1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | vivo Y76 5G | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.8 x 75 x 7.8 mm | S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker; Y76 is more compact. |
Weight | 227g | 175g | S21 Ultra is noticeably heavier, affecting long-term comfort. Y76 is easier to handle and pocket. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | S21 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2408 | S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper display; noticeably more detailed images. |
Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 401 ppi | S21 Ultra's screen looks crisper and clearer, especially with text. |
Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 Ultra has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better color accuracy. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 Ultra offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid experience. |
Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | S21 Ultra is much more readable in direct sunlight. Y76's brightness is not specified. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | S21 Ultra has a much more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading and gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 389,300 | S21 Ultra offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks. |
GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MC2 | S21 Ultra has a significantly better GPU for high-fidelity gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | S21 Ultra captures far more detail and allows for greater cropping and manipulation. |
Telephoto Camera | 10.8MP, f/2.4 & 10.8MP, f/4.9 | None | S21 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities; Y76 is limited to digital zoom. |
Wide-Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 Ultra has an ultrawide camera for wider shots. |
Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | S21 Ultra takes much higher-resolution selfies. Y76 has slightly wider aperture for better low light performance, but the specification for pixel size is missing. |
Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Y76 offers depth sensing. S21 Ultra doesn't have a dedicated depth sensor. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Y76 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 Ultra is capable of professional-grade video recording. Y76 video recording is basic. |
DxoMark (Mobile) | 115 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a significantly high overall score for its mobile camera. |
DxoMark (Selfie) | 135 | Not Available | S21 Ultra has a significantly high overall score for its selfie camera. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 4100mAh | S21 Ultra has significantly longer battery life. |
Charging | 25W | 44W | Y76 charges faster, despite the lower capacity. |
Wireless Charging | 15W | None | S21 Ultra offers wireless charging. |
Reverse Charging | 9W Wireless | None | S21 Ultra can wirelessly charge other devices. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21 Ultra is guaranteed to get newer Android versions. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 Ultra has newer Wi-Fi for faster speeds and lower latency. |
Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | S21 Ultra offers better efficiency and connectivity options. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 Ultra has more accurate positioning for navigation. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | S21 Ultra has an option for more storage. |
RAM | 12/16 GB | 8 GB | S21 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding apps much better. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic | S21 Ultra has superior audio quality with a richer and more immersive experience. |
Security | |||
Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Y76 offers a more convenient and faster fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra has much better scratch resistance. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | S21 Ultra has more sensors for better functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate provide a significantly better viewing experience.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset and superior GPU provide faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Significantly higher resolution main camera, telephoto lenses, and higher resolution selfie camera allow for more versatile and higher-quality photos and videos.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides more usage time between charges.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more precise GPS.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus
Practical Implications: The S21 Ultra is aimed at users wanting the best possible performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It’s ideal for multimedia consumption, mobile gaming, and professional photography.
vivo Y76 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Faster Charging: Charges faster despite the smaller battery.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Arguably more convenient for unlocking the device.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Provides additional shooting options, not available on S21 Ultra.
Practical Implications: The Y76 is a more affordable option for users primarily concerned with portability, battery charging speed, and basic photography.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Higher price, bulkier, and heavier; slower wired charging.
- Y76: Significantly inferior display, performance, and camera compared to the S21 Ultra; brightness is not specified, therefore, it might struggle in bright sunlight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for streaming, video editing, and content creation.
- Photography Professionals/Enthusiasts: Individuals who value camera versatility, image quality, and the ability to capture high-resolution photos and videos.
- Travelers: Who might benefit from better screen readability in bright sun, better GPS and a better connectivity.
Specific Use Cases:
* Mobile gaming with high frame rates.
* Shooting 8K video for professional use.
* Editing high-resolution photos on the go.
* Consuming HDR content with the best display quality.
* Using GPS in unfamiliar areas.
vivo Y76 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable 5G smartphone for daily use.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who value a lighter, thinner device for easy handling and pocketability.
Specific Use Cases:
* Basic social media browsing and posting.
* Casual photography in daylight conditions.
* Quick and frequent charging.
* Everyday tasks like phone calls, messaging, and app use.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The S21 Ultra commands a premium price due to its advanced features, while the Y76 provides a more budget-friendly experience. The value proposition depends on the user's priorities and budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The S21 Ultra is significantly more expensive than the Y76.
- What are my performance needs? Do I need a phone for demanding games, or is it for everyday use?
- How important is the camera? Do I need the best camera quality, or will a decent camera do?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (High Performance & Camera): If your priority is the best possible performance, display, and camera, and budget isn't a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
Scenario 2 (Budget-Friendly & Basic Use): If you need a basic 5G phone for casual usage, portability, and faster charging, and you're on a tighter budget, the vivo Y76 5G could be a suitable option.
Scenario 3 (Balance): If you need a good camera and a powerful device, but budget is not unlimited, consider other options.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Reasoning:
My priorities include:
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate of the S21 Ultra provides a superior viewing experience for content consumption and everyday use.
- Powerful Performance: I need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, including gaming and photo/video editing. The Exynos 2100 chipset and ample RAM of the S21 Ultra provide that.
- Versatile Camera System: I often take photos and videos, and the S21 Ultra's camera system with multiple lenses, high resolution and features suits my needs better, despite the missing macro lens.
- Long Battery Life: The larger battery capacity is very convenient and reduces the need for frequent charging.
- Long-term Software Support: The ability to receive the latest Android version is important to me.
While the vivo Y76 5G is a lighter and more affordable option with faster charging, the S21 Ultra's significantly superior display, performance, and camera system make it a better choice for me. I'm also willing to accept the trade-offs of a heavier phone and slower wired charging for the overall benefits it offers. The features it has are of much higher value to me than the budget savings and slight charging advantage of the Y76.