1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is taller and thicker, while the A55 is wider. S21 Ultra is slightly bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 227g | 213g | S21 Ultra is noticeably heavier, potentially causing more fatigue during prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus front and back | Gorilla Glass Victus front | S21 Ultra is fully protected with Gorilla Glass Victus, making it more durable. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in a sharper, clearer picture with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 390 PPI | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display; text and images appear clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has significantly higher brightness, making it much more viewable in bright sunlight. The A55's brightness is not stated. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | A55's newer chipset may have better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 713,393 | S21 Ultra shows slightly better overall performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 530 | S21 Ultra's GPU may perform better in older games. The A55's GPU is newer and may perform better in modern optimized games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor which can capture more detail and more light. A55 has slightly larger pixel size for more light per pixel. |
| Telephoto (Portrait) | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto for better portrait shots and zoomed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, 0.70µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.80µm pixels | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor which may result in better selfie quality. A55 has slightly larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for long-range zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | A55 has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | A55 has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40µm pixels | None | S21 Ultra can take both wide-angle and macro shots from the same lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra offers much higher video resolution for professional use. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | 108 | S21 Ultra scores slightly higher overall in Mobile camera tests. |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 121 | 110 | S21 Ultra performs significantly better in still photo tests |
| DxOMark Video Score | 100 | 117 | A55 performs significantly better in video tests. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a better DxOMark score for selfie camera, the A55 hasn't been rated. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life for average use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both phones offer similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W, Reverse Charging | None | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices and itself using wireless chargers. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density and brightness results in a much sharper and more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a more versatile camera setup with dedicated telephoto lenses, delivering better zoom capabilities and potentially higher image quality. Also, it offers higher video recording capabilities.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices, making it useful as a backup charging source.
- Better Build Quality: Full Gorilla Glass Victus offers better overall protection and durability.
- More RAM (up to 16GB): Superior multitasking and smoother performance with more demanding applications.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The 4nm Exynos 1480 might offer better power efficiency and improved performance in newer games.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 provides better connection stability and new features over Bluetooth 5.2.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens and Macro Lens: Offers extra lenses for versatile and more fun photography.
- Newer OS: Comes with a more up to date version of Android, allowing for new software updates.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility with carrier selection with dual SIM card options.
- Better Video Performance: According to DxOMark, the A55 performs much better in video recording.
- Lighter: A small but noticeable weight difference compared to the S21 Ultra.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: The older chipset might be slightly less power-efficient. Significantly heavier and bulkier than A55.
- A55: Lacks the advanced telephoto zoom capabilities of the S21 Ultra. Lower display resolution and brightness. Doesn't have wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with excellent zoom capabilities and high-resolution video recording.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a high-performance device for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive applications.
- Media Consumers: People who prioritize a large, high-resolution, and bright display for immersive viewing experiences.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate advanced features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Professionals: Users who require high-end performance, excellent camera and video capabilities for work-related tasks.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography or videography.
- Gaming on the go.
- Watching high-definition content on a bright sunny day.
- Heavy multitasking with numerous open apps.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a decent camera setup with wide-angle and macro options for fun photography.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who prioritize a good overall smartphone experience with decent performance at a more affordable price point.
- Everyday Users: People who primarily use their phones for social media, communication, and casual gaming.
- Users who want newer OS: Users who want up to date software features, including security patches.
- Users who prefer smaller devices: People who want a lighter and easier to handle phone.
Use Cases:
- Taking photos of landscapes and close-up objects.
- Everyday social media use and casual gaming.
- Watching videos and movies indoors.
- Users who need to use multiple SIM cards for travel and work.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Camera Needs: Do you prioritize high-end photography and zoom capabilities, or is a good all-around camera sufficient for your needs?
- Display Preference: Do you require an incredibly sharp, bright display, or is a decent display acceptable?
- Performance & Features: Do you need the extra power and features like wireless charging, or is a good mid-range phone more practical for your use case?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its advanced camera, better zoom capabilities, and higher video recording.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Casual User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A55 for its well-rounded features at a lower price point and newer operating system.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Mobile Gaming and Multitasking User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its higher RAM and stronger GPU performance and brighter display for outdoors.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User with occasional photography and some video
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A55 due to its better video recording and good all-around camera and lighter feel.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A55 is a newer phone with a newer OS, the S21 Ultra offers a superior experience in key areas that I value more. The most important is the display - the higher resolution and significantly higher brightness make a considerable difference for my use cases. I often use my phone outdoors, and the S21 Ultra's 1500 nits brightness will make it a lot more visible than A55's unkown brightness level. The more versatile camera system with optical zoom and higher quality video and still images is also a significant factor for me. Lastly, the extra RAM, the better build quality, and the wireless charging are perks that give an overall better experience. Despite being an older phone, the S21 Ultra still packs a lot of power and has more premium features that align with my priorities.
