1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | The S21 Ultra is much more pocketable; the Tab S9 FE+ is significantly larger, requiring a bag for transport and is more suitable for stationary usage. |
| Weight | 227g | 627g | The S21 Ultra is significantly lighter and more comfortable for carrying and holding for extended periods. The Tab S9 FE+ is much heavier, making it less convenient for on-the-go use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 12.4" | The S21 Ultra is ideal for single-hand use; The Tab S9 FE+ offers much more screen real estate for multitasking, media consumption, and content creation. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1600x2560 | The S21 Ultra has higher pixel density; sharper images and text for detailed work. |
| PPI | 515 | 243 | The S21 Ultra has a noticeably sharper display, providing better clarity for reading and viewing detailed content. The Tab S9 FE+ has a lower pixel density, which may appear less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 Ultra's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; much better viewing experience, especially in dark conditions. The Tab S9 FE+ has a good IPS LCD display, but doesn't offer the same contrast and black levels, and isn't as efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 Ultra provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user experience, particularly in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The S21 Ultra offers excellent outdoor visibility; The Tab S9 FE+ has no outdoor brightness information available which will impact usability in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Different processors, expect varied performance characteristics. The Exynos 2100 has higher benchmark scores, suggesting better speed. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 507,000 | The S21 Ultra performs better in demanding tasks and gaming, while the Tab S9 FE+ is suitable for everyday use. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The S21 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, better gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The Tab S9 FE+ GPU is sufficient for everyday use and some gaming but isn't as powerful. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 10090mAh | The Tab S9 FE+ offers much longer battery life for extended usage, less frequent charging needed. The S21 Ultra's battery is good for a full day's use, but the Tab S9 FE+ is much better for those who need extremely long battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Tab S9 FE+ will charge quicker, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W wireless, 9W reverse wireless | Bypass Charging | The S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices; Tab S9 FE+ can be used while charging without heavily impacting the battery life. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/2.0 | The S21 Ultra offers higher resolution and better low-light performance, taking more detailed pictures. The Tab S9 FE+ offers a decent main camera for general photos. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP f/2.4 | None | The S21 Ultra offers dedicated zoom and portrait capabilities, suitable for capturing distant subjects or creating professional-looking portrait photos. The Tab S9 FE+ has no such capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 8MP | The S21 Ultra offers much higher resolution selfies, providing more details in your photos, especially in good light. The Tab S9 FE+ is decent for video calls and basic selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9 | None | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and capturing distant objects. The Tab S9 FE+ has no such lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. The S21 Ultra has no such lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | None | The S21 Ultra captures wide shots and close-up details. The Tab S9 FE+ has no such lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 Ultra is capable of recording higher resolution, professional quality video. The Tab S9 FE+ records high quality 4k video. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Available | The S21 Ultra is a higher rated camera based on dxoMark scores |
| Camera Features | Advanced features, including OIS and manual controls | Basic features suitable for simple photography | The S21 Ultra offers more tools and flexibility for photography; Tab S9 FE+ has all basic features for casual photography and video recording. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | The Tab S9 FE+ ships with a newer version of Android and will receive more OS updates. |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, Hotspot | WiFi 6, No Hotspot | Both have modern Wi-Fi for fast connections, The S21 Ultra also provides hotspot capability. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a newer Bluetooth version offering minor improvements in speed and connectivity. |
| GPS | Advanced GPS Support | Basic GPS support | The S21 Ultra has much more precise location tracking and navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | No SIM | The S21 Ultra can use two sim cards, great for work/personal separation or travel. The Tab S9 FE+ only connects through Wi-Fi. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The S21 Ultra provides a higher maximum storage, more space for media. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 8/12 GB | The S21 Ultra allows for smoother multitasking and faster processing of demanding tasks, and can have more apps open in the background. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can use external storage cards, so users are limited to their device's storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The S21 Ultra's noise cancellation microphone provides clearer call quality, Hi-Res audio enhances music enjoyment, Dolby Atmos provides an immersive audio experience. The Tab S9 FE+ does not have the same quality of audio recording. |
Security, Build & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | The S21 Ultra's basic fingerprint sensor is less convenient than the Tab S9 FE+'s side-mounted sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 Ultra is more resistant to scratches and drops; the Tab S9 FE+'s screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | Advanced Sensor Suite | Basic Sensors | The S21 Ultra is geared for gaming and has better environmental tracking; The Tab S9 FE+ has basic sensors needed for tablet use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, higher pixel density, higher refresh rate, and much better brightness provide a noticeably better viewing experience, particularly for outdoor use.
- Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 and its GPU offer better speed and performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 Ultra features a much more versatile and capable camera system with high resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, macro lens, higher quality video, and more advanced features.
- More Audio Features: Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation microphone offer better sound quality and call clarity.
- More Compact: The compact size makes it easy to carry around.
- Wireless Charging and reverse Charging: Added features for charging on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages:
- Much Larger Display: Significantly larger screen for multitasking, media consumption, and content creation.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Provides much longer battery life for extended use without needing to charge as frequently.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging will quickly replenish battery power.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a more recent version of Android and will receive OS updates for longer than the S21 Ultra.
- Bypass Charging: Can use the device while plugged in and will not directly charge the battery, extending battery life.
- Wider Angle Lens: Dedicated wide angle lens provides a different perspective for photos and videos.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Smaller display, less battery life, more expensive.
- Tab S9 FE+: Much larger and heavier, lower-quality display, much lower resolution main camera, significantly lower overall performance, and poor outdoor visibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, versatile camera features, and good low-light performance.
- Power Users/Gamers: Users who require a high-performance device for demanding tasks and mobile gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a high-quality display with vibrant colors and high refresh rate.
- On-the-go Users: Users who want a device that is pocketable, lightweight, and suitable for everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a large screen for watching movies, TV shows, and browsing the internet.
- Students/Professionals: Users who need a large display for multitasking, note-taking, and creating content.
- Casual Gamers: Users who enjoy casual gaming, but do not need the highest graphical settings or performance.
- Readers/Web Browsers: Users who want comfortable web browsing or reading experiences with less eye strain due to the larger screen.
- Users needing extended battery life: Users who need days of battery life and do not want to worry about charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- S21 Ultra: Capturing photos and videos in various conditions, mobile gaming, watching HDR content, everyday communication, and on-the-go work.
- Tab S9 FE+: Watching movies/shows, reading ebooks, taking notes in meetings or lectures, editing documents, and creative work that benefits from a large screen and long battery life.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra, although older, provides better performance and cameras but is more expensive.
- The Tab S9 FE+ is a newer device, with a lower price and provides a large screen and long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider, along with scenario-based recommendations:
What is your primary use case?
- If you primarily need a pocketable phone with an excellent camera and high performance, choose the S21 Ultra.
- If you mainly need a large screen for media consumption, productivity, and long battery life, choose the Tab S9 FE+.
How important is display quality and portability to you?
- If you prioritize a compact device with the best display quality, choose the S21 Ultra.
- If you prioritize a large display but portability is less important, choose the Tab S9 FE+.
What is your budget?
- If you are willing to pay a premium for high performance and the best camera features, choose the S21 Ultra.
- If you are looking for a more affordable option that offers a large screen and long battery life, choose the Tab S9 FE+.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior camera and compact design.
- Student/Remote Worker: Choose the Tab S9 FE+ for its large screen and long battery life for online work.
- Mobile Gamer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its superior performance and high refresh rate display.
- Casual Media Consumer: Choose the Tab S9 FE+ for its larger screen and better battery life at a lower price point.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here’s my reasoning:
Overall Versatility: The S21 Ultra offers a much more well-rounded experience that fits my personal needs and requirements. I value having a device that excels in multiple areas such as photography, performance, and display quality.
Superior Camera Capabilities: As someone who enjoys photography and videography, the S21 Ultra's advanced camera system is extremely attractive. The higher resolution sensors, telephoto lenses, and 8K video capabilities make it a superior choice for capturing high-quality content.
Display Quality: The AMOLED display on the S21 Ultra is much better than the Tab S9 FE+'s IPS LCD. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher brightness make for a better viewing experience.
Portability: The compact design of the S21 Ultra makes it more convenient to carry around and use daily. The Tab S9 FE+ is quite large, and not ideal to carry.
Performance: The S21 Ultra's higher AnTuTu score indicates that it has better overall performance in the majority of tasks I would be doing on my device.
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has its strengths—particularly in battery life and screen size—it doesn't align with my priorities as well as the S21 Ultra. If my focus were solely on media consumption or having a tablet-like experience with long battery life, the Tab S9 FE+ would be a better option. But, for my use case, the S21 Ultra is the superior choice, offering a more complete mobile experience.
