1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker but narrower; A24 is wider and thinner. S21 Ultra feels bulkier; A24 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 195g | S21 Ultra is heavier, leading to fatigue during prolonged use; A24 is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display; images and text look significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 515 | 396 | S21 Ultra delivers crisper details; A24 is less detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; Display quality is similar in terms of technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations; A24 is still fluid but noticeably less so. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1000 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly easier to see under direct sunlight; A24 may struggle in very bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Helio G99 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra offers superior performance; Apps launch faster, and games run much smoother. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 411,900 | S21 Ultra provides a significantly faster and more responsive user experience; A24 is good for basic tasks but can lag with heavier usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra is much better for gaming; A24 is suitable for casual gaming only. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detail and allows for larger prints or cropping; A24 captures good quality images for social media use. |
| Telephoto | 10.8MP (2 lenses) | None | S21 Ultra has superior zoom capabilities; A24 lacks optical zoom and relies on digital zoom which can affect image quality. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP | 5MP | S21 Ultra has a higher quality wide angle lens than A24. |
| Macro | None | 2MP | A24 offers a dedicated macro lens; S21 Ultra does not include one. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | S21 Ultra captures significantly higher detail in selfies and videos; A24 produces decent selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 1080p 30fps | S21 Ultra can record professional-grade video at 8K, A24 is limited to 1080p video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 (Photo:121, Video:100) | N/A | S21 Ultra provides significantly better photo and video quality compared to the A24 which has not been tested on DxoMark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 (Photo:133, Video:140) | N/A | S21 Ultra provides much better selfie photos and video compared to A24, which has not been tested by DxOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life; actual usage will vary based on tasks. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed; Not the fastest currently available, but adequate. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse charging | None | S21 Ultra has additional charging features for convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 15) | Android 13 (Up to 17) | A24 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, leading to a more modern software experience with newer features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A24 has a newer bluetooth version; S21 Ultra has more additional bluetooth features such as better audio. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB | S21 Ultra provides more storage options for large files and media; A24 is adequate for basic use. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | S21 Ultra offers better multitasking and is suitable for heavier tasks; A24 can struggle with multiple apps or demanding processes. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers the flexibility of expandable storage; you are limited to the built in storage of the phones. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic Features | S21 Ultra offers much better audio quality for music, videos, and calls; A24's audio quality is sufficient for basic use. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic under-screen | Side-Mounted | A24 has faster and more convenient fingerprint sensor than under-screen sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has a more durable screen, offering better protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensor Suite | Barometer, Light, Hall | Limited Suite | S21 Ultra has additional sensors, such as a barometer for altitude tracking, and hall sensor, for more advanced use cases and features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness, resulting in a sharper, more vibrant, and easily viewable display, especially in sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor, additional telephoto lenses, better quality wide angle lens, significantly better selfie camera, and the ability to record video up to 8K resolution.
- Superior Audio: Better audio quality due to stereo speakers, dolby atmos and Hi-Res compatibility
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more robust sensor suite, which is useful for tech enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact design: Easier to handle and more pocketable than the S21 Ultra.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13 and is expected to receive more updates, ensuring the latest features and security patches.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster compared to the S21 Ultra's in-display sensor.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close up photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger and heavier, older OS, more expensive.
- A24 4G: Noticeably inferior performance, less capable cameras, less immersive display, and lacks many premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image and video quality with advanced features like optical zoom and 8K recording.
- Media Consumers: Those who appreciate a larger, sharper display with excellent brightness and high refresh rate for immersive viewing experiences.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy having the latest features and capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming and graphic-intensive apps.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity work.
- Enjoying high-resolution movies and content on the go.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with a good display and decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
- Users Who Prioritize Comfort: Those who value a lighter and more pocketable device.
- Users who prioritize software updates: Users who want the latest software features and security patches.
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and communication.
- Casual gaming and basic app usage.
- Everyday tasks like browsing, emails, and calls.
- Users who require a decent battery life for all day use.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: Premium price for top-tier features and performance; Offers a better price-to-value ratio if you value premium performance, camera and display.
- A24 4G: Lower price for good-enough performance; Offers good value for basic use cases.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication)
- What are your budget limitations? (The S21 Ultra will be much more expensive)
- How much do you value a high-end camera, top performance, and display quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-End User (Gaming, Photo, Video) - If you need top-tier performance and camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the only real choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - If you are focused on affordability and only need basic functions, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach - If you want a balance of performance and budget, neither phone completely meets this, and it may be necessary to consider phones in a similar price point to the Galaxy A24 4G with a better performance chipset.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it is an older phone with an older operating system, and is significantly more expensive, it offers a much better user experience in several key areas which are of high importance to me.
I frequently engage in mobile gaming, consume high-resolution media, and often need a reliable camera for documentation and creative content. The S21 Ultra's superior performance chipset, stunning display, advanced camera system, wireless charging, and quality audio output all align well with my demands. While the A24 offers the benefit of a more recent operating system, this is not a deal breaker for me, as the older phone has an expected OS update to android 15. The S21 Ultra will still be receiving a sufficient amount of security patches, and the superior performance and camera hardware are more important. The S21 Ultra offers significantly more of what I value in a phone.
