1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 227g | 189g | S21 Ultra is significantly heavier, may feel less comfortable for extended use. A52 5G is more portable. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2400 | S21 Ultra has much sharper image quality, leading to crisper text and finer details. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 407 | S21 Ultra provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed display, beneficial for visual tasks. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and great contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. A52 brightness is not provided, but 1500 nits for S21 Ultra is top-tier. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 384,853 | S21 Ultra performs significantly better across all tasks; A52 is good for daily tasks but less suited for demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution and larger sensor, leading to superior image quality, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing better optical zoom capabilities for portraits and far away subjects. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, offering slightly better selfie image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering greater zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | A52 5G has a wide-angle lens, offering more versatility for landscape shots and group photos |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G provides a dedicated depth sensor, for better background separation in portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G includes a macro lens, allowing detailed close-up photography |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra includes a wide angle lens with macro functionality, allowing more versatility in photos. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra can record higher resolution videos, useful for professional video content creation, and better future proofing |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a certified high-end camera, indicating better overall camera performance. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a certified high-end selfie camera, indicating better selfie performance. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, RAW, Laser AF | Ultra stable video | S21 Ultra has advanced capabilities like optical zoom, laser focus, and RAW capture, while A52 5G focuses on video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones offer fast charging capabilities. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless Charging, no in-box charger | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | S21 Ultra offers convenient wireless charging, and the ability to charge other devices, but doesn't include a charger, while the A52 5G offers wired quick charge options. |
Software, Connectivity & Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, max version 15 | Android 11, max version 14 | S21 Ultra will receive one additional OS update, meaning it'll have a longer supported lifespan. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 Ultra supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections, especially in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, possibly providing more efficient and stable wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, Galileo | S21 Ultra has more precise GPS capabilities, potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM, for using two numbers at the same time. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | S21 Ultra offers a higher storage option, accommodating larger media collections. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 6/8GB | S21 Ultra can handle more demanding multitasking and apps running at the same time. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | S21 Ultra offers higher quality audio through its Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones provide the same level of basic fingerprint biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection, making it more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Gyroscope | S21 Ultra offers additional sensors useful for navigation and environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, and significantly greater brightness provide a much better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Flagship Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, better multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers multiple telephoto lenses for optical zoom, higher resolution sensors, and 8K video recording, resulting in superior overall image and video quality.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: More convenient charging options, including the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Larger Battery: slightly larger battery that likely offers better endurance for the user.
- Better Connectivity: Wifi 6 standard, newer Bluetooth, and more precise GPS provides more stable, and more efficient connectivity.
- Premium Build & Screen Protection: Superior Gorilla Glass Victus.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and use for extended periods and easier to pocket.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lens: provides extra versatility in photography.
- More Affordable: Much more affordable than the flagship S21 Ultra.
- In-box Charger: A charger comes included in the box of the A52 5G.
Trade-offs
- The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive and much heavier, and doesn't include a charger in the box. The S21 Ultra is also very large which can be unwieldy.
- The A52 5G offers more versatile camera lenses, and a lighter more comfortable form factor, but it sacrifices on performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery capacity when compared to the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Power users, professionals, photography enthusiasts, and mobile gamers.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and video work.
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple applications.
- Viewing high-resolution content, especially outdoors.
- Users who want the best possible performance and premium features without compromise.
- Users who are less price sensitive and prioritize advanced features.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Ideal User: Everyday users, budget-conscious consumers, and users who prioritize comfort and affordability.
- Use Cases:
- General day-to-day usage (browsing, social media, messaging).
- Casual gaming.
- Users who value a comfortable, lightweight design.
- Users who want versatile camera lens options, such as the wide angle and macro, without needing high-end quality.
- Users who want a reliable phone with good battery life at an affordable price.
Price-to-Value Ratio
The S21 Ultra offers a higher price-to-value ratio for users who need top-tier performance, display quality and advanced features, especially if those features will be actively used. The A52 5G provides a much better price-to-value ratio for those on a tighter budget that don't need the high performance and advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider
- What is your budget? Are you willing to spend significantly more for the best possible performance and premium features, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option?
- How do you prioritize your phone usage? Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, or is general day-to-day usage more important?
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? Do you need advanced optical zoom and video capabilities, or do you prefer having dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer & Content creator: If you are a mobile gamer who needs the best performance and has an interest in capturing high quality photos and video, the S21 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious everyday user: If you're looking for a phone for daily tasks, such as social media, messaging, and web browsing, the A52 5G provides better value at a lower price, and will be more comfortable to use daily.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: If the user prioritizes versatile photography with macro and wide-angle, the A52 5G is preferred. If the user wants the best photo/video quality with optical zoom, and is less interested in macro and wide angle, the S21 Ultra is preferred.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, despite its higher price and heavier weight. This is because my primary use cases involve high-performance tasks, demanding mobile gaming, and content creation where camera quality is critical. The S21 Ultra offers a noticeably superior display, significantly better performance, and an advanced camera system that better suits my needs. While the A52 5G has advantages in form factor and certain camera features, the S21 Ultra's overall premium experience and capabilities outweigh those benefits for my specific usage pattern. I would also prefer a better screen, battery, connectivity and more feature rich audio.
