Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a larger screen that folds for portability, while the S21 Ultra is a traditional slab design. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | S21 Ultra is taller, narrower, and thicker. Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded and thinner. |
| Weight | 227g | 263g | S21 Ultra is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. The Z Fold4's weight is a compromise for its larger, foldable screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 7.6" (Main) | Z Fold4 offers a significantly larger display for immersive content consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1812x2176 | S21 Ultra has moderately higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 373 PPI | S21 Ultra has a sharper display due to higher pixel density, offering more clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing Spec | S21 Ultra has superior display technology (AMOLED) offering deeper blacks and vibrant colors. Z Fold4 display tech details not provided. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has much higher brightness, making it easier to view in bright sunlight. Z Fold4 brightness is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4 has a newer, more powerful processor, resulting in better performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Antutu Score | 749,000 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4's GPU provides superior graphical performance in comparison. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S21 Ultra has higher resolution and a larger sensor. Z Fold 4 has larger pixel size, which is better in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S21 Ultra has a larger sensor, while Z Fold4 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Z Fold4 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens for detail shots and close-ups. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities, including stabilization and slow-motion. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 (Main), Selfie 135 | 124 (Main) | Z Fold4 scores higher overall and particularly in video quality, but S21 Ultra selfie performance is not included. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support the same 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W, No charger in-box | Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W, Bypass Charging | Both feature wireless charging; Z Fold4 includes 'Bypass Charging' which may allow for a cooler operation while gaming |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Z Fold4 ships with a newer OS out of the box and is supported longer. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold4 offers a larger max storage capacity. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 12GB | S21 Ultra offers more RAM in the 16 GB variant, potentially beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density (515 PPI) provides noticeably clearer and crisper visuals.
- Superior Brightness: Much higher maximum brightness (1500 nits) makes it easier to view in outdoor sunlight conditions.
- Better Telephoto Zoom Capabilities: Dedicated telephoto and portrait lenses allow better optical zoom.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 44MP selfie camera captures more detailed selfies.
- Larger Battery: Larger 5000mAh battery for longer battery life.
- More RAM (Optional): A 16 GB RAM variant for more intensive use.
- Advanced Audio Features: Includes Hi-Res Audio and noise-canceling microphone.
- Wider Array of Camera Features: Includes features like a dedicated macro lens and continuous autofocus, offering greater versatility in photography.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended one-handed use.
- Superior Selfie Camera: The S21 Ultra has higher DXOmark score, higher resolution, and a larger sensor for the front camera.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a larger, immersive 7.6" display when unfolded, ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
- More Powerful Chipset: Newer and faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset for better overall performance and gaming.
- Larger Maximum Storage: Option for a massive 1TB of internal storage.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: Allows for capture of broader scenic shots.
- Better Main Camera Performance: Higher DxOmark score and low light capabilities.
- Bypass Charging: More ideal for prolonged gaming or heavy usage while plugged in.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM capability for easier carrier switching.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android, and will be supported longer.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered faster and more ergonomic by some users.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra excels in traditional camera versatility and display sharpness, while the Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable display and superior performance.
- The S21 Ultra is lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use, but the Z Fold4 has a larger, more versatile display.
- The S21 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the Z Fold4 offers a wide-angle lens on the main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility, detailed images, and telephoto zoom capabilities.
- Content Consumers: Users who appreciate a high-quality, sharp, and bright display for watching videos and browsing.
- Heavy Multitaskers: Users who benefit from having more RAM (16 GB option).
- Users who prefer one handed usage: Due to the lighter weight and standard form factor, the S21 Ultra is better for one handed usage.
- Price-conscious Consumers: The S21 Ultra, being older, will likely have a lower price than the Z Fold4.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography where image quality and zoom range are crucial.
- Outdoor use where high display brightness is necessary.
- Long periods of media consumption with consistent use due to the larger battery.
- Everyday use for the average user.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who require top-tier performance, a large screen, and multi-tasking capabilities.
- Business Professionals: Users who need a portable device for presentations, document viewing, and email management.
- Gamers: Users who demand the best mobile performance and a larger screen for gaming.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology and a unique form factor.
Use Cases:
- Multitasking with multiple apps side-by-side on the large display.
- Immersive gaming and media consumption.
- Productivity tasks like editing documents and spreadsheets on the go.
- Using the phone as a portable display for meetings and presentations.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Photography, media consumption, gaming, productivity)
- Do I need the unique features of a foldable phone? (Larger display for multitasking, immersive media)
- What is more important: screen clarity and brightness, or cutting-edge performance and a unique design?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography focused: If your main priority is an advanced and versatile camera system with great zoom capabilities, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option.
- Performance and Productivity: If you want a high-performing device that can handle heavy usage with a large, foldable display, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better choice.
- Price Conscious: If you prioritize value for money over having the latest tech, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a compelling choice.
- Unique Features: If you want a cutting-edge device with a unique foldable design, then the Galaxy Z Fold4 is the clear choice.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally select the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. My reasoning is as follows:
Productivity and Multitasking: I value the large, foldable screen for enhanced productivity. Being able to view multiple apps side-by-side, or use a larger display for tasks such as research or documents is appealing for my use-case.
Performance: The newer Snapdragon chipset on the Z Fold4 is a significant factor. I enjoy smooth performance, especially while gaming.
Future Proofing: The Z Fold4 comes with a newer version of Android which means I will have more updates, as well as better overall optimization from a software standpoint.
Unique Form Factor: I enjoy trying new technology, and the foldable design of the Z Fold4 is a unique experience that the S21 Ultra cannot offer.
While the S21 Ultra has a more impressive camera on paper (and a noticeably better selfie camera), a sharper display, and potentially better battery life, the advantages of the Z Fold4 in terms of productivity, performance, and the unique foldable design are more important to my use case. I am willing to accept the trade-offs in battery life and camera capability for the enhanced user experience.
