Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M33
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M33 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-04-08 | The M33 is newer, which could mean longer software support |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 9.4 mm | M33 is slightly wider and thicker, less pocketable |
| Weight | 227g | 198g | S21 Ultra is noticeably heavier, may be less comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a marginally larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | S21 Ultra has much sharper image quality, noticeably crisper text and images |
| PPI | 515 | 400 | S21 Ultra’s higher pixel density makes the display sharper and more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | TFT LCD | S21 Ultra has superior blacks, colors, contrast, and power efficiency in dark modes; much better display quality |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, but the S21 Ultra's AMOLED makes this look better |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) | S21 Ultra’s chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 475,448 | S21 Ultra offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, better for heavy users and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 | S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU for intensive graphics tasks and gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, but charging times may vary |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | None | S21 Ultra has reverse and wireless charging features, a plus for convenience |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher resolution, capturing more detail |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4 | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera, better for detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto lens for superior zoom quality |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | M33 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for capturing wide scenes |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M33 has a depth sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M33 offers a macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra offers wide-angle and macro shots in one lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra allows for higher-resolution video recording |
| Slow Motion | 960fps | 240fps | S21 Ultra records slow motion video in higher fps |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not tested | S21 Ultra has much better camera performance based on DXOMark scores |
| Additional Camera Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | None | S21 Ultra offers advanced camera features for superior image quality |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | M33 has newer Android version, but the S21 Ultra has a guaranteed 3 further OS upgrades |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 + MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 Ultra has faster, more efficient WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | S21 Ultra has a newer, faster Bluetooth version with more features |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, QZSS | S21 Ultra has more precise GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM capability |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 512GB | 128GB | S21 Ultra can be configured with much higher storage, suitable for users with large media libraries |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 8GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM, better for multitasking and performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, so choose your model wisely |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 Ultra has better audio, offering a more immersive experience |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer biometric security; S21 Ultra has in screen fingerprint sensor; M33 has a side-mounted one |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has a more durable screen, more resistant to scratches and breakage |
| Sensors | Proximity, Barometer | Ultrasonic Proximity | S21 Ultra has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, brightness, pixel density for better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU for smoother and faster operation, gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution, telephoto lens, wide angle + macro and better overall image quality, 8K Video and slow motion capabilities.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio features (Dolby Atmos), more sensors, newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Offers 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM, and options for 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of internal storage, catering to a wider range of users.
Samsung Galaxy M33 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slightly More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and pocketable.
- Newer OS out of the box: Ships with Android 12 with 1 OS update, but the S21 Ultra will get 3 more.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle, Macro and Depth Lens: Offers slightly different shooting perspectives, for better portrait mode and macro shots.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra's higher weight and price might not be suitable for all users.
- The M33's LCD screen, lower performance, and basic camera lack the premium feel of the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Power Users: Individuals who need top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with various shooting options and video capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and prefer an excellent visual experience.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best technology available, including wireless charging and advanced connectivity.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with intensive graphics requirements
- Professional-level photo and video editing
- High-resolution content consumption and creation
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M33:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users looking for a good all-rounder without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phones for everyday tasks, browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users Prioritizing Lightness: Individuals looking for a comfortable, easy-to-handle device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Occasional photography and video recording.
- Users who prioritize battery life and a more pocketable phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra offers higher specifications and more features, making it suitable for users who prioritize performance and premium experiences, but at a higher price.
- The M33 offers a better value for budget-conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium device with a higher price, while the M33 is more budget-friendly.
- How important is display quality and performance to you? If these are critical, the S21 Ultra is the better choice. If they are not as crucial, the M33 can serve well.
- How important are camera features and quality? The S21 Ultra offers a superior camera system with much better features compared to the M33.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium Experience & Performance: If you want the best possible performance, display quality, camera, and features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Friendly All-Rounder: If you need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks with good battery life at a more affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy M33 will suffice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Photography Focus: If photography is a priority and you need the best possible camera quality and features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a much better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Although it's an older model and heavier, its superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, much more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and better video capabilities, and more premium build quality make it a significantly better phone overall. While the M33 is a decent budget phone, the S21 Ultra provides a more well-rounded and high-end experience that caters to my needs for power, photography, and media consumption. The additional features like wireless charging, more storage and RAM options, and the overall better performance are also strong deciding factors.
