Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Tecno Spark Go 2023
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2023 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.9 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller, but both have nearly identical width and thickness. Minimal practical difference. |
| Weight | 227g | Data missing | S21 Ultra is heavier, likely feels more substantial. Missing weight data for Tecno prevents direct comparison of comfort in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | S21 Ultra offers significantly sharper images, crisper text, and more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 267 | S21 Ultra display looks significantly sharper, with a much higher level of detail |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 92,140 | S21 Ultra has much higher performance, providing a smoother and more responsive experience across all tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 Ultra's GPU offers superior graphics performance, better for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 108MP | 13MP | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed images and offers more flexibility for cropping. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.85 | Similar aperture, slight advantage for S21 Ultra in low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 10.8MP (S21 Ultra) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed and portrait photography |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 44MP | 5MP | S21 Ultra captures much more detailed selfies, better for high-quality video calls |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Tecno has slightly better light gathering for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP (S21 Ultra) | Not Available | S21 Ultra has dedicated telephoto lens offering superior optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 12.2MP (S21 Ultra) | Not Available | S21 Ultra offers a dedicated ultra wide lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps (S21 Ultra) | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra offers significantly higher video resolution and more features. |
| DXOMark Camera Score (Mobile) | 115 (S21 Ultra) | Not Available | S21 Ultra demonstrates superior camera performance in tests. |
| DXOMark Camera Score (Selfie) | 135 (S21 Ultra) | Not Available | S21 Ultra demonstrates superior selfie camera performance in tests. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom (S21 Ultra) | Basic Features | S21 Ultra offers more advanced camera features, enhancing overall photographic capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity. Similar battery life is to be expected. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (S21 Ultra) | 10W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges significantly faster reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging (S21 Ultra) | None | S21 Ultra offers advanced charging features, allowing for more flexibility in power management. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 | Tecno is slightly newer in OS but S21 Ultra can be upgraded to Android 15, providing more recent features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (S21 Ultra) | 802.11n | S21 Ultra has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, better for data-intensive tasks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (S21 Ultra) | 4.2 | S21 Ultra has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version for better connectivity with peripherals. |
| GPS | L1+L5 (S21 Ultra) | L1 | S21 Ultra provides more accurate GPS location tracking with dual-band support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage for flexibility in network access. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB (S21 Ultra) | 64GB | S21 Ultra has significantly more storage, beneficial for storing more apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB (S21 Ultra) | 3GB | S21 Ultra offers vastly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers (S21 Ultra) | Basic audio features | S21 Ultra has a superior audio system with richer sound quality and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor (S21 Ultra) | Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer fingerprint security; similar functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus (S21 Ultra) | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer (S21 Ultra) | Accelerometer | S21 Ultra offers a broader range of sensors, useful for various applications and activities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a vastly superior visual experience with vibrant colours, sharp details, and smooth animations.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chip provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers much higher resolution cameras, with dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses, resulting in far greater versatility and quality in photos and videos.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Features: Offers 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, which provide convenience and faster charging times.
- Better Audio: High-resolution audio and stereo speakers enhance the overall multimedia experience.
- Broader Sensor Suite: Additional sensors like a barometer and gyroscope unlock more functionalities like precise location and motion tracking.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides top tier screen protection.
Practical Implications:
- The S21 Ultra is better for heavy users, gamers, and content creators who need top-tier performance, excellent image quality, and advanced features.
- The superior display is noticeable in daily use, enhancing the experience of watching videos, browsing, and reading.
- The difference in camera performance is significant for photography enthusiasts and for capturing memories with higher fidelity.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Advantages:
- Lower Price: This is likely the primary appeal of the Tecno Spark Go 2023.
- Newer OS: Out of the box, it has a slightly newer version of Android (Android 12), but S21 Ultra can be upgraded to Android 15.
Practical Implications:
- The Tecno Spark Go 2023 is a budget-friendly option for users who need a basic smartphone without high-end performance or features.
- The trade-offs are significant in terms of display quality, camera capabilities, and overall performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Display: The Tecno's low-resolution LCD screen will not provide the same level of visual fidelity or viewing pleasure as the S21 Ultra's AMOLED panel.
- Performance: The Tecno's weaker chipset will struggle with demanding tasks, leading to slower app loading times, lag, and poor gaming experiences.
- Camera: The Tecno's basic camera is not as capable in terms of image quality, zoom, or versatility.
- Build Quality: Tecno's unknown screen protection is a big question mark and the phone's long-term durability may be a concern.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who require high performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality photos and videos, with advanced features.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who frequently watch videos or consume other media and want the best possible visual and audio experience.
- Professionals: Those who need a reliable, high-performance device for work purposes, including those who may capture photos and videos.
Specific Use Cases for S21 Ultra 5G:
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth, high-fidelity gaming with demanding titles.
- Professional Photography & Videography: Capturing high-resolution images and videos for work or personal projects.
- On-the-go Productivity: Multitasking between numerous apps, editing documents, and having seamless remote access.
- High Quality Media Consumption: Watching high resolution videos with great colour representation and fast refresh rate.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who are seeking the most affordable smartphone option.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who need a phone for basic communication, social media, and occasional web browsing.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Individuals who are new to smartphones and need a simple, easy-to-use device.
Specific Use Cases for Tecno Spark Go 2023:
- Basic Communication: Making phone calls, sending texts, and using basic messaging apps.
- Social Media Browsing: Light browsing on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
- Light Web Browsing: Checking email and browsing simple websites.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 Ultra has a significantly higher price, but the superior performance, display, camera, and advanced features provide a substantial return on investment for users who need or value these capabilities.
- The Tecno is much cheaper, making it a value option for very basic use cases where performance and camera quality are not a major concern.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is my budget? This will likely be the biggest factor in determining which phone to buy.
- What are my primary use cases? Will I be gaming, taking photos, or just browsing social media?
- How important are features like display quality, camera performance, and battery life? If these are top priorities, the S21 Ultra is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user needing a basic smartphone for communication and light browsing - Recommendation: Tecno Spark Go 2023
- Scenario 2: User who wants the best possible multimedia experience with superior performance and camera - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Scenario 3: User who values camera quality and needs versatility for professional or hobbyist use - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Scenario 4: User looking for a reliable, well-rounded phone for everyday use, with good performance and features - Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Here's why:
Despite being an older device, the S21 Ultra offers a superior user experience in almost every aspect. The display is significantly better, providing a much more immersive and enjoyable visual experience. The powerful processor ensures smooth and responsive performance, even with demanding tasks, and the camera is a huge step up in terms of both quality and versatility. While the Tecno Spark Go 2023 serves as a budget option, the trade-offs are too significant for my personal needs. The S21 Ultra would offer much more day to day utility. For example, I would like a device that can handle graphic heavy mobile games and the S21 Ultra would do that without issue. The build quality of the S21 Ultra gives confidence in the longevity of the product as well, unlike the missing specifications on the Tecno. Ultimately, while the Tecno will function as a smartphone, the S21 Ultra offers a considerably better experience.
