Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A35
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, but A35 is wider. S21 Ultra is slightly bulkier, the A35 might be easier for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 209g | A35 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. S21 Ultra feels more substantial, which can be perceived as premium. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference isn't huge but will affect immersion. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper and more detailed display. Text and images will appear clearer and less pixelated, particularly for VR or detailed content. |
| PPI | 515 | 390 | Higher PPI on the S21 Ultra results in a crisper image. Details are noticeably finer, leading to a more premium visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. No real difference between the two here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. Fluid user experience during gaming and general usage. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is dramatically brighter, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The A35 will be hard to see outside. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | S21 Ultra’s chipset is more powerful. It handles demanding apps and games more smoothly. A35 is still competent for daily tasks but will struggle with intense tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 578,500 | S21 Ultra offers notably faster performance overall, leading to quicker app loading, and smoother multitasking and gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G68 MP5 | S21 Ultra’s GPU offers better graphics performance. It will provide smoother gaming experiences at higher settings and frame rates. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.80µm pixel size | S21 Ultra's 108MP sensor captures more detail and has better low-light performance due to its larger sensor. S21 Ultra has better zoom performance too as it can handle cropping more easily. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel size | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for improved optical zoom and portrait shots. The A35 does not have this capability. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | S21 Ultra captures more detailed selfies, whereas A35 captures better light. The quality is higher on the S21 Ultra due to higher resolution and is generally much better. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm pixel size | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better long range zoom. The A35 does not have this capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown sensor size and pixel size | S21 Ultra has a better resolution for the wide angle. S21 Ultra takes better quality photos and video as well with its ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | A35 allows you to take close-up shots which the S21 Ultra cannot. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | S21 Ultra has much greater video capabilities with 8K recording and better slow-motion. A35 captures great standard videos but not anything too high-end. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100), Selfie: 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Mobile: 104 (Photo: 107, Video: 110) | S21 Ultra offers better image quality overall. The A35 is only better at video due to its better video score. The S21 Ultra excels in selfies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for typical usage. Actual battery endurance depends on use case. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Charging speeds are identical, with neither offering exceptionally fast charging for their respective launch periods. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W | Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers more flexible charging options, which is very useful if you own wireless charging accessories or other devices that can charge with reverse wireless charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness result in a significantly sharper and more vibrant screen, especially in bright sunlight.
- Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU offer smoother and faster performance for demanding apps, multitasking and gaming.
- More Versatile Cameras: Advanced camera system with telephoto lenses, higher resolution sensors, and better video capabilities, offering much more flexibility for photography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Battery Features: Supports wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and is equipped with a high quality non-removable battery
- More RAM options: Comes with up to 16GB of RAM making multitasking very seamless
- Hi-Res Audio with Noise Cancellation Microphone: S21 Ultra will provide better call clarity due to its noise cancelling microphone.
- More Storage Options: Comes with a 512GB storage option.
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra provides a more premium experience overall, with a superior display, better performance and higher camera capabilities. This translates into a better user experience for media consumption, demanding tasks, and photography.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slightly More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer Android version and has a longer update support.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens which the S21 Ultra does not have.
- Wide Angle Lens: Has a dedicated wide angle lens which is not as good as the one found in the S21 Ultra, but it still exists.
Practical Implications: The A35 is more convenient for everyday use due to its lighter build and it is also cheaper. The A35 is still a capable phone with great battery life, and is newer.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- The A35 has a lower resolution display.
- The A35 is not as powerful when it comes to performance.
- The A35 has much lower camera capabilities
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality, versatile camera system for various shooting scenarios.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who value a high-resolution, bright display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users who need all the premium features available in a smartphone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Multitasking with several demanding applications simultaneously
- Outdoor usage in bright sunlight
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who seek a reliable smartphone with good overall performance at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a phone for basic tasks, social media, and casual media consumption.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: Individuals who want a phone that is easy to hold and carry around.
- Users who want a newer phone Those who like the latest features and software updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media browsing
- Casual gaming
- Everyday tasks
- Users who want a basic phone with a good display and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
- Primary Use Case: What will you mainly use your phone for (gaming, photography, social media, etc.)? This should inform the priority given to various aspects of the phone.
- Longevity and Updates: How long do you plan to keep the phone and do you prioritize the latest software updates? The A35 will get longer updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are a professional photographer/videographer and want the best possible phone camera you can get. Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, as it has higher quality sensors and more features when compared to the A35.
Scenario 2: You are a hardcore gamer who is looking for the best possible experience. Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, as it has a better chipset and GPU.
Scenario 3: You are a casual user who needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and media consumption. Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35, because it will perform well and save you money, while still providing good features for your use case.
Scenario 4: You are looking for the latest software and security updates. Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 as it is a newer device and will be supported longer.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. My reasoning is based on the fact that I prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities over a slightly lighter build and newer software (as the S21 Ultra will still receive many updates.) The S21 Ultra provides an overall better user experience, especially for tasks that require more processing power and a better display. The significantly better camera system and its additional features are also a huge plus for me. Even though it is an older phone, the S21 Ultra still holds its ground and would be my daily driver.
However, for a user with a tighter budget, who doesn't need all the bells and whistles, the A35 would be a very good option.
