Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A52
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable for single-hand use. A52 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | S21 Ultra is noticeably heavier, may cause fatigue during extended use. A52 is lighter and more comfortable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen. A52 is slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper and more detailed display, noticeably better for reading and viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 407 | S21 Ultra's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; however, S21 Ultra should be slightly better in quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has vastly superior outdoor visibility, essential in bright sunlight. Note: The A52 has not been tested for brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | S21 Ultra has a significantly faster processor, resulting in snappier performance, better multitasking, and improved gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 341,212 | S21 Ultra has dramatically higher benchmark score, indicating superior performance in resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 618 | S21 Ultra's GPU enables better graphics rendering for high-end gaming and other graphically demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with its higher resolution and larger sensor, performing better in low light. |
| Telephoto + portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities for portraits and distant subjects, superior to digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies and has a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra enables significant optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | A52 offers an ultra-wide lens for capturing broad landscapes and group photos |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 provides a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 offers a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra offers ultrawide shots and close up macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra is capable of recording much higher resolution videos, making it suitable for professional use. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 115 (overall), 121 (photo), 100 (video) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has proven to have a very high quality camera according to the tested scores. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 135 (overall), 133 (photo), 140 (video) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has proven to have a very high quality front camera according to the tested scores. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Manual focus, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra offers more advanced photographic control and output options. A52 focuses more on video stability. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra likely offers better battery life, especially with its more power-hungry components, but also larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging to quickly replenish battery. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | QC2.0, AFC | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options and can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version 15 | Android 11, Max Version 14 | S21 Ultra is likely to receive an extra year of OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version with improved features. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra offers more precise location tracking with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual sim cards for travel or use in various regions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage tier, beneficial for media hoarders. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 4/6/8 GB | S21 Ultra provides much more RAM for enhanced multitasking and heavy app usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | S21 Ultra has richer audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | S21 Ultra has a broader array of sensors, enhancing various features and functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate for a visually superior experience, especially in sunlight and when viewing high-quality content.
- Top-Tier Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for smoother, quicker performance in all tasks, especially gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and advanced features for better photos and video, particularly in low light and when zooming.
- Larger Battery and Wireless Charging: Offers longer battery life and convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports the latest WiFi standards and more accurate GPS.
- Enhanced Audio: Higher quality audio features with the inclusion of Hi-Res Audio.
- Future Proofing: Likely to receive more OS updates.
- Premium Build: Superior screen protection and more sensors.
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more comfortable for single-hand use.
- Lower Price: More budget-friendly than the S21 Ultra.
- Dedicated Macro, Wide Angle and Portrait Lens: Offers lens versatility for photography.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price, larger size and heavier build, may not be the most comfortable for all users.
- A52: Noticeably weaker performance, significantly less capable camera system, lower quality display.
- S21 Ultra: No dedicated macro, wide-angle or portrait lens.
- A52: No wireless charging, less future proof in terms of operating system upgrades.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible camera system for capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, particularly in low light and while using zoom.
- Media Consumption: Users who value a large, high-resolution, and bright display for watching videos, browsing the web, and enjoying other media content.
- Professionals: Those who need advanced features like 8K video recording, RAW format photo support, and precise location tracking.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and features, and are willing to pay a premium for the best.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Professional photography and video recording.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Power user multitasking, video editing, and graphic design.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Long-term use requiring multiple OS updates.
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for a solid mid-range phone with a good display and camera, but are unwilling to pay top dollar for the latest tech.
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize comfort, portability, and basic smartphone functionality over advanced features.
- General Photography: Users who want decent pictures and are interested in macro and wide angle shots.
- Everyday Use: Users who use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic productivity.
Use Cases for A52:
- Daily social media use.
- Casual photography and portrait mode.
- General browsing and productivity.
- Users who want macro and ultrawide capabilities.
Price-to-Value:
- S21 Ultra: Offers a top-tier experience but comes at a premium price.
- A52: Provides good value for its price, offering essential features and decent performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the A52.
- How important is performance? The S21 Ultra offers superior performance.
- What are your photography needs? The S21 Ultra has a more advanced system, but the A52 has dedicated macro and wide angle lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is a major constraint, the A52 is the practical choice, offering a decent all-around experience at a lower price.
- Photography Enthusiast: If the best possible camera quality and versatility are paramount, the S21 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Performance Seeker: If gaming, multitasking, and speed are key, the S21 Ultra's superior processing power makes it the better choice.
- General User: If you prioritize comfort, portability and a decent all-around experience, the A52 is a very reasonable option.
My Choice
Given the detailed analysis and considering my personal preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the A52 offers a more budget-friendly option and a lighter build, the S21 Ultra's superior display, significantly enhanced performance, vastly superior camera system, and premium features make it the more compelling choice for me. I value the best-possible user experience, and the S21 Ultra's advantages in display quality, speed, and photography capabilities outweigh the price premium and slight size/weight disadvantage in my opinion. For me, a device that performs exceptionally well in all categories is worth the extra investment, and the S21 Ultra delivers that.
