Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Sony Xperia 5 V
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Sony Xperia 5 V, highlighting their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 154 × 68 × 8.6 mm | The Xperia 5 V is significantly more compact and easier to handle with one hand; the S21 Ultra 5G is bulkier and may be less convenient to carry |
| Weight | 227g | 182g | The Xperia 5 V is much lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use; the S21 Ultra 5G feels heavier in hand |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.1" | The S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking; the Xperia 5 V is more pocketable and easier to use one-handed |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2520 | The S21 Ultra 5G has significantly sharper text and images with higher pixel density; the Xperia 5 V's display is still good, but not as crisp |
| PPI | 515 | 449 | The higher PPI on the S21 Ultra 5G results in finer details, especially noticeable for reading and viewing high-resolution content |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; no significant difference in daily use |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | The S21 Ultra 5G has much better visibility in bright sunlight; the Xperia 5 V's outdoor visibility is unknown |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xperia 5 V offers significantly better performance and efficiency; the S21 Ultra's chip is older and less powerful |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 1,370,000 | The Xperia 5 V is considerably faster, resulting in quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance; the S21 Ultra 5G is older and less capable in these areas |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 740 | The Adreno 740 in the Xperia 5 V provides better graphics performance, especially for gaming; the Mali-G78 MP14 in the S21 Ultra 5G is less powerful |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 48MP | The S21 Ultra 5G captures more detailed images; the Xperia 5 V's main sensor has larger pixels for improved light sensitivity |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.33" | 1/1.4" | The S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light; the Xperia 5 V's sensor has larger pixels |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP | N/A | The S21 Ultra 5G offers dedicated telephoto and portrait capabilities with an additional lens; the Xperia 5 V lacks a dedicated lens |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 12MP | The S21 Ultra 5G captures higher-resolution selfies; the Xperia 5 V has larger pixels for low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.2MP | The Xperia 5 V features a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for expanded perspectives |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2 MP | N/A | The S21 Ultra 5G includes a wide-angle lens with macro capabilities |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@120fps | The S21 Ultra 5G supports higher resolution video recording; the Xperia 5 V offers higher frame rate 4K recording |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo:121, Video:100 | Main: 118, Photo: 124, Video: 118 | The Xperia 5 V has a superior mobile camera, particularly in video; the S21 Ultra is untested for the camera module |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo:133, Video:140 | N/A | The S21 Ultra 5G has a very strong selfie camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Sony Xperia 5 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life under typical usage; both can typically last a full day under moderate use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Xperia 5 V charges slightly faster; neither device is particularly fast charging compared to other contemporary competitors |
| Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W | Bypass Charging | The S21 Ultra 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging; the Xperia 5 V offers bypass charging to reduce heat generation while charging and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.8" display with 1440x3200 resolution is ideal for media consumption and multitasking, offering a significantly sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto and macro lenses for various shooting scenarios, catering to users who require optical zoom capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding to user convenience.
- Higher Selfie Camera Resolution: It has a significantly higher resolution camera for more detailed selfies.
- Higher RAM: Some configurations offer up to 16 GB RAM, ideal for heavy multitasking.
- Better Audio Quality: It has Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra 5G is better for users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen, versatile camera system, and wireless charging capabilities.
Sony Xperia 5 V Advantages:
- More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers significantly faster performance and improved efficiency, resulting in a more responsive and smoother user experience.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: The smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability, ideal for daily carrying.
- Superior Video Quality Better overall DXOMark score and greatly improved video quality.
- Advanced Bluetooth and WiFi: Supports newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards for improved speeds and connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital carrier switching, offering more flexibility.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces heat while charging and gaming, promoting battery health.
Practical Implications: The Xperia 5 V excels for users who prioritize high performance, compact design, and advanced connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 Ultra 5G's older chip means lower performance than the Xperia 5 V, and a heavier design.
- The Xperia 5 V lacks the diverse camera setup of the S21 Ultra, along with wireless charging.
- The S21 Ultra 5G has a much larger footprint, making it less pocketable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who frequently watch videos, browse the web, or play games. They benefit from the large, high-resolution display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need a versatile camera with telephoto and macro capabilities.
- Power Users: Users who benefit from wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenience.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Playing graphic intensive mobile games.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 V:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need top-tier performance and efficient heat management for demanding games.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Those who value a compact, lightweight phone with advanced connectivity.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the latest Bluetooth and WiFi standards along with an eSIM.
Use Cases:
- Gaming with high frame rates
- Taking quick pictures and videos during a trip
- Working remotely with fast internet access
- High quality video recording
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, being an older phone, is likely available at a lower price compared to the newer Sony Xperia 5 V. If price is a primary concern and a large screen with a versatile camera is a priority, it offers a very good value.
- The Sony Xperia 5 V justifies its higher price with its superior performance and modern technologies, making it suitable for users who need the best performance available.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for potential buyers:
What is your priority: performance or screen size?
- If performance and compactness are crucial, the Sony Xperia 5 V is the better choice.
- If a larger screen with a versatile camera is more important, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G may be suitable.
How important is camera versatility and wireless charging?
- If these features are essential, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the better option.
- If overall image quality and video performance is the priority, the Sony Xperia 5 V would suit you better
What is your budget?
- If budget is tight, the older Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a better value, but its performance is not on par with the newer device
- If budget is not a primary constraint, the Sony Xperia 5 V provides a newer, more powerful, and compact experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a gamer: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 V for its superior performance, bypass charging, and advanced Bluetooth features, which can provide a much better gaming experience
- For a media consumer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its larger, higher resolution display and versatile camera, enhancing their experience.
- For an on-the-go professional: Choose the Sony Xperia 5 V for its compact size, lightweight design, and advanced connectivity, ensuring seamless work in various settings.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Sony Xperia 5 V. Despite the older phone having a larger, more versatile camera system, the performance advantages of the Xperia 5 V's modern chipset and it's much higher quality video are extremely compelling to me. The compact design and newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards offer a more seamless, and future proof user experience. While the S21 Ultra's large screen would be great for media consumption, I value performance and overall device responsiveness more in my daily usage. The significantly higher DXOmark video score combined with a modern mobile processor and more current design means that the Xperia 5 V is my pick.
