demand smooth multitasking, high frame rates in games, and the fastest processing speeds.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a top-tier display for watching movies, videos, and reading.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-end gaming and intensive app usage.
- Media consumption and content creation.
- Multi-tasking and productivity.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who want a functional smartphone for basic tasks and don't need top-tier performance or features.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Users new to smartphones, who prefer ease of use and affordability over advanced specifications.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who primarily need a phone for calls, messages, and basic browsing, and may benefit from the less demanding hardware.
- Users Who Don't Need a Powerful Camera: People who primarily use a camera for quick snapshots instead of higher quality pictures or videos.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily calls and messaging.
- Casual browsing and social media.
- Basic photography.
- Extended battery life for basic use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Offers a high price to value for top-tier specs but is expensive.
- A12 Nacho: Provides great value for a basic smartphone at a very affordable price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication)
- What is your budget?
- How important are display quality, camera performance, and overall speed to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User, Budget is Flexible: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. You'll get the best overall experience, which will excel in almost all tasks, though it is at a much higher price point.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User, Basic Usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho. It is a basic and affordable phone that will handle basic tasks well.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with focus on Camera: The S21 Ultra, while more expensive, provides an excellent photo and video experience while not being too heavy.
- Scenario 4: Casual User with focus on Battery Life: The A12 Nacho has less power hungry processor and display, making it a better option for longer lasting battery life.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While it is the more expensive option, it provides significant upgrades in display, performance, and camera, which are all aspects that are very important to me. The S21 Ultra's performance is excellent, and it future-proofs the phone for the next few years of usage. While the A12 Nacho is much cheaper, the compromises in display, performance and camera are too significant for me. I'd prefer to pay the extra for the much better experience offered by the S21 Ultra.
