SAMSUNG Galaxy S21 vs S21 Ultra Comparison

In this article, I give you my Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S21 Ultra comparison with specs included. The new phones for 2021 in the flagship line from Samsung and released a bit earlier than usual. Usually, they come out a couple of months later in the year but they’ve pushed it up obviously.

The exciting news to kick off our discussion is the significant price drop from the previous generation of Samsung phones, with the latest models starting at $200 less. This alone is a promising start, right? And when we delve into the comparison between the S20 Ultra and the S21 Ultra, the improvements are truly remarkable, especially in terms of camera capabilities. Moreover, there are other exciting additions like the inclusion of the S Pen.

This initial review aims to provide a sneak peek into the new phones, focusing on the most notable features. However, a detailed analysis of all the features will be available once the phones hit the market. This is partly due to embargoes and also to allow for sufficient time to thoroughly test the devices. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the new Samsung Buds Pro will be coming up shortly, as well as an evaluation of their new Smart Tags, which are Bluetooth-enabled trackers designed to prevent you from losing your belongings.

Now, turning our attention back to the phones themselves, Samsung graciously provided us with review units of two out of the three models: the S21, featuring a 6.2-inch display, and the S21 Ultra, boasting a massive 6.8-inch display. Nestled in between these sizes is the S21 Plus, which used to be a favorite for those seeking a balance between screen real estate and portability, all at a lower price point compared to the Ultra.

With the Ultra models now offering improved features and a reduced price, the decision between the base and plus models becomes more nuanced. The base S21 model starts at $799, the S21 Plus at $999, and the Ultra at $1,199. Notably, all models now sport matte finishes, and the Ultra comes in more subdued color options compared to the smaller models.

Under the hood, the devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, the latest in 5G technology. While benchmarks will be shared in the full review, it’s safe to assume that these devices will deliver impressive performance, as is the norm with each new iteration.

For those outside the United States, the Exynos 2100 CPU will be the chipset of choice. While we didn’t receive review units with this chipset, Samsung’s Exynos variants typically offer comparable performance to their Snapdragon counterparts.

In terms of camera hardware, the base S21 and S21 Plus models feature similar setups to their predecessors but with enhancements in computational photography. This translates to more natural-looking images with improved color accuracy. However, the real star of the show is the S21 Ultra, which represents a significant leap forward in smartphone photography. With its revamped camera system, including a 108-megapixel main sensor, dual telephoto lenses, and improved zoom capabilities, the Ultra is poised to deliver unparalleled imaging performance.

Another noteworthy addition to the Ultra is S Pen support, signaling a potential shift in Samsung’s product lineup. While the absence of Bluetooth features found in the Note series may disappoint some, the inclusion of the S Pen opens up new possibilities for productivity and creativity on the S21 Ultra’s expansive display.

Design-wise, the decision to opt for flat screens on the S21 and S21 Plus models is a welcome change. While curved screens may have been trendy in the past, flat screens offer a more practical and secure grip, reducing accidental touches along the edges.

Other features like the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, Gorilla Glass Victus, and variable refresh rate displays further enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, improvements in battery capacity and charging speeds ensure that these devices can keep up with your busy lifestyle.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The omission of a charger and MicroSD card slot may disappoint some users accustomed to these features. Nevertheless, with support for all major carriers and 5G bands, as well as the inclusion of power-sharing capabilities, the S21 series remains a compelling choice for consumers.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series represents a significant step forward in smartphone technology, offering a compelling blend of performance, features, and value. Whether you opt for the base model, the Plus, or the Ultra, you can expect a premium experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with a smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra represent two distinct tiers within Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup, catering to different user needs and preferences. Below is an extensive comparison between the S21 and S21 Ultra, covering various aspects such as design, display, camera, performance, battery, and additional features.

Design:

S21:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm.
It sports a flat 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
The back of the device is made of polycarbonate material, which Samsung refers to as “Glasstic,” providing durability while maintaining a premium look.
Available color options for the S21 include Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink.

S21 Ultra:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a larger and more premium design, measuring 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm.
It features a slightly curved 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels).
The back of the device is crafted from Gorilla Glass Victus, providing a luxurious feel and enhanced durability.
Available color options for the S21 Ultra include Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.

Display:

S21:

The S21’s display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels.
It supports HDR10+ content and features a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming.
While the resolution is Full HD+, the display still delivers sharp and crisp visuals, making it suitable for most users.

S21 Ultra:

The S21 Ultra’s display is the pinnacle of smartphone technology, offering Quad HD+ resolution and a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
With its larger size and higher resolution, the S21 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and productivity.
The inclusion of HDR10+ support ensures stunning dynamic range and color accuracy for HDR content.

Camera:

S21:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom.
It offers various shooting modes and features, including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and 8K video recording.
While the camera setup on the S21 is impressive, it falls short of the capabilities offered by the Ultra model.

S21 Ultra:

The S21 Ultra sets a new standard for smartphone photography with its advanced quad-camera system.
It boasts a 108 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and two telephoto lenses—a 10 MP periscope lens with 10x optical zoom and a 10 MP lens with 3x optical zoom.
The addition of dual telephoto lenses enables unprecedented levels of zoom capability, allowing users to capture details from afar without compromising image quality.
Furthermore, the S21 Ultra features enhanced computational photography and AI capabilities, resulting in stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance:

S21 & S21 Ultra:

Both the S21 and S21 Ultra are powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung’s own Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region.
These flagship chipsets deliver exceptional performance and efficiency, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
With up to 16 GB of RAM available in the S21 Ultra, users can expect seamless performance even when running demanding applications or multitasking intensively.

Battery:

S21:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of use under typical usage conditions.
It supports fast charging up to 25W, allowing users to quickly recharge their device when needed.
Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities are also available on the S21, adding convenience and versatility.

S21 Ultra:

The S21 Ultra features a larger 5,000 mAh battery, offering extended battery life to accommodate its power-hungry display and advanced camera system.
It supports fast charging up to 45W, enabling even faster recharge times compared to the S21.
Like its counterpart, the S21 Ultra also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing users with flexible charging options.

Additional Features:

S21 & S21 Ultra:

Both devices run on Samsung’s One UI software, based on Android 11, providing a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.
They offer IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability and peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure to the elements.
The S21 and S21 Ultra come with 5G connectivity, enabling blazing-fast download and upload speeds for streaming, gaming, and browsing on the go.
Other features include stereo speakers, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, and support for Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity when connected to an external monitor.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra cater to different segments of the market, offering varying levels of performance, features, and pricing. While the S21 is a more compact and affordable option with impressive specifications, the S21 Ultra stands out as a true flagship device with its unrivaled camera capabilities, stunning display, and premium design. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific use cases.