1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-03-25 | The A23 is newer, but that does not necessarily mean it's better. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly narrower and thicker; A23 is slightly wider and thinner. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | The A23 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area for immersive experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | S21 Ultra delivers sharper visuals, crucial for detailed content consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 400 | S21 Ultra offers much clearer text, finer images, and an overall crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior color accuracy, contrast, and deeper blacks; better for outdoor visibility and media consumption |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid feel. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much better for use in bright sunlight thanks to superior screen brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a significantly more powerful chip, resulting in faster overall performance and better app loading/multitasking capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 401,000 | S21 Ultra delivers much better performance in benchmarks which translates into faster and smoother real-world use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 Ultra provides vastly superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Similar charging speed for both phones. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging (15W), Reverse Wireless Charging (9W) | Bypass Charging | S21 Ultra has wireless charging capabilities and can charge other devices wirelessly; A23 supports bypass charging to reduce heat while playing games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detail with a larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra provides optical zoom capabilities and superior portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures much higher-resolution selfies with more detail |
| Telephoto Lens Camera | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a second telephoto lens with higher optical zoom for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens Camera | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | A23 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 can achieve depth-of-field effect thanks to the additional sensor. |
| Macro Lens Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 allows for capturing extreme close-up photos of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a wide-angle camera that also serves as a macro lens |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra can shoot high-resolution professional-grade video content. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra delivers high-quality photos and videos. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra provides excellent selfie photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K, Optical Zoom, OIS, etc. | OIS, Autofocus | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features for different types of photography |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | A23 ships with a newer OS version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra has faster Wi-Fi standard, which results in quicker downloads and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS | Similar location capabilities, with minor differences in satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones offer dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage for files, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6 GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, which is better for heavy multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic Audio Features | S21 Ultra provides much better audio features for music and movie consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | A23 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers better scratch and drop resistance for the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 Ultra provides a more complete suite of sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness provide a vastly superior visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chip offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Professional-Grade Camera: Higher resolution sensors, multiple telephoto lenses, and 8K video recording provide greater versatility and quality for photography and videography.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers offer a far better audio experience, great for entertainment.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, along with a more comprehensive GPS system.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Up to 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM provide more space and better multitasking capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Offers more versatile charging solutions.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use due to lower weight.
- Newer OS out of the Box: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a more ergonomic and convenient way to unlock the phone.
- Bypass Charging: Beneficial for gamers, allowing to charge while playing for longer periods without as much heat.
- Has macro and wide-angle lens These provide different shooting options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra sacrifices weight for its superior features, making it less comfortable to carry around.
- The A23's performance, display quality and camera are significantly lower than the S21 Ultra, with lower pixel density, slower chip, and lower-quality video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with a versatile camera system.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a large, high-resolution, and vibrant display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Users needing wireless charging and power sharing features.
- Users wanting best-in-class screen and build quality.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Professional photographers and videographers for their work
- Gamers who want to enjoy graphics intensive games
- Frequent travelers who value robust screen protection and high quality cameras.
- Users who prefer a crisp, vivid display for entertainment consumption
Samsung Galaxy A23 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize everyday tasks, social media browsing, and basic photography.
- Users wanting a very lightweight device.
- Users who value the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and the bypass charging for gaming.
Specific Use Cases for A23:
- Students or individuals who need a reliable phone for basic everyday use.
- Those who value longer battery life for basic tasks.
- People who do not need high quality audio for entertainment purposes.
- Users who are satisfied with standard camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium device, while the A23 is a budget-friendly option.
- How important are camera and display quality to you? If you need the best possible quality, the S21 Ultra is the clear winner.
- What level of performance do you require? The S21 Ultra offers much better performance for heavy users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a professional photographer or videographer looking for a powerful smartphone with advanced camera features and top-tier performance. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: You are a student or a casual user who wants a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, with a focus on a lightweight design and side fingerprint reader. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A23.
- Scenario 3: You are a mobile gamer looking for good performance without having to pay the top price. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 4: You prioritize a great display and audio experience for media consumption. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 5: You are on a tight budget but still want a dependable phone with an up-to-date operating system. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A23.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it's older and slightly heavier, its superior display quality, significantly better performance, professional-grade camera system, enhanced audio and better build quality make it a far more compelling option for me.
While the A23 is a decent phone for basic usage and is more affordable, the S21 Ultra is a far more versatile device that excels in all key areas. The difference in experience between the two phones is substantial, and if within the budget, the superior quality of S21 Ultra, especially its display, camera and performance, outweigh the benefits of the A23.
