Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | S21 Ultra is thicker and slightly larger in volume, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. M52 is thinner and lighter, more pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 173g | S21 Ultra feels significantly heavier, M52 is more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both phones offer large, immersive displays. Difference in size is minimal and likely unnoticeable. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra has a much sharper display, text, and images will be noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | S21 Ultra provides a significantly crisper image quality due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks inherent to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 800 nits | S21 Ultra's display is much brighter, ensuring better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21 Ultra's chipset offers higher performance in demanding tasks and gaming; M52 offers respectable everyday performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 589,200 | S21 Ultra generally performs faster in benchmarks suggesting faster app loading, smoother operation, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21 Ultra's GPU handles graphically demanding games better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97" | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution images with a larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Cameras | 10.8MP (2x), 10.8MP (10x) | None | S21 Ultra offers versatile optical zoom capabilities for capturing detailed images at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | S21 Ultra captures higher-resolution selfies with better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | S21 Ultra has larger sensor for better low-light and wide-angle shots; M52 has slightly higher resolution for the wide-angle. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 5MP | M52 has dedicated depth sensor for enhanced bokeh effects. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra records higher-resolution video with better stabilization, offering more professional video recording. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra camera is rated highly, indicating superior image and video quality, M52 is not ranked by DxoMark. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW | None | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features like OIS and RAW capture which provide significantly greater control over photos and greater quality . |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support 25W fast charging for reasonably quick top-ups. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 Ultra offers more charging flexibility with wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 11, up to 13 | S21 Ultra will receive a newer Android version; however, both will have a similar user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have WiFi 6; S21 Ultra has Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially faster and more reliable network connections in dense environments. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | S21 Ultra uses a newer version of Bluetooth with more features for better performance and efficiency with accessories. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | QZSS | S21 Ultra has more precise GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support Dual SIM and dual standby functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128 GB | S21 Ultra offers more storage options, important for users with extensive media libraries or apps. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 6/8 GB | S21 Ultra offers significantly more RAM, ideal for demanding multitasking and heavy app usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21 Ultra delivers superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | M52 uses a more advanced side-mounted sensor which may be faster and more ergonomic. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Compass | None | S21 Ultra has more sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness provide a significantly better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM deliver faster performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile quad-camera setup with optical zoom, larger sensors, and 8K video recording produces superior photo and video quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers offer a richer audio experience.
- Wireless Charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities for greater flexibility.
- More Features: Has more advanced features for connectivity, battery, security and sensors.
- Better build: S21 Ultra has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Potentially faster and more ergonomic than the basic in-screen sensor.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor improves the quality of portrait mode shots.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra trades off bulk and weight for significantly better performance and features.
- M52 trades off high-end features for a lighter and thinner design, and more affordable price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize versatile camera capabilities, high-quality images, and advanced video recording.
- Content Creators: Those who need a reliable device for recording, editing, and sharing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Users Wanting the Best: Those willing to pay a premium for the best mobile technology available and do not prioritize ergonomics.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos for content creation.
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth, high-fidelity graphics.
- Working with large files and applications without performance bottlenecks.
- Enjoying media with stunning visual fidelity and high-quality audio.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Individuals seeking a good value mid-range phone for general daily use.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for a reliable 5G smartphone with a capable display, decent performance, and a sleek design without spending premium.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lightweight and thin phone for one-handed use and pocketability.
- Casual Photographers: Those that want decent photos, and a depth sensor for portrait mode.
Specific Use Cases for M52:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Watching movies and videos on a large, vibrant AMOLED display.
- Taking casual photos and videos.
- Extended use due to the thin design and light weight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra represents a premium, high-end option. Its additional features like advanced cameras and processing power come at a premium price.
- The M52 offers good value for the price. It is geared towards users who prioritize everyday tasks, comfortable design, and good value for money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium device, while the M52 is a mid-range option.
- How important is camera quality to you? If photography is crucial, the S21 Ultra is the better choice.
- Do you value performance and multi-tasking? The S21 Ultra will offer a better experience for users demanding high performance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its superior camera system, including versatile optical zoom and high-resolution video.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its more powerful processor, larger RAM, and better graphics performance.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User on a Budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G for its comfortable design, smooth display, and good value for money.
- Scenario 4: Casual User on the go: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G for its light and slim design that is comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the M52 is an appealing option for a mid-range phone, the S21 Ultra's combination of a superior display, significantly better camera system, and noticeably higher performance is worth the added cost for my use case. The enhanced display with higher resolution and brightness, coupled with the versatility of the camera system, would significantly enhance my user experience when consuming media and taking photos. Although I prefer lightweight phones, the benefits of the S21 Ultra outweigh this drawback for me. The wireless charging capabilities are also a plus.
