Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. ZTE nubia Flip
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the ZTE nubia Flip, focusing on their practical impact on user experience:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | ZTE nubia Flip offers a more compact form when folded, and a larger screen when unfolded, while Samsung S21 Ultra is a traditional smartphone. |
| Physical Size | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 170 x 75.5 x 7 mm | ZTE nubia Flip is taller, but thinner when unfolded. Samsung S21 Ultra is thicker but more compact when not folded. |
| Weight | 227g | 214g | ZTE nubia Flip is slightly lighter making it a bit more comfortable for long use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.9" | ZTE nubia Flip provides slightly larger display area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1188x2790 | Samsung S21 Ultra has a significantly sharper and detailed display, noticeable in text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 ppi | 439 ppi | Samsung S21 Ultra offers much clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | | Samsung S21 Ultra offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. ZTE nubia Flip display technology is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have fluid animations and smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21 Ultra has superior outdoor visibility, making it usable in bright sunlight. ZTE Nubia Flip's brightness is unknown and may not be suitable for outdoor use. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both chipsets offer solid performance but Samsung S21 Ultra generally has a slight edge in raw power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 690,000 | Samsung S21 Ultra shows slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 644 | Samsung S21 Ultra's GPU is better for demanding games, though the difference may not always be significant in daily use. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.7 | Samsung S21 Ultra captures more detail, ZTE nubia Flip is better in low light due to wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.8) . |
| Telephoto + Portrait Lens | 10.8MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra offers additional zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP f/2.2 | 16MP | Samsung S21 Ultra captures much more detail and higher quality selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP f/4.9 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra offers additional zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | ZTE nubia Flip has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra allows for wide-angle shots and macro photography |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K (no specific fps) | Samsung S21 Ultra allows for more detailed video recording and more features. |
| Slow Motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 120fps | Samsung S21 Ultra supports a much faster slow-motion. |
| DXOMark | Main: 115, Selfie: 135 | N/A | Samsung S21 Ultra's camera has been professionally rated and is highly capable. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4310mAh | Samsung S21 Ultra offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | ZTE nubia Flip charges faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Samsung S21 Ultra supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | ZTE nubia Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 | ZTE nubia Flip has a newer base operating system. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (extensive features) | 5.2 (basic features) | Samsung S21 Ultra provides more Bluetooth capabilities and compatibilities. |
| GPS | Extensive support | Extensive support | Both support GPS with similar accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | ZTE nubia Flip offers more flexibility with eSIM. |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer adequate storage, but Samsung S21 Ultra has a 128GB option. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8/12GB | Samsung S21 Ultra has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has microSD card support. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Basic | Samsung S21 Ultra has enhanced audio with superior sound. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | ZTE nubia Flip's fingerprint sensor is more convenient to use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection | Screen protection unknown | Samsung S21 Ultra has better screen durability. |
| Sensors | Full suite + Barometer | Standard suite | Samsung S21 Ultra has a more extensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and AMOLED technology make it significantly better for content consumption and outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: Slightly better benchmark scores due to the Exynos 2100 chipset, also provides more RAM (up to 16GB).
- Advanced Camera System: Multiple lenses, higher resolution, higher DxOMark scores and more features result in greater versatility and better photo/video quality.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers provide superior audio quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- More Sensors: Barometer for more accurate altitude readings.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection for more durability.
ZTE nubia Flip Advantages
- Foldable Design: Provides compact size and expanded display for different use cases.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging speeds up battery replenishment.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a more recent version of Android OS out of the box.
- Slightly Lighter: More comfortable to hold for long period of time.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: It is heavier, bulkier, and has a higher price, lacks eSIM, and charges slower.
- ZTE nubia Flip: It has a lower resolution screen, lacks wireless charging, has inferior camera and audio quality, and performance. Its main strength is its foldable form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users
- Power Users: Those who need top performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and video features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who value a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Professionals: Users who need a reliable device with advanced sensors and features.
Use Cases:
- Shooting professional-quality photos and videos.
- Playing demanding games with high graphical settings.
- Using a phone as a primary device for productivity.
- Enjoying immersive entertainment with superior visuals and sound.
ZTE nubia Flip Ideal Users
- Foldable Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the innovative form factor and portability of a foldable phone.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who are looking for a more affordable foldable phone.
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize basic functionalities and a modern design.
Use Cases:
- Using a compact device for daily tasks and browsing.
- Enjoying a larger screen for media consumption.
- Leveraging the foldable form factor for unique viewing experiences.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prefer a standard or foldable smartphone? This is a primary consideration.
- What are your main priorities: camera quality or battery life?
- Is a high-end display and audio system important to your usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Best All-Around Experience: If you prioritize the best possible camera, display, performance, and audio quality, and don't mind a bulkier form, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- For Foldable Experience on a Budget: If you're drawn to the foldable design and are willing to compromise on performance and camera, choose the ZTE nubia Flip.
- For Professional Photographers and Videographers: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is clearly better due to its camera system and features.
- For a user on the go: ZTE nubia Flip is more ideal due to its lighter body and faster charging.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. While the ZTE nubia Flip offers an interesting foldable design, the Samsung S21 Ultra's superior display, camera capabilities, raw performance, audio quality and overall feature set are more appealing to me. I prioritize a high-quality display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera for my daily use. Although it's an older phone, its features are still top-tier, and the difference in day-to-day experience would be significant. The ability to charge wirelessly, use the camera in a variety of scenarios, and have a vibrant and detailed display outweighs the desire for a foldable form factor and slightly faster charging.
