1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 162 × 74 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and in pockets. |
| Weight | 227g | 192g | Xperia 1 VI is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and easier to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2340 | S21 Ultra has a sharper display with more detail, better for text, images, and high-resolution videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 396 | S21 Ultra has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a noticeably sharper image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are minor in daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has much higher brightness, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. The value for Xperia 1 VI is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 VI offers significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 2,110,000 | Xperia 1 VI has a much higher benchmark score, indicating a substantial performance advantage. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Xperia 1 VI's GPU offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 1 VI charges slightly faster, reducing charging time. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, No charger in-box | Bypass Charging, Reverse wireless charging | S21 Ultra has wireless charging and faster reverse wireless charging. Xperia 1 VI has bypass charging for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | S21 Ultra captures more detailed photos with a higher resolution sensor; both perform well in good lighting. |
| Telephoto + portrait | 10.8MP | N/A | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated telephoto camera for portraits, which the Xperia 1 VI lacks. |
| Selfie | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | S21 Ultra offers higher resolution selfies, while Xperia 1 VI has wider aperture, potentially better low light. |
| Telephoto lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65" | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" | Xperia 1 VI has a wider aperture and slightly higher resolution, potentially better for zoomed in photos in varied lighting. |
| Wide Angle lens | N/A | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Xperia 1 VI has a dedicated wide-angle lens; S21 Ultra lacks this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens; Xperia 1 VI lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps | S21 Ultra supports 8K video but Xperia 1 VI has 4K@120fps for slow motion recording. Both have great video capabilities. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 115 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a benchmark score while the Xperia 1 VI is not available. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has a benchmark score while the Xperia 1 VI is not available. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Laser AF, 8K Video | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Contrast Detection Autofocus | S21 Ultra has more camera lenses and 8K recording. Xperia 1 VI focuses on video stability and faster focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Xperia 1 VI offers newer OS with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Xperia 1 VI offers faster WiFi speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Xperia 1 VI has the latest Bluetooth version for better device connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Both offer accurate location, Xperia 1 VI offers support for more systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 1 VI has the flexibility of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer good storage options; Xperia 1 VI lacks the 128GB option. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | S21 Ultra has up to 16GB RAM which is better for intensive use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers better audio quality with Hi-Res and noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 VI has a more convenient side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones have good screen protection; Xperia 1 VI has an upgraded version. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity, Pedometer | Both have the essential sensors for daily use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper and more detailed viewing experience with 1440x3200 resolution and 515 PPI, better for reading and media.
- Brighter Display: Boasts 1500 nits brightness, superior for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for portraits, a dedicated macro lens, and higher resolution on the main and selfie cameras, offering more photography options.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of shooting 8K video, a feature not found on the Xperia 1 VI, better for professional-grade videography.
- Hi-Res Audio & Noise Canceling Mic: Offers superior audio quality and clearer calls.
- 16GB RAM Option: Offers more memory for heavy multitasking.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities
Sony Xperia 1 VI Advantages:
- Significantly Newer and Faster: Features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering a substantial performance boost over the S21 Ultra's Exynos 2100 in benchmarks.
- Lighter and More Compact: Is lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, with a guaranteed update to 17.
- Faster Charging: Supports 30W fast charging and has bypass charging, charging slightly faster.
- Dedicated Wide Angle Lens: The S21 Ultra lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera, which is an advantage for landscape and group photos.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: The side mounted fingerprint sensor is much more convenient.
- Latest Connectivity Standards: Features WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Video Recording at 4K: Can shoot 4K video at 120fps.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of eSIM for managing multiple phone numbers.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G sacrifices performance and size for camera versatility, and high resolution display.
- The Sony Xperia 1 VI sacrifices the sharper display of the S21 Ultra in favor of a smoother experience and more modern hardware.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a versatile camera system with high resolution and multiple lens options.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy high-resolution videos, detailed images, and a large screen for media consumption.
- Power Users: Those who need lots of memory (16GB variant) for heavy multitasking and intensive apps.
- Users in Bright Environments: Users who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight due to its higher brightness.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: Capturing detailed photos using multiple lenses, shooting 8K video for professional projects.
- Outdoor Media Viewing: Watching videos or reading in bright sunlight without visibility issues.
- Gaming: Playing graphically demanding games taking advantage of the 16GB ram and high resolution display
- Multitasking: Running multiple resource intensive apps simultaneously.
Sony Xperia 1 VI is ideal for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize fast performance, gaming, and seamless multitasking.
- Comfort and Portability: Users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone that is easier to handle and carry.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest technology, including the newest chipset and connectivity standards.
- Users who value long term support: The newest android versions and security patches provided by the OS updates make this the more long term phone.
- Video Creators: Users who value the ability to record slow motion video in 4K
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Playing demanding games with smooth performance and responsiveness.
- Everyday Use: Enjoying a comfortable and fast phone for daily tasks.
- Travel and Portability: Carrying a lighter phone for travel and extended use.
- Advanced Connectivity: Using Wi-Fi 7 for fast and reliable network connections.
- Video Recording: Shooting smooth, stable video with the phones advanced stabilization features and 4k at 120fps
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung S21 Ultra is older and will likely be found for less money. This might be a good option for users who want a great camera and display on a budget.
- The Sony Xperia 1 VI is newer and will likely cost more. This might be a good option for users who value the newest technology, performance and the ability to record higher quality slow motion video.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Photography, gaming, media consumption, daily tasks)
- How important is performance vs. camera versatility? (Do you need top-tier performance or a more versatile camera system?)
- How much do I value compact design and long term support? (Do you prefer a lighter phone and longer software support?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional photographer or videographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its versatile camera system, 8K video recording, and higher-resolution display.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or power user: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI for its superior performance, faster charging, and better connectivity.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user who values a great display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to the more affordable price and the high resolution bright display.
- Scenario 4: User who wants the latest technology and long term support: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI due to its newer chipset, newer OS, and future updates, longer software support.
- Scenario 5: User who values portability and ergonomics: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI for its lighter and more compact design.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Here's why:
While the S21 Ultra has a compelling camera system and a very sharp display, the Xperia 1 VI is a more modern phone that addresses my main priorities. I value the significantly improved performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and prefer the more lightweight, comfortable design for daily use. The future proof nature of the software is also important to me.
The advanced connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, are also a bonus for someone who uses wireless devices and needs reliable connections. Although I would miss the versatility of the S21 Ultra's camera in some situations, the Xperia 1 VI's main lens and video recording capabilities are very capable. The faster charging and better overall performance are more valuable to me than a slightly sharper display.
In conclusion, the Xperia 1 VI strikes a better balance between performance, modern features, and a comfortable user experience for my typical use case, even if it means sacrificing some camera versatility.
