1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Samsung Galaxy M55, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.9 × 76.5 × 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. The M55 is thinner, making it potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 227g | 180g | M55 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, and is easier to carry. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | S21 Ultra has superior scratch and drop resistance for the display. M55 offers good, but slightly less robust screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference. Both offer ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2400 | S21 Ultra offers a noticeably sharper display with higher detail, better for viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 515 | 393 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Data missing) | S21 Ultra display will be significantly easier to view in bright sunlight. The M55’s brightness is not specified and could be a significant weakness if low. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | S21 Ultra’s chipset is older generation but very powerful. M55’s chipset is newer, more energy-efficient, and very capable for most use cases. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 698,000 | S21 Ultra scores slightly higher in benchmarks, indicating marginally better overall performance. Real-world difference likely minimal for most users. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Different GPUs mean different performance characteristics in graphics-intensive tasks. Both will handle most modern mobile games. |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding applications. The M55 is good but has less of a buffer for very heavy usage. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto capabilities for better zoom shots and portrait mode, offering optical zoom at 3x. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/2.2 | M55 has a slightly higher megapixel count for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has additional telephoto camera offering better 10x optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | M55 offers an ultra-wide perspective for group shots or landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | M55 allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultra-wide lens and macro camera. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | S21 Ultra has much higher resolution video capabilities for professional-level recordings. Both phones have stabilization features. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100; Selfie: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | S21 Ultra's camera performance is confirmed by DXOMark scores, M55 has no comparable data. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. Real world battery life will be highly dependent on usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | M55 charges significantly faster, reducing the time needed to reach full capacity. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here are the key advantages of each phone, along with practical implications:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, PPI, and brightness for a much sharper, more vibrant display, especially noticeable outdoors.
- More Powerful Camera System: Offers more versatile imaging with dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom and a higher resolution primary sensor, along with 8K video recording.
- Performance Power: Marginally better performance with a higher benchmark score and more RAM.
- Additional Features: Supports wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Hi-Res Audio and more Bluetooth codecs.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Wide Angle & Macro Lenses: More versatility with its own dedicated ultra-wide and macro camera options.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android out of the box.
Significant Trade-offs
- The S21 Ultra is noticeably bulkier and heavier.
- The M55 lacks the premium features like wireless charging and 8K recording present on the S21 Ultra.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos, powerful zoom capabilities, and advanced video recording.
- Power Users: Individuals who need maximum performance for demanding apps and gaming, as well as smoother multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch high-resolution video and want the sharpest, brightest display possible.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Capturing detailed landscape photos with optical zoom capabilities.
- Recording high-resolution video footage for creative projects.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Viewing documents with fine text with excellent clarity.
Samsung Galaxy M55 is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Users on the Go: Individuals who prioritize a lightweight, comfortable phone that charges quickly.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a well-rounded device at a more accessible price point, who don’t need top-end features.
Use Cases for M55:
- Capturing casual photos with a decent wide-angle lens.
- Watching videos and browsing the web.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Everyday communication and social media.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 Ultra was a premium device upon release, and while it has been superseded, it still provides a number of premium features. The M55 represents a newer, more budget friendly option.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
Do you prioritize camera quality and versatility above all else?
- If yes, the S21 Ultra with its telephoto lenses and superior main sensor is the better choice, despite being older.
- If no, the M55's capable main sensor and wide-angle lens may suffice for your needs.
Is a lightweight, easily portable phone a priority for you?
- If yes, the M55 is significantly lighter and thinner.
- If no, you may be okay with the bulkier S21 Ultra.
Do you require premium features like wireless charging and maximum screen brightness, or do you prioritize charging speed?
- If premium features are a priority, the S21 Ultra has more advanced options such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging as well as significantly higher peak brightness.
- If fast charging is essential, the M55’s 45W charging is a clear advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Travel Photographer: The S21 Ultra offers more advanced zoom and camera settings, making it ideal for capturing diverse shots, but it may be bulkier to carry around.
- For the Budget-Conscious Student: The M55 is a good all-rounder that is cheaper to purchase, lightweight, and charges quickly, and is suitable for daily use and study.
- For the Frequent Gamer: The S21 Ultra provides a marginal edge in raw performance, particularly in games demanding a strong GPU and more RAM.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy M55 is a newer phone with some compelling advantages like its lighter design and faster charging, the S21 Ultra still holds a significant edge in crucial areas. The superior display quality (higher resolution, PPI, and brightness) would be a noticeable improvement for me for consuming content and general use. The camera system, with its versatile telephoto capabilities and excellent image quality, is still one of the best and would be my preferred choice for capturing photos and videos. Although the S21 Ultra is older and heavier, the premium experience it offers, especially in display and camera, outweighs the benefits of the newer, lighter M55 for my needs. I value a high-quality screen for consuming visual media and professional-quality video recording. The availability of more premium audio features is also a nice bonus.
