1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, while S24 FE is a bit wider. The S21 Ultra has a larger overall volume which might affect one-handed use, pocketability and feel in hand. |
| Weight | 227g | 213g | S24 FE is 14g lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both screens are very similar in size. The 0.1" difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper and more detailed visuals due to the higher resolution, particularly noticeable with text and fine images. |
| PPI | 515 | 385 | S21 Ultra has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper display. This will be noticeable for users who enjoy viewing high-resolution content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. No practical difference here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations. No practical difference here. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to use on a sunny day. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer 4nm chip should offer better power efficiency and performance than the S21 Ultra's 5nm chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE has significantly higher benchmark scores. This translates to snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking and enhanced gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's newer GPU is expected to provide better graphics processing performance, translating to better gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor but a smaller pixel size, while S24 FE has larger pixel size for better low-light sensitivity. Image quality and detail may vary based on lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto + portrait lens, providing enhanced portrait photography with optical zoom capabilities. This is unavailable on the S24 FE. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | S21 Ultra offers much higher resolution selfies, potentially capturing more detail. S24 FE's has a wider aperture and a larger pixel size that is better for low light selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.0µm | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor, while the S24 FE offers a much wider aperture. The S21 Ultra will likely produce sharper zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S24 FE has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive views, something lacking on S21 Ultra. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens for capturing close-up and expansive scenes, something lacking on S24 FE. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, and various slow motion modes | Up to 8K@30fps with various slow motion modes | Both phones offer similar high-quality video recording, S24 FE has slightly higher framerate for 8k but slower slow motion. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 Selfie: Main 135, Photo 133, Video 140 | Mobile: 133, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | S24 FE has better overall scores for main camera system. S21 Ultra only has score for the selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Night Mode 2.0 | The S21 Ultra features more advanced autofocus and manual controls, while the S24 FE includes updated 'Night Mode 2.0' for low-light photos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger battery. This may result in a marginally longer battery life, but real-world usage will vary based on individual usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | 25W fast charging, Wireless charging 15W, Bypass Charging | Both offer 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging but the S21 Ultra offers reverse wireless charging for devices such as earbuds, whereas the S24 FE offers bypass charging for gaming while plugged in. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | S24 FE ships with a newer version of Android and will receive OS updates for a longer period, meaning a more secure and feature-rich experience. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 FE's WiFi 6E support offers faster speeds and lower latency, especially in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE's newer Bluetooth 5.3 should provide more efficient and reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE has support for more satellite systems which will result in more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 FE adds eSIM support for more flexible carrier management which is not present on the S21 Ultra. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | Both offer similar storage options and provide ample storage for most users. |
| RAM | 12 GB or 16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM on its higher end models, resulting in more efficient multitasking and better performance with more demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra has enhanced audio features and offers better audio performance with headphones. |
Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint sensor security. No difference in practical usage. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both offer strong scratch protection. The S24 FE offers slightly enhanced protection with Victus+ |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones feature various sensors for advanced functionality. The S21 Ultra features the standard proximity sensor, whereas the S24 FE features the more advanced ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: The S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper visuals due to its higher resolution and pixel density (1440x3200, 515 PPI), making text and fine details look crisper.
- More Versatile Camera System: The S21 Ultra has a more comprehensive camera array, including a dedicated telephoto + portrait lens and a wide angle + macro lens, and a higher-resolution selfie camera, providing more flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
- Potentially More RAM: The higher-end model of the S21 Ultra has a higher 16GB of RAM, which results in faster multitasking and can handle more demanding applications without issue.
- Enhanced Audio Features: The S21 Ultra has Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 2400e chip in the S24 FE offers a significant performance boost over the S21 Ultra's Exynos 2100, resulting in faster app loading and smoother performance.
- Brighter Display: The S24 FE's display is brighter (1900 nits), making it more usable in bright outdoor conditions.
- Newer Software: The S24 FE ships with Android 14 and will receive software updates for a longer period of time.
- Wider Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth (5.3), Wifi (6E), and GPS standards.
- Wide Angle Lens: The S24 FE offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive shots, a feature absent in the S21 Ultra.
- Better Main Camera Performance: DxOMark scores show the S24 FE having a better overall main camera system.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for more efficient gaming while plugged in, something the S21 Ultra cannot do.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Loses in overall performance and some camera features, but has a sharper display, and a slightly more versatile camera setup, and potentially more RAM.
- S24 FE: Losessome versatility in the camera system and audio features, but gains significant performance increases, a brighter display and better main camera performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera setup with multiple telephoto and macro lenses, and enjoy advanced manual camera controls for ultimate control over photos.
- Multimedia Consumption: Users who prioritize a sharper and more detailed display experience for watching videos, browsing photos, and viewing high-resolution content.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who prefer high quality audio and enhanced audio features with headphones or speakers.
- Multitasking Users: Users who desire more RAM for demanding applications.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography with diverse camera options.
- Viewing high resolution videos and images with more detail.
- Demanding users who require more RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Users who enjoy enhanced audio with features such as Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize overall speed and responsiveness, particularly for gaming and demanding applications.
- Outdoor Users: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need a display that remains visible.
- Modern Users: Users who want the latest software updates, wireless connectivity standards, and flexibility with eSIM technology.
- Casual Photographers: Users who prioritize simple, high-quality shots from the main camera and an easy-to-use wide-angle.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize gaming performance with the more powerful GPU and Bypass Charging technology.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games and running demanding applications.
- Using the phone for outdoor photography and video recording.
- Enjoying the latest Android OS with newer connectivity standards.
- Taking simple but high quality pictures with good night time capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 Ultra: May offer better value if available at a significantly lower price, and if camera versatility and display sharpness are priorities.
- S24 FE: Better value for money if raw performance and outdoor visibility are priorities. The newer hardware and software are worth the price for many modern users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance or Display Quality? Do you prioritize overall speed and responsiveness (S24 FE) or a sharper, more detailed display (S21 Ultra)?
- Camera Versatility or Main Camera Performance? Do you prefer a wider array of cameras including multiple telephoto and macro lenses (S21 Ultra), or a more modern main camera with an additional wide angle lens (S24 FE)?
- Modernity or Price? Do you need the latest software, connectivity, and features even if it costs more (S24 FE), or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option with capable specifications (S21 Ultra)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Power User: If you're someone who plays demanding games, multitasks heavily, or needs maximum performance, the S24 FE is the better choice because of its faster processor and more recent software.
Scenario 2: The Photography Enthusiast: If you're someone who prioritizes a wide range of camera options and wants manual camera controls, the S21 Ultra will be a better choice, even with its older processor and software.
Scenario 3: The Casual User: If you're someone who needs a reliable phone for everyday tasks, and want better outdoor visibility with a modern operating system, the S24 FE offers better value for money.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the S21 Ultra has some compelling features, such as a sharper screen and more versatile camera system, the S24 FE's newer processor, significantly better overall performance, brighter display, and the promise of longer software support make it a more practical and future-proof device for my daily use. I find the wider angle lens and the improved main camera to be very beneficial for my style of photography. Finally, the bypass charging feature is a big plus for gaming.
