1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip6 offers unique folding design for compact carry; S21 Ultra is traditional slab |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) | Z Flip6 is narrower and thinner when unfolded; S21 Ultra is wider and thicker |
| Weight | 227g | 187g | Z Flip6 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference, both offer large screens |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2640 | S21 Ultra has noticeably sharper display with more detail |
| PPI | 515 | 426 | S21 Ultra has higher pixel density, resulting in finer text and image clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Missing) | S21 Ultra offers superior display tech with better contrast & black levels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Missing, assumed lower) | S21 Ultra has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Z Flip6 has significantly faster and more efficient processor |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 2,250,000 | Z Flip6 offers dramatically faster performance for gaming, multitasking and app loading |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Z Flip6 has a more powerful GPU suitable for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 108MP | 50MP | S21 Ultra captures more detailed images in good light |
| Telephoto Camera | S21 Ultra has 2 dedicated telephoto lenses | None | S21 Ultra offers much more versatile zoom capabilities |
| Ultrawide Camera | S21 Ultra has ultrawide + Macro | Z Flip6 has wide angle | Both offer ultrawide functionality, but S21 Ultra can take Macro shots |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 10MP | S21 Ultra takes higher resolution selfies |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 Ultra captures higher resolution video, more professional workflows |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | S21 Ultra: 115 | Z Flip6: 132 | Z Flip6 has a higher camera score, implying better overall photo and video quality |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | S21 Ultra: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a very good selfie camera, cannot be compared against Flip6 as no score exists |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | S21 Ultra likely has longer battery life due to larger capacity |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired | Both offer similar fast charging speed |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both offer similar wireless charging speed |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 4.5W | S21 Ultra can charge other devices slightly faster |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Z Flip6 comes with a more recent version of Android |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer same Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Z Flip6 has newer version, potentially with faster transfer speeds |
| GPS | More constellations supported, includes Dual GPS | More constellations supported, includes Dual GPS | Similar performance in location accuracy, Flip6 has additional support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM / eSIM + eSIM) | Z Flip6 has the advantage of using two eSIMS |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 512GB | Both offer same maximum storage |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB | 12GB | S21 Ultra can have more RAM, better multitasking in some situations |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards for extra storage |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers slightly more advanced audio capabilities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, brighter display and AMOLED technology for better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- More Versatile Cameras: Features two telephoto lenses and a macro lens, providing superior zoom capabilities and macro shots. Higher resolution main and selfie cameras for more detailed shots.
- Larger Battery: Bigger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- More RAM: Option for 16GB of RAM, enabling smoother multitasking, especially with demanding apps and games.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio for better sound.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Advantages:
- Unique Foldable Design: Highly portable and compact form factor, convenient for one-handed use and storage.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers superior speed and efficiency compared to the Exynos 2100.
- Newer Software: Runs the latest Android version (14) out of the box.
- More Compact and Lighter Easier to handle.
- Better DxOMark Score: higher mobile camera score which suggests better overall camera performance.
- eSIM capability: allows for better digital carrier switching.
Practical Implications:
- The S21 Ultra excels in display quality and camera versatility.
- The Z Flip6 provides a more compact design, superior performance, and better camera quality.
- The S21 Ultra is better for users who prioritize display sharpness, camera zoom, and battery life.
- The Z Flip6 suits users who want a compact and stylish device with top-tier performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra's larger size and weight can make it less convenient to carry compared to the Z Flip6.
- Z Flip6 may have a smaller battery life compared to the S21 Ultra due to it smaller battery size.
- Z Flip6 lacks the zoom capabilities and some of the camera features found in the S21 Ultra.
- S21 Ultra uses an older processor, resulting in a lower performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the most versatile and advanced camera system with high zoom capabilities and macro options.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-resolution, high-brightness display for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Power Users: Users who engage in heavy multitasking and require ample RAM.
- Users Needing All-day Battery Life: Prioritizes battery life with largest battery size.
Use Cases for S21 Ultra:
- Professional photography and videography
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight
- Gaming and demanding app usage
- Extensive media consumption
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Ideal Users:
- Fashion-conscious users: Users who want a unique, stylish, and compact phone.
- On-the-go Users: Users who prefer a phone that fits easily in pockets and bags.
- Performance Seekers: Users who want the latest and fastest processor for gaming and other intensive tasks.
- Users who want the latest Android: Comes with the newest android version.
Use Cases for Z Flip6:
- Easy one-handed use and portability
- Stylish everyday phone
- Gaming and running high-performance applications
- Quick access to notifications without opening the phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra is likely to be available at a lower price due to being an older model.
- The Z Flip6, being a newer foldable phone, commands a premium price.
- Consider whether the latest features of the Z Flip6, particularly the foldable design and updated processor, are worth the premium compared to the S21 Ultra's strengths.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Portability vs. Camera Versatility: Do you prioritize a compact, pocketable phone or a superior camera system with enhanced zoom capabilities?
- Performance vs. Battery Life: Do you need the latest, fastest performance or a longer-lasting battery to get you through the day?
- Display Quality vs. Latest Tech: Do you prioritize a high-resolution, bright display or the cutting-edge folding technology of the Z Flip6?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photographer/Videographer: Choose the S21 Ultra for its higher resolution main and selfie camera, dual telephoto lenses, macro shots, and 8K video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Multitasker: Choose the Z Flip6 for its significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the latest Android OS.
- Scenario 3: Casual User, Compactness a Priority: Choose the Z Flip6 for its unique foldable design, making it easy to carry and handle with one hand.
- Scenario 4: Value-Conscious, Feature-Rich Phone: Choose the S21 Ultra if its current lower price fits your budget as it offers excellent specs and better battery life.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. While the S21 Ultra has advantages in display, zoom, and battery, the performance boost and unique foldable design of the Z Flip6 are more compelling for me. I value the pocketable nature of a foldable device and the future proofed aspect of a much more powerful processor. The better DxOMark camera score is also important for overall quality, the trade off of losing the zoom is worthwhile. While the battery is smaller, I am willing to compromise for all the other advantages.
