1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-24 | S24 is significantly newer, offering more up-to-date technology and potentially longer software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable or unique design variations. |
| Dimensions | 165.1x75.6x8.9 mm | 147x70.6x7.6 mm | S21 Ultra is noticeably larger and bulkier; S24 is more compact and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 227g | 167g | S24 is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use and portability. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.2" | S21 Ultra has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; S24 is more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has a sharper and more detailed display; S24 has good resolution, but less sharp than S21 Ultra. |
| PPI | 515 | 416 | S21 Ultra offers finer detail and clearer text; S24 has good pixel density for crisp text and visuals, but less detail than S21 Ultra. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unspecified | S21 Ultra uses AMOLED, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency; S24 spec is missing, impacting comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is significantly brighter, providing much better visibility in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24's chip is much more powerful and efficient, delivering significantly faster performance and better power management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,639,695 | S24 performs nearly double, indicating superior speed for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) - USA/Canada/China (Xclipse 940) | S24's GPU offers far superior graphics performance for gaming, video editing, and other graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Main) | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail; S24 has a larger pixel size, which improves low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for portraits; S24 lacks a dedicated portrait camera, affecting portrait mode and optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 12MP, f/2.2, pixel size unspecified | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera, potentially capturing more detailed self-portraits; S24 has lower resolution, but the pixel size is missing so hard to compare on low light capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00µm | S21 Ultra has a smaller aperture and bigger sensor size. The pixel size is the same. The S24 has a wider aperture which would let in more light for a brighter photo. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S24 has dedicated ultrawide, S21 Ultra does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 Ultra features a dedicated macro mode which allows to take very detailed close up photos; S24 does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Both offer very similar professional-grade video recording capabilities, 8K for detail capture, and 4K at 60 fps for smooth capture. S24 offers an extra 30fps option on 8K. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | None | S21 Ultra is DXOMark-rated with scores, but S24 lacks such ratings, making direct comparison difficult. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | None | S21 Ultra is DXOMark-rated with scores, but S24 lacks such ratings, making direct comparison difficult. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | S21 Ultra has larger battery capacity, likely offering longer battery life, although real-world use depends on other factors. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both have similar fast charging speed, but battery material is different. Actual impact is not immediately clear. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W, No Charger in-box | Bypass, Reverse | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging while S24 is missing it. S24 offers Bypass charging which means the phone will power off the charger when playing games, and that helps with preserving the battery life. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.8" screen with 1440p resolution and higher pixel density provides a more immersive viewing experience and finer detail.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life for heavy users.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 44MP selfie camera should capture more detailed photos and videos, which will be helpful for social media influencers.
- Dedicated Telephoto+Portrait lens and Macro lens: This means the phone can capture very detailed close up photos.
- Wireless Charging: 15W Wireless charging provides convenience for charging on wireless stands and devices.
- Dolby Atmos + Hi-Res Audio: S21 Ultra has better audio quality with enhanced spatial audio, which could be a key selling point for audio enthusiasts.
- Higher Ram Option: 16GB Ram option means more efficient multitasking and faster performance.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides dramatically better performance and efficiency.
- Much Brighter Display: 2600 nits peak brightness offers excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Lighter and More Compact: The phone is easier to handle, more comfortable to hold, and more pocketable.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards: Faster speeds, lower latency, and better compatibility.
- eSIM Support: More flexible dual-SIM options.
- Bypass charging: When plugged in the phone will run directly on the power of the charger without charging the battery. It improves battery health and reduces heat when gaming.
- Dedicated Ultra Wide Lens: S24 has dedicated ultrawide camera for capturing landscape photos.
Trade-offs
- S21 Ultra: The bigger size and weight make it less convenient than the S24; the older chip means worse overall performance; no ultra wide lens.
- S24: Smaller screen and lower resolution may be less enjoyable for media; smaller battery may not last as long as the S21 Ultra for heavy users. No wireless charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a larger, higher-resolution display for media consumption, prefer a heavier and bigger phone, need a longer battery life, and do not mind the older processor. Users who need good selfie camera.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, graphic design, intensive multitasking, demanding apps, long gaming sessions without a charger nearby, audio enthusiasts, users who like high quality selfies.
Samsung Galaxy S24
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smooth and fast experience, need excellent sunlight visibility, want a lighter and more compact phone, do not use wireless charging, and like to play demanding games.
- Use Cases: Outdoor activities where screen visibility is critical, gaming, general daily use, photography enthusiasts, travelers who need dual sim with an esim.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is an older model, so it may be available at a lower price than the S24. However, the S24 is the better value for most users due to the significantly better performance of the new processor, much higher screen brightness and newer technology overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your priority: screen size or portability?
- If large screen for media is a must, S21 Ultra is better. If comfort and portability matters more, go for the S24.
- How important is peak performance vs. battery life?
- If you prioritize smooth, fast performance, pick S24; if long battery life is paramount, consider S21 Ultra
- Do you need Wireless Charging or a brighter screen and a newer processor?
- If wireless charging is needed, pick S21 Ultra; if a brighter screen and better processor are more important go for the S24.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler: The Galaxy S24 is better because it is more compact, supports eSIM and has better screen brightness for outdoor use.
- Gamer: The Galaxy S24 is better due to the much better processor, but the S21 Ultra has slightly higher RAM option. If screen size is paramount, S21 Ultra is a better choice.
- Media Consumer: The Galaxy S21 Ultra is better with the larger, sharper screen. However, if you spend a lot of time watching videos outside, then the S24 is better due to brighter screen.
- Professional Photographer: The Galaxy S21 Ultra is better due to the multiple telephoto lenses for different scenarios. However the S24 has a dedicated ultra wide angle lens, so this phone is also a good option if that is your preferred lens to shoot.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24. My reasoning is as follows:
- Future-Proofing: The S24's newer processor offers a significant leap in performance and will provide a better experience in the long run. The phone also supports more advanced WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
- Practicality: I find the lighter, more compact design of the S24 to be more convenient for daily use and travel.
- Display Brightness: I often use my phone outdoors, so the much brighter screen of the S24 is a significant advantage.
- Bypass Charging: I value the battery life of my phone and the health of the battery, therefore this feature makes the S24 a great option.
- Camera Versatility: Having the ability to use an ultrawide lens outweighs the disadvantages of the missing Telephoto+Portrait lens.
While the S21 Ultra has some compelling features like the bigger screen, the more advanced selfie camera and bigger battery, I value the better processor, brighter screen, smaller size and newer technology of the S24 more. The differences in performance, screen brightness, and overall usability make the S24 a more appealing option for my needs.
