Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A54
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use; A54 is more compact. |
| Weight | 227g | 202g | A54 is significantly lighter, better for extended holding and carrying; S21 Ultra feels more substantial. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra offers superior scratch and drop resistance with newer glass; A54 offers good protection, but slightly less durable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | S21 Ultra has more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking; A54 is more manageable in hand. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra offers sharper images and text, noticeable difference in visual clarity; A54 has a good but less sharp display. |
| PPI | 515 | 403 | S21 Ultra provides finer details and sharper visuals, especially noticeable with small text and detailed graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making them good for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, improving user experience for gaming and everyday usage. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; A54's brightness is not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | S21 Ultra's chip provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance overall. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 578,600 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster in benchmarks, leading to a more fluid experience in resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP5 | S21 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, resulting in better gaming performance, especially with demanding titles. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images due to its higher resolution and larger sensor, slightly better low light performance is expected |
| Telephoto (1) | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, enabling detailed shots from a distance; A54 has no dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Telephoto (2) | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor | None | S21 Ultra offers a second telephoto lens with higher zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | None | S21 Ultra offers ultrawide capabilities with macro features, allowing close-up shots and more versatile composition |
| Wide Angle | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor | A54 captures wide-angle shots for group photos and landscapes; S21 Ultra lacks a dedicated ultrawide lens |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A54 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography; S21 Ultra lacks a macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | S21 Ultra takes sharper, more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor; Both should provide good performance in good lighting. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 1080p up to 240fps; 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps | S21 Ultra is capable of recording higher quality video, especially 8K resolution and higher slow-motion framerates; S21 Ultra offer better video stability with HDR support, S21 Ultra is better for professional and high-quality video recording |
| DXOMark Mobile | 115 (Photo: 121, Video: 100) | 107 (Photo: 106, Video: 115) | S21 Ultra performs better in photo tests while the A54 has better video performance. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 135 (Photo: 133, Video: 140) | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers excellent selfie capabilities; A54 lacks published score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support fast charging, though not the fastest available on the market. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | None | S21 Ultra has additional charging options like wireless and reverse wireless charging for convenience. A54 lacks these features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and significantly higher brightness make the screen noticeably better, especially outdoors.
- Enhanced Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and Mali-G78 GPU provide better overall performance, ideal for demanding tasks and games.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a quadruple camera setup with optical zoom, higher resolution sensors, wider capabilities, and 8K video recording.
- Additional Battery Features: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
- More Audio Features: Includes noise cancellation microphone.
- Higher Quality Build: Utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Larger Storage Options: Offers up to 512GB of storage compared to A54's max of 256GB.
- More RAM: Offers up to 16GB of RAM for better multitasking
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is better for users who prioritize top-tier performance, a superior visual experience, and versatile camera capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 13 with update potential to Android 17.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens which S21 Ultra lacks for close up photography.
- Wider Angle Lens: The A54 features an ultrawide lens that the S21 Ultra lacks, making the A54 better for group and landscape photos.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality, allowing for easier carrier switching.
- Better Video Score: Scores higher on DXOmark video scores for better video quality.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.3 with more audio codecs supported.
Practical Implications: The A54 is a good option for users who value comfort, a more modern software experience, and want some newer camera features, with better video scores.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price, larger and heavier design, older software.
- A54: Lower resolution display, less powerful chipset and GPU, less versatile camera, fewer battery 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 resource-intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera system with high resolution, optical zoom, and 8K video recording.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching videos and browsing with a sharp, bright display.
- Users Needing Extra Features: Those who benefit from wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and noise cancelling microphone.
Samsung Galaxy A54 is Ideal For:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable smartphone for daily tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Comfort Seekers: Users who prefer a lighter and more compact phone that's easy to handle and carry.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a more affordable option while still getting a capable smartphone experience.
- Users needing an eSIM: Users who want to switch between carriers via eSIM functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should ask themselves:
How important is display quality? If having the absolute sharpest, brightest screen is a top priority, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. The A54's display is still good, but not at the same level of detail or brightness, especially in bright sunlight.
What is your primary use case for the camera? The S21 Ultra offers a more versatile camera experience with higher resolution, zoom capabilities, and 8K video recording, it also has better selfie camera quality and features. A54 is fine for everyday photos but lacks zoom and high end video quality, though it has an ultrawide and macro lens. Consider the DXOmark scores, A54 is better for video than the S21 Ultra.
What are your preferences for size and ergonomics? If you prefer a more compact and lightweight phone that's easier to handle, the A54 is the better option. The S21 Ultra is bulkier and heavier, but offers a more substantial feel.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you need the best possible performance, a superior display, and a versatile camera system, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: If you want a well-rounded phone with good everyday performance, a comfortable design, and an ultrawide camera at a more affordable price, choose the Samsung Galaxy A54.
- Scenario 3: Travel User: If your priorities include a good balance of performance, better video quality, comfort, and the ability to easily switch carriers with an eSIM, choose the Samsung Galaxy A54.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. My decision is primarily driven by the superior display quality, which is significantly sharper and brighter, making media consumption and outdoor use much more enjoyable. The enhanced performance is also a big plus, as it ensures a smooth experience for gaming and multitasking. While I appreciate the lighter design and newer software of the A54, the S21 Ultra's camera system, with its more versatile lenses, higher resolution sensors, and 8K video recording, along with the additional battery features, aligns better with my preference for high-quality imaging and professional-grade content creation.
Though the S21 Ultra is older, the premium features and the better display and camera make it a more attractive option if those features are prioritized. It's an overall higher-tier phone in terms of its hardware capabilities.
