1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-24 | S24+ is significantly newer, implying newer tech and longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | S24+ is more compact and thinner, likely more comfortable to hold and pocket. |
| Weight | 227g | 196g | S24+ is noticeably lighter, making it easier for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Minimal difference; both offer large, immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1440 x 3120 | Negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 513 PPI | Virtually identical screen clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 Ultra 5G confirmed AMOLED, providing deeper blacks and vibrant colors, S24+ display technology is missing. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ display is significantly brighter, making it much more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ has a much more modern and powerful chipset, translating to faster overall performance and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,639,695 | S24+ offers dramatically faster performance for gaming, multitasking and overall smoothness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | S24+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4900 mAh | Similar battery capacity, implying comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S24+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse wireless 9W, No in-box charger | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S21 Ultra 5G has faster reverse wireless charging, while S24+ offers bypass charging for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108 MP | 50 MP | S21 Ultra 5G has a higher megapixel count, but megapixel count isn't everything. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.57" | S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly larger main sensor for improved low-light performance |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP | S21 Ultra 5G has a dedicated telephoto + portrait camera, while S24+ does not. | |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44 MP | 12 MP | S21 Ultra 5G has a significantly higher-resolution selfie camera, but pixel size is missing on the S24+. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 10.8 MP | 10 MP | Similar resolutions, but the S24+ has a wider aperture, which will improve low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2 MP | S24+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens, while S21 Ultra 5G does not. | |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | 12.2MP | S21 Ultra 5G has a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens, while S24+ does not. | |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720@960fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | Similar high-quality video recording capabilities, S21 Ultra has 960fps slow-mo and the S24+ has 240fps slow-mo. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | N/A | S21 Ultra 5G's camera is rated, however the S24+ has not been rated. |
| DXOMark Selfie | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | S21 Ultra 5G's camera is rated, however the S24+ has not been rated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 14, Max 21 | S24+ has a newer OS and longer update support, providing access to the latest features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24+ has faster WiFi speeds and less interference with the WiFi 6E standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24+ offers minor improvements in range, speed and security. |
| 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) | S24+ has more satellite systems providing improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24+ adds eSIM support, for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | S24+ has a minimum of 256GB, while the S21 Ultra 5G has a 128GB model as an entry. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | S21 Ultra 5G can have up to 16GB of RAM for heavy multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | S21 Ultra 5G has better audio features compared to S24+, though both have stereo speakers and noise cancelling mics. | |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have an in-screen fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has newer generation Gorilla Glass for better screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both phones have a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 108MP main sensor for potentially more detailed images (though sensor size is also important).
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers a dedicated camera for portrait photography.
- Potentially Higher RAM: Up to 16GB of RAM option for heavy multitasking and demanding gaming scenarios.
- Better Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support for better sound quality.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: The main camera sensor is slightly larger.
- Faster Reverse Wireless Charging: 9W reverse wireless charging versus the S24+'s 4.5W.
Practical Implications:
- Ideal for users who prioritize advanced camera systems with versatile zoom and portrait capabilities and are also audiophiles.
- Its higher memory option would serve power users well.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 significantly outperforms the Exynos 2100, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Brighter Display: 2600 nits brightness makes the screen much more readable in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging reduces charging time significantly.
- Newer Operating System: Android 14 with extended update support, ensuring access to the latest features and security.
- Wider Angle Camera: Provides a dedicated wide-angle camera.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth Standards: Faster network speeds, lower latency, and more efficient connectivity.
- eSIM Support: More flexible network options
- Newer and more durable glass protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Bypass charging: Allows users to game without damaging the battery.
Practical Implications:
- Better for users who prioritize speed, performance, bright screens, faster charging, longer software support and a wide angle camera.
- More future-proofed due to the latest OS and connectivity standards.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra 5G: While it has a more versatile camera system, its older chipset will likely struggle with the latest demanding games and apps and will likely not receive software updates for as long as the S24+.
- S24+: Lacks some of the S21 Ultra's camera versatility such as a dedicated telephoto portrait camera and a wide-angle macro camera and may lack the audio features, however, the overall performance and display are superior.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with high zoom capabilities and macro features.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high fidelity audio and want Dolby Atmos.
- Power users: Users who are going to do heavy multitasking or gaming.
- Users on a tighter budget: The S21 Ultra 5G may be available at a lower price than the S24+
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: Capturing detailed photos with varied focal lengths.
- Content Creators: Recording high-quality audio and video content on the go.
- Heavy Gaming: For users who are going to be gaming for hours on end, while wanting top-tier performance.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Ideal Users:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who need the fastest and smoothest performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need to use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technologies, features and software support.
- Users who want the best battery life: The faster charging and modern chip could provide an improved overall battery experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Playing the latest games with high graphics settings.
- Outdoor Photography: Taking photos in bright sunlight, the screen will always be easily readable.
- Everyday Use: Smooth multitasking, browsing and fast app loading.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra 5G may offer better value for users on a tighter budget seeking a versatile camera and better audio.
- The S24+ provides more future-proofing and better performance for the price, especially with its newer chipset and longer software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak performance for you? If gaming and heavy multitasking are priorities, the S24+ is a better choice. If you do not need peak performance, the S21 Ultra 5G may be sufficient.
- How often do you use your phone in bright sunlight? If you are frequently outdoors, the S24+'s much brighter display will be a major benefit.
- What kind of photography do you prioritize? If you need more versatile zoom and portrait options, the S21 Ultra 5G may appeal more, but if you use wide angle a lot, the S24+ will serve you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photographer on a Budget - Choose the S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera system, high zoom and superior audio features. The slightly older chipset is a trade-off, but may be suitable if the budget is a priority.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer and Tech Enthusiast - Choose the S24+ for its superior chipset, smoother performance, higher refresh rate, better screen brightness and longer software support. The better charging will also be important for long gaming sessions.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Needing Reliability - Choose the S24+ for its newer OS, faster charging, better screen in sunlight and longer software support.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While the S21 Ultra 5G has some appealing camera features and additional RAM, the overall performance gains with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset on the S24+ are too significant to ignore. I value the smooth and responsive experience that the S24+ offers, alongside its much brighter screen and faster charging capabilities. The longer software support ensures it remains up-to-date and secure for a longer period. While the camera may not be as versatile as the S21 Ultra, the S24+'s wide-angle lens and generally solid performance in diverse conditions are more practical for my daily use. The enhanced connectivity (WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3) and the addition of eSIM also contribute to a more future-proofed device. While not specifically a gamer, the improvements in processing power and screen tech make the S24+ the more appealing choice for an all around device.
