1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 161.3 × 78.1 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, A34 is wider; S21 Ultra is slightly larger overall, might be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 199g | A34 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra offers superior screen scratch and impact resistance. The A34's screen protection is unknown and may be more prone to damage. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has much sharper text and images, providing a more detailed viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 390 PPI | S21 Ultra's display appears significantly crisper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks; no difference in display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much better suited for use in bright outdoor conditions; A34 brightness is missing, making outdoor use questionable. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | S21 Ultra has a higher performance chipset, for more demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 532,300 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster for gaming, video editing and general usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, providing better gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed photos, with better low-light performance due to its larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for detailed close-ups and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21 Ultra takes much higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra features a second telephoto lens for higher zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | A34 allows for ultrawide shots, capturing more of the scene. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm | A34 has a dedicated depth sensor, for more accurate bokeh effects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 Ultra captures high-quality wide-angle and macro photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra supports higher resolution video recording for professional-quality videos. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | Main: 92, Photo: 99, Video: 78 | S21 Ultra's camera is significantly superior overall. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has much better selfie capabilities according to DXOMark |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Triple camera, Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra has more advanced photography features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge at the same speed. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 9W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra has more versatile charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness for a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Greater Performance: Faster chipset and GPU for smoother gaming, multitasking, and overall performance.
- More Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, and more features like 8K video recording and RAW capture result in better photo and video quality.
- Versatile Charging Options: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging provide added convenience.
- Additional Features: Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Barometer sensor
Samsung Galaxy A34 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Newer OS and Updates: Ships with Android 13 with longer update support.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers a ultrawide lens for wider perspective shots.
- Portrait Depth Sensor: Has dedicated hardware for improved portrait photography.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports Bluetooth 5.3
Practical Implications and Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra provides a premium experience with a flagship-level display, performance, and camera, but is heavier and older.
- The A34 offers a more modern software experience and is lighter, but compromises on display quality, performance, and camera capabilities compared to the S21 Ultra. The most severe trade-off is the display brightness which makes it less suited for use in sunlight.
- The S21 Ultra has better cameras overall, with features like optical zoom, and 8K video, but lacks a wide-angle lens.
- The A34 is more comfortable to hold and carry for long periods due to its lighter weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image and video quality, and need advanced camera features.
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, video editing, or multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and need a high-quality display.
- Users needing wireless/reverse charging: Users that appreciate versatility in charging and want a wireless or reverse charging solution.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Watching high-resolution content on the go.
- Multitasking with several apps open simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for general use, social media, and light gaming.
- Users Seeking a Light Phone: Those who need a light phone for easier handling and extended use.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want good value and are willing to sacrifice some high-end features.
- Users needing Wide Angle Lens: Users who need a wide-angle lens on the camera for wider perspective shots.
Specific Use Cases:
- General daily tasks like browsing, social media, and emails.
- Casual gaming.
- Taking snapshots of daily life and sharing them on social media.
- Comfortable extended use due to its lighter weight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra is likely more expensive, but offers a flagship experience with top-tier features.
- The A34 provides good value for a mid-range phone but may not satisfy users with high-performance or photography needs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If photography is a top priority, the S21 Ultra is significantly better.
- What is your primary use case? If it's just for everyday use and social media, the A34 may be sufficient.
- Do you require a bright display? If the phone will be used a lot outdoors, the S21 Ultra is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Content Creator - Choose S21 Ultra for its 8K video, advanced camera system, and high-quality display.
- Scenario 2: Casual User - Choose A34 for its lighter design, modern software, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer - Choose S21 Ultra for its more powerful chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 4: Outdoorsy User - Choose S21 Ultra for its significantly brighter screen, which is a must for outdoor usability.
What I would choose
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, primarily for its superior display, significantly better camera system, and more powerful performance.
While the Samsung Galaxy A34 is more modern in terms of software and slightly lighter, the critical trade-offs it makes in display quality (particularly brightness), camera capabilities (especially telephoto and low-light performance), and raw processing power are too significant to ignore. My use case often involves photography in various environments, video consumption, and some mobile gaming, all of which heavily favor the S21 Ultra's strengths.
The difference in display quality, especially outdoors, would be a deciding factor. The S21 Ultra's much brighter display would make outdoor usage much more convenient and enjoyable. Additionally, the camera's 8K video capabilities, telephoto lenses, and overall image quality on the S21 Ultra would be preferred for my use cases. Even though it is an older device, it has more versatile charging options. Finally, the superior benchmark performance provided by the S21 Ultra would offer a better overall user experience.
