1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 157 × 68 × 8.2 mm | S21 Ultra is larger, bulkier, may be less comfortable for small hands or one-handed use. Xperia 5 III is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 227g | 168g | Xperia 5 III is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less prone to hand fatigue. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.1" | S21 Ultra offers a larger screen for immersive viewing and multitasking; Xperia 5 III is more compact for portability and single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2520 | S21 Ultra has significantly sharper display with more detail, better for crisp text, high-resolution images and videos. |
| PPI | 515 | 449 | S21 Ultra has higher pixel density; resulting in a noticeably sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality display technology with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra has significantly higher brightness, making it easily readable outdoors in bright sunlight. Note: Sony brightness is listed as 0 nits, this is likely an error in the source data. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Different chipsets; Snapdragon 888 in Xperia 5 III offers marginally better benchmark performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 880,000 | Xperia 5 III has a 17% higher score, indicating better processing power and smoother performance for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | Different GPUs. Adreno 660 in Xperia 5 III is generally considered better for gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm | S21 Ultra captures highly detailed images with significantly more resolution. Xperia 5 III has larger pixel size for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated telephoto and portrait lens for versatile zoom and bokeh effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | S21 Ultra has much higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed photos; Xperia 5 III has slightly wider aperture for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 III has a wider aperture, which might result in better low-light and shallow depth of field effects than S21 Ultra telephoto. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3 | Xperia 5 III has a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has an ultrawide lens that also doubles as a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | S21 Ultra supports up to 8K video for professional-grade content creation. Xperia 5 III supports 4K@120fps for smooth slow-motion. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | S21 Ultra has been tested by DXOMark and has good scores. No scores available for the Sony Xperia 5 III. |
| Features | 8K Video, Quad Camera, Laser AF, Night Mode | Triple Camera, Ultra Stable Video | S21 Ultra features a more versatile camera system, whereas Xperia 5 III has better video stabilization with "Ultra Stable" mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 Ultra has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 III charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Bypass charging | S21 Ultra offers more versatile charging options. Xperia 5 III has bypass charging feature, which may help with battery health while gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, higher-resolution display: Better for media consumption, multitasking, and detailed visuals.
- More versatile camera system: Offers more lenses including a wide angle with macro, more zoom capabilities, and higher resolution.
- Higher battery capacity: Likely provides longer battery life for all-day use.
- Higher brightness: Better for outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight.
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging: Provides more flexibility for charging.
- More RAM: Enables smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Enhanced audio quality for calls and voice recording.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Sony Xperia 5 III Advantages:
- More compact and lightweight: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Faster charging: Quickly replenishes the battery.
- Marginally better performance: Offers better performance in benchmarks and possibly for gaming.
- Better slow-motion video: 4K video at 120fps allows for smoother slow-motion footage.
- Wider aperture on some lenses: Might lead to better low light performance
- Bypass charging: Allows for battery health maintenance during extended gaming sessions.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted sensor is faster and more intuitive.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger size and weight can be a drawback for some users. Lower benchmark performance scores.
- Xperia 5 III: Smaller display, lower resolution, less versatile camera system and smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Media enthusiasts, power users, photographers, professionals needing a versatile device with a top-tier screen and extensive features.
- Use Cases: Watching movies and shows, creating and editing content, heavy multitasking, demanding gaming, and capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Price-to-Value: Generally higher priced, offering a premium experience with cutting-edge features.
Sony Xperia 5 III:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize portability, gaming, good audio, and a compact design.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, music listening, capturing everyday moments with good quality, on-the-go use, and those who prefer a smaller phone.
- Price-to-Value: Generally more affordable while still offering high-end performance in a compact package.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Display Size & Quality: Do you need a large screen for media consumption, or do you prefer a more compact, portable phone?
- Camera Versatility: Do you require a lot of zoom flexibility and camera features, or will a simpler camera system suffice?
- Battery Life & Charging: Do you prioritize extended battery life, or is faster charging more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a phone for heavy media consumption and professional photography/videography." - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G due to its large, high-resolution display, versatile camera system, and high battery capacity.
- Scenario 2: "I want a portable phone for gaming and everyday use with a smooth experience." - Recommendation: Sony Xperia 5 III due to its compact design, better gaming performance, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: "I need a versatile camera, but a compact phone is also important to me" - Recommendation: This depends on personal preference, while S21 Ultra has the more versatile camera, the Xperia 5 III offers good overall camera quality with better compact design.
Final Decision
If I were to choose, I would select the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. My reasoning is as follows:
- Versatility: I need a smartphone that can handle a wide range of tasks well, from productivity to photography, and the S21 Ultra's more versatile camera system is a big advantage.
- Superior Display: The larger and sharper display would provide a better experience for media consumption. While the Xperia 5 III has a respectable screen, the S21 Ultra has a significantly more immersive visual experience.
- Battery: Battery is a top priority for me, and the larger 5000mAh battery with more versatile charging options is very appealing.
- Future-Proofing: The ability to record in 8K is a feature I can use for video content creation. While the 120fps of the Xperia 5 III is also a nice feature, for me, the 8K capabilities are of more importance.
- Premium Experience: Although it comes with a premium price tag, the S21 Ultra provides all the features I look for in a high end smartphone.
While the Xperia 5 III excels in its compact size and gaming capabilities, the all-around strengths of the S21 Ultra make it the better choice for my diverse needs and usage patterns.
