1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is taller but narrower, while S23 Ultra is shorter but wider. Both have the same thickness, impacting in-hand feel. |
| Weight | 227g | 234g | S21 Ultra is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Identical screen sizes, providing the same amount of viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1440x3088 | Very minor difference; practically indistinguishable in sharpness. |
| PPI | 515 | 500 | Both displays are extremely sharp; difference is negligible for most users. |
| 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 | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is noticeably brighter, leading to better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra's Snapdragon offers significantly better performance in all tasks (gaming, multitasking, app loading) and is more energy efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra has a much higher benchmark score, translating to a significantly faster and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra's Adreno GPU provides superior graphics performance, particularly for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have identical battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life, but chipset efficiency on S23 Ultra will likely result in better real-world endurance. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S21 Ultra provides more wireless charging versatility, while S23 Ultra allows for wired charging during gaming without battery stress. S23 Ultra does not provide a charger in the box either. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 200MP | S23 Ultra has a higher resolution main sensor, enabling more detailed photos and better cropping capability. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | S23 Ultra's slightly wider aperture allows more light in, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.3" | S21 Ultra has negligibly larger sensor size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Resolution | 10.8MP | 12MP | S23 Ultra offers slightly higher resolution for telephoto and portrait photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.52" | S21 Ultra has the larger sensor in this category. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 12MP | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 10.8MP | 12MP | S23 Ultra has slightly higher telephoto lens resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens Sensor Size | 1/2.65" | 1/3.52" | S21 Ultra has the larger sensor in this category. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12.2MP | S23 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP | No | S21 Ultra offers wide-angle macro photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S21 Ultra has slightly higher fps for video at same resolution. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 115 | 140 | S23 Ultra has a significantly higher overall camera score. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 135 (Only S21 Ultra) | Not Tested | S21 Ultra has superior selfie score, but no data available for S23 Ultra. |
| Camera Features | Continuous autofocus, Laser AF | Tracking AF, Flicker sensor, Time-Lapse, Laser autofocus (LAF) | S23 Ultra has more advanced tracking and focus, while S21 Ultra has continuous focus and laser AF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 13, upgradeable to 17 | S23 Ultra comes with a newer OS and will receive longer software support, future-proofing it. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards, ensuring good network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S23 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more stable and energy-efficient. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra supports more satellite systems, for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S23 Ultra offers eSIM support for additional flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | S23 Ultra offers higher storage options. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM option, beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both feature high-quality audio, but S21 Ultra has Dolby Atmos, while S23 Ultra has 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both use the same high-quality screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity | S23 Ultra has an additional gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Better Selfies: Higher resolution front-facing camera (44MP vs 12MP).
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, a versatile convenience feature.
- Larger Sensor on Some Cameras: Has slightly larger sensor on telephoto and portrait cameras, potentially better performance in those categories.
- Wide Angle + Macro Camera: Dedicated for close-up shots.
- Higher RAM Option: Available in 16GB RAM variant for heavy multitasking.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers slightly better spatial audio.
- Continuous autofocus: For video.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers a massive performance boost, better for demanding tasks, gaming and general snappiness.
- Brighter Display: Noticeably brighter screen for better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging substantially reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 200MP main sensor allows for much more detailed and flexible shots.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape and group photos.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: More energy-efficient Bluetooth 5.3 with potential improvements in connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility for travel and dual-SIM setups.
- More Storage: Offers a 1TB storage option for users with extensive media collections.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports additional satellite systems.
- Tracking AF: For video.
- Bypass Charging: Powers the phone from the wall instead of the battery while gaming.
- Longer Software Support: Newer OS and longer update lifespan.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra has a potentially better selfie camera, and more charging features (wireless and reverse wireless) and a wider selection of lenses, but this comes at the expense of significantly lower processing power compared to the S23 Ultra, which also has a main camera with higher megapixel count.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Users Prioritizing Versatile Wireless Charging: Those who often use wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use the front-facing camera for high-resolution selfies.
- Macro Photographers: Users who need macro capabilities in their daily use.
- Users on a Budget: Likely to be available at a lower price point.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need the highest performance for demanding apps and games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality and flexibility with a 200MP main camera.
- Users Requiring Bright Display: Those who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright conditions.
- Users Needing Long-Term Software Support: Those who value future software updates.
- Users needing the best of the best: Overall, the S23 Ultra is the best phone here.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Great for travel (with wireless charging) and content creation focusing on selfies and macro photography.
- S23 Ultra: Ideal for professional photography, video editing, mobile gaming and general use for the most demanding users.
Price-to-Value:
- The S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive, but the price is justified by its superior performance, main camera, display, and longer software support. The S21 Ultra might offer better value for specific use cases or budget users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is top-tier performance and gaming? If these are essential, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner due to its superior chipset.
- Do you need the highest quality main camera and the latest software updates? If yes, the S23 Ultra is the preferred option.
- What is your budget and do you need wireless charging and macro photography? If you are budget-conscious and require specific features such as wireless charging, macro, and a higher quality selfie camera, the S21 Ultra might make more sense.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious User): If budget is a major concern, and you can compromise on the cutting-edge performance of the newest chipset, the S21 Ultra offers a solid camera, good display, and useful reverse wireless charging at a lower price.
Scenario 2 (Performance and Photography Enthusiast): If you want the best possible camera, display, performance, and a phone that will be supported longer with software updates, the S23 Ultra is the only choice, despite the premium price.
Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you are seeking a phone with excellent performance, a better display, and a dedicated wide-angle camera, the S23 Ultra is still the recommended device.
My Choice
Given the information and analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. While the S21 Ultra has some unique advantages such as reverse wireless charging and a potentially better selfie camera on paper, the S23 Ultra’s significant improvements in overall performance (due to the vastly superior chipset), main camera quality, display brightness, charging speeds, and overall newer software features are far more compelling for me. The S23 Ultra provides a more future-proof experience, ensuring smooth operation and taking great pictures and videos, even for the most demanding use cases. The differences in RAM and selfie camera quality are negligible compared to the performance gains, and the inclusion of eSIM, and the dedicated wide-angle lens are highly valuable for my needs. Ultimately, the more significant leap in processing power is what sways my decision.
