Galaxy A54 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, launched in January 2021, represent different tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the A54 is positioned as a capable mid-range device, offering a balanced feature set, whereas the S21 Ultra was a flagship model at its release, designed for advanced performance and premium features. These differences are evident across their hardware and software capabilities.

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy A54 5G was released in March 2023, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy A54 5G is promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, meaning it should receive updates up to Android 17 and security patches until early 2028. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, having launched with Android 11, received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15-based One UI 7.0 in the first half of 2025. Its security updates were scheduled to end in early 2026.
• Durability Features: The Galaxy A54 5G features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes, and uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a slightly higher IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, and is protected by the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus.

Performance capabilities vary between these two devices, reflecting their different market segments and release generations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A54 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, suitable for general use and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, featuring a flagship-tier processor from its generation, delivers robust performance for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking with greater efficiency.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy A54 5G generally report a responsive experience for daily tasks, though some reviews note occasional stutters under heavy load. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a consistently fluid and rapid response across all operations, characteristic of a high-end device.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A54 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with expandable storage via microSD card. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers higher RAM configurations, starting at 12GB and going up to 16GB, alongside internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, without expandable storage.

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but with distinct differences in technology and specifications.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A54 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers enhanced color accuracy and dynamic range.
• Resolution and Clarity: The A54 5G has a Full HD+ resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in clear visuals for typical viewing distances. The S21 Ultra 5G provides a higher WQHD+ resolution of 3200x1440 pixels, offering superior sharpness and detail, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A54 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility in bright conditions, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The S21 Ultra 5G offers a higher peak brightness of 1500 nits and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which adjusts dynamically to content for both smoothness and power efficiency.

The camera systems on these smartphones cater to different photography needs and expectations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A54 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with a more versatile quad-camera system, including a 108MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities.
• Photography Performance: The A54 5G delivers good results in well-lit conditions, with decent low-light performance and vibrant colors, though some users note occasional oversaturation. The S21 Ultra 5G is recognized for its excellent overall photography, particularly its detail retention, dynamic range, and advanced zoom capabilities, performing well across various lighting conditions.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) with their main cameras, and the A54 5G also supports 1080p at 60fps. The S21 Ultra 5G can record up to 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, offering more advanced video capabilities. The A54 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the S21 Ultra 5G features a 40MP front camera.