Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Tecno Spark Go 2024
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 163.7 × 75.6 × 8.6 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, but both are similar in hand feel due to same width. |
| Weight | 227g | 0g (Data Missing) | S21 Ultra has a weight of 227g. Tecno's weight is missing, so it's impossible to compare on this basis. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1612 | S21 Ultra's screen is significantly sharper, with much more detail. |
| PPI | 515 | 267 | S21 Ultra has a much clearer, more detailed display, particularly noticeable with text and high-resolution images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Also offers better power efficiency for dark UI themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 Ultra screen will appear slightly smoother for animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | S21 Ultra's display is much brighter, significantly easier to see outdoors in sunlight. Tecno's brightness is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 249,000 | S21 Ultra is significantly faster across most usage scenarios, a difference of 201% based on benchmark scores. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 Ultra's GPU is far more capable, resulting in much better gaming and graphics performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should have similar battery life, assuming similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | S21 Ultra charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless (15W), Reverse Wireless (9W), No charger in box | Non-removable | S21 Ultra has added convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging, it also comes without a charger in the box, meaning you will need to obtain your own to charge the device |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.80µm | 13MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detail with its higher resolution sensor, better low light performance due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers dedicated zoom capabilities and better portrait shots. Tecno does not feature this. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.70µm | 8MP, f/2.2, | S21 Ultra captures significantly more detailed selfies with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | S21 Ultra offers an additional telephoto lens, with different zoom capabilities than the other telephoto lens, and much better zoom than Tecno. Tecno does not feature this. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | S21 Ultra has dedicated wide and macro lens, offering more versatility. Tecno does not feature this. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra captures much higher quality video, with more advanced features like HDR and EIS. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 115, Photo: 121, Video: 100 | N/A | S21 Ultra's camera is significantly better, based on this evaluation. Tecno Spark Go 2024 has no available DxOMark results. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 135, Photo: 133, Video: 140 | N/A | S21 Ultra's selfie camera is significantly better, based on this evaluation. Tecno Spark Go 2024 has no available DxOMark results. |
| Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical zoom | Dual Camera, Front Flash | S21 Ultra has more advanced camera features. Tecno Spark Go 2024 has dual camera and front facing flash. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, up to 15 | Android 13 | Tecno ships with a newer Android version, but S21 Ultra is capable of being updated to Android 15. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections in crowded spaces and also has MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.0, LE | S21 Ultra has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with more supported protocols |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS | S21 Ultra has more satellite options, meaning better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 Ultra offers much more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 12/16 GB | 3/4 GB | S21 Ultra has much more RAM, resulting in much better multitasking and performance with demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | S21 Ultra offers enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio, and clearer calls. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Tecno has a slightly more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. S21 has an in-display sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has superior scratch and drop resistance. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Tecno Spark Go 2024 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | S21 Ultra has more sensors for advanced features such as gaming and accurate altitude data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness provide a vastly better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and more RAM deliver a much faster, smoother experience in all tasks, especially gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Offers much higher resolution sensors, more lenses for versatility, superior video capabilities, and advanced features such as OIS, 4K/8K video, and optical zoom.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging options, offer greater convenience.
- More advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Noise cancelling microphone provide better sound quality.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard, newer Bluetooth with added features, and more accurate GPS.
- Premium Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android (13). Although the S21 is capable of being updated to a newer version.
- Potentially Lighter: While weight is missing in provided specs, if it's less than 227g it will offer some advantage when using for extended periods.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A slightly more modern implementation, which some may prefer.
- More basic phone: Doesn't have the more advanced features that some people may not need.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: More expensive due to its premium features and performance. No in-box charger.
- Tecno Spark Go 2024: Significantly lower performance, lower screen quality, basic camera system, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, content creators, users who prioritize the best display quality.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with smooth graphics and quick loading times.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Demanding multitasking with multiple apps.
- Extended media consumption with a vibrant and sharp display.
- Reliable performance for work-related tasks.
Tecno Spark Go 2024:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, users with basic needs, and those who prioritize simplicity.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media browsing and communication.
- Light web browsing and email checking.
- Occasional photo capture.
- Simple gaming.
- Long battery life for basic usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Offers excellent value if top-tier performance and features are needed, and if the price is justifiable for your needs.
- Tecno Spark Go 2024: Offers good value for basic smartphone tasks at a very affordable price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The S21 Ultra is a higher-end device, while the Tecno is aimed at budget-conscious buyers.
- What are your primary uses for the phone? Do you need top-tier performance and camera capabilities, or are basic functions enough?
- How important is display quality, battery charging speed, and extra features to you? The S21 Ultra excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High Performance and Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- Scenario 2: Basic Smartphone User on a Budget: Choose the Tecno Spark Go 2024.
- Scenario 3: User wanting a good screen and charging speeds but without needing top-end performance or a top-end camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if it fits in your budget, but consider other mid-range options. The Tecno is too big a step down.
- Scenario 4: User wanting a basic phone for communication and occasional photos: Choose the Tecno Spark Go 2024.
Which Would I Choose?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, despite its age. My preference is for premium features and performance, which it delivers in spades. The display quality, camera capabilities, and overall smoothness would make for a much more enjoyable experience for me. While the Tecno Spark Go 2024 offers a newer OS, its other aspects fall significantly short in terms of what I prioritize. I need the versatility provided by the S21 Ultra, from the multiple cameras to the processing power, which I use for both work and leisure. The inclusion of a more advanced version of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also appealing, as I like to take advantage of those features. The speed of charge and wireless charging option would also be very useful for me, since I do not like to spend time waiting for devices to charge. Finally, I would choose the Samsung over the Tecno, simply for the overall build quality that the S21 Ultra offers.
