Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and TCL 40 SE, focusing on practical implications:
Design & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 167.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | TCL is slightly taller and thinner; S21 Ultra is a bit more compact width-wise. |
| Weight | 227g | 190g | S21 Ultra is noticeably heavier, which may be less comfortable for extended use. TCL 40 SE is lighter and easier to handle. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen), Metal Frame (speculated) | Unknown (screen), Plastic Frame/Back (speculated) | S21 Ultra offers superior screen protection and likely more premium feel. TCL's build quality is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.75" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1600 | S21 Ultra's higher resolution results in significantly sharper and more detailed images and text. TCL's display is noticeably less crisp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 260 | S21 Ultra provides much clearer and crisper visuals; TCL appears grainier. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colours, better viewing angles, and more efficient dark modes. TCL has decent color accuracy, but lacking in other areas. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra has smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content. TCL is still smooth, but not as much. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 900 nits | S21 Ultra is substantially brighter, making it much more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. TCL might struggle in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra offers vastly superior processing power; apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, gaming performance is much higher. TCL struggles with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 160,000 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster and more future-proof. TCL will likely struggle with new games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in gaming and other visually intensive applications. TCL will struggle with graphically intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.85 | S21 Ultra captures much higher-resolution images with better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 10.8MP (x2), f/2.4 & f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for lossless zoom and portrait photography. TCL does not offer these features. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra has a dedicated ultrawide lens, which is useful for group shots and landscapes. TCL does not offer this feature. |
| Macro/Depth Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 (x2) | TCL provides dedicated macro and depth sensors, but with low resolution, its practical use might be limited. S21 Ultra lacks these but captures superior images from its main sensor. |
| Front Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra captures far more detailed selfies and performs better in low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra supports high-resolution video recording with advanced features like HDR and EIS, making it suitable for semi-professional content creation. TCL video quality will be basic. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 115, Selfie: 135 | Not Tested | S21 Ultra's camera is well-regarded and scores significantly higher, offering significantly better photos and videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5010 mAh | Similar battery capacities, leading to comparable battery life. Usage will be very dependent on the processing power needed. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges slightly faster, reducing wait times. |
| Additional Features | Wireless Charging (15W), Reverse Wireless Charging (9W) | None | S21 Ultra offers added convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging, but no charger in box. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | TCL has a more modern OS out of the box, but S21 Ultra will eventually get to Android 15. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 Ultra offers faster and more reliable wireless connections, particularly in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra has slightly better Bluetooth features, resulting in more reliable connections and better audio performance. |
| GPS | L1+L5 Dual-Band | L1 Single-Band | S21 Ultra provides greater accuracy, faster location fix, and better navigation. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | Up to 512 GB | Up to 256 GB | S21 Ultra offers more internal storage, providing more space for apps, games and photos. |
| RAM | Up to 16 GB | Up to 6 GB | S21 Ultra has a significantly higher RAM capacity, supporting more apps running in the background and more demanding use-cases. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra provides a superior audio experience, better audio clarity and immersion. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic, In-screen | Side-Mounted | TCL 40 SE has a potentially faster and more consistent fingerprint sensor, although it's not as aesthetically pleasing. S21 Ultra can use facial recognition as well. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and vibrant AMOLED technology offer a much better visual experience.
- Unmatched Performance: Far more powerful processor, resulting in faster performance for all tasks, especially gaming.
- Professional-Grade Camera System: Multiple high-resolution cameras, offering significantly better image quality, optical zoom capabilities, and higher-quality video.
- Enhanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio features, and higher-quality build.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more reliable connections.
- Better GPS: More accurate GPS.
- Greater RAM & Storage: Better multitasking and more space.
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Comes with a slightly newer version of Android from the factory, but will have less upgrades in the future.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more reliable fingerprint unlock compared to in-screen technology.
- Macro and Depth Camera: Can take photos for specific use-cases.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher cost, heavier build, and no charger included in box.
- TCL 40 SE: Compromised display, significantly slower performance, limited camera capabilities, and basic audio features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, professionals who require top performance, and users who want the best possible multimedia experience.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography and videography, intensive multitasking, watching high-definition movies, and all-around smooth performance.
- Price-to-Value: High upfront cost, but delivers the highest value for performance and features.
TCL 40 SE:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, those who prioritize affordability over high-end features, users who need a basic phone for calling, texting, and social media, and those who value a lightweight design.
- Use Cases: Basic everyday use, web browsing, social media, taking casual pictures, streaming video content.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the price, providing acceptable performance for basic tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a premium-tier device, while the TCL 40 SE is entry-level.
- What do you prioritize most? Performance, camera quality, and display quality vs. affordability and basic functionality?
- What are your primary use cases? Gaming and photography vs. general web browsing and basic tasks?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the main concern. The TCL 40 SE is the better choice, offering a decent enough experience for a much lower price.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera are important. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: A balance between price and features is needed. Consider other mid-range options as these two phones represent the far ends of the spectrum.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, even though it is older and more expensive. The main reason is that my primary use cases for a phone include gaming, photography, and consuming media, where the S21 Ultra shines compared to the TCL 40 SE. The superior display, powerful processor, professional-grade camera, and overall more premium experience justify the higher price point for my personal needs and use cases. While the TCL 40 SE is a good option for basic use cases, the S21 Ultra would provide a smoother, richer, and more enjoyable experience overall.
