Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Vs OnePlus 9 Pro Camera Performance Comparison

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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs OnePlus 9 Pro Camera Performance Comparison: A Timeless Showdown in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of Android smartphones, camera performance remains a cornerstone for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs OnePlus 9 Pro camera performance comparison takes us back to 2021 flagships that redefined mobile photography. Even in 2025, these devices hold up remarkably well against newer models, thanks to their robust hardware and software optimizations. Whether you’re holding onto an older phone or eyeing a budget-friendly upgrade, this detailed breakdown explores their strengths in daylight shots, low-light conditions, zoom capabilities, video recording, and more. Drawing from expert tests and real-world usage, we’ll see how they stack up—and why they’re still relevant today.As we dive deeper, remember that while the S21 Ultra and OnePlus 9 Pro shine in their era, modern flagships like the SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Ultra or OnePlus 13 push boundaries further with AI enhancements. If you’re building a blog around Android niches like this, platforms like Wealthy Affiliate offer invaluable training to monetize your content through affiliate marketing—think earning commissions on phone reviews while growing your site.

Table of Contents

Hardware Breakdown: Sensors and Specs

The foundation of any camera comparison starts with hardware. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup: a 108MP main sensor (f/1.8, 24mm equivalent), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° field of view), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4, 70mm), and 10MP 10x periscope telephoto (f/4.9, 240mm). It supports 8K video at 24fps and features optical image stabilization (OIS) across key lenses. The front camera is 40MP (f/2.2) for sharp selfies.In contrast, the OnePlus 9 Pro, co-engineered with Hasselblad, features a triple-camera array: 48MP main (f/1.8, Sony IMX789 sensor), 50MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 48mm equivalent with macro), 8MP 3.3x telephoto (f/2.4, 77mm), and a 16MP front camera (f/2.4). It tops out at 8K video at 30fps, with OIS on the main and telephoto lenses.The S21 Ultra’s higher megapixel count on the main sensor gives it an edge in cropping and detail extraction, while the OnePlus 9 Pro’s Hasselblad color tuning promises more natural tones. According to DXOMARK tests from 2021, the S21 Ultra scored 119 overall for camera performance, slightly edging the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 116 dxomark.com. In 2025, both benefit from software updates, but the S21 Ultra’s dual telephoto setup provides superior versatility.

Daylight Photography: Vibrancy and Detail

Under bright conditions, both phones excel, but their approaches differ. The S21 Ultra delivers punchy, saturated colors with Samsung’s signature vibrancy—think lush greens and deep blues in landscapes. Its 108MP sensor captures intricate details, like individual leaves on a tree or fabric textures, making it ideal for post-processing. In side-by-side tests, the S21 Ultra’s images show slightly better dynamic range, handling high-contrast scenes without blowing out highlights androidauthority.com. The OnePlus 9 Pro counters with Hasselblad-inspired natural color science, producing more accurate skin tones and less over-sharpening. Its 48MP main sensor yields sharp, balanced shots with excellent white balance. Ultra-wide performance is a highlight: the OnePlus’s 50MP sensor minimizes distortion at edges, outperforming the S21 Ultra’s 12MP in corner sharpness. For everyday snaps like cityscapes or food photography, the OnePlus feels more “point-and-shoot” reliable, while the S21 Ultra rewards those who edit. Word count so far: ~450. Both hold up in 2025 daylight tests against mid-rangers like the Google Pixel 9a with Gemini, but the S21 Ultra’s resolution pulls ahead for prints.

Low-Light and Night Mode: Handling the Dark

Night photography is where computational prowess shines. The S21 Ultra’s Night Mode leverages its large sensor and AI to pull in more light, reducing noise in urban nights or indoor scenes. Colors remain vivid, though sometimes overly boosted—streetlights glow warmly without excessive flare. DXOMARK noted good detail preservation but occasional noise in shadows dxomark.com. The OnePlus 9 Pro impresses with Hasselblad’s low-light optimizations, delivering cleaner images with natural exposure. Its Nightscape mode stacks frames quickly, minimizing blur from hand-shake, and white balance is spot-on for mixed lighting. Reviews praise its low-noise performance, especially in portraits, where the S21 Ultra can overexpose faces ephotozine.com. In 2025, both outperform older budgets but lag behind the Google Pixel 9 Pro‘s AI-driven Night Sight. For stargazing or evening walks, the OnePlus edges out for realism, while the S21 Ultra wins for dramatic flair.

Zoom Capabilities: Getting Closer Without Compromise

Zoom is the S21 Ultra’s trump card. Its 10x optical periscope lens captures usable details at extreme ranges—like reading a distant sign—without digital artifacts. Hybrid zoom up to 100x is gimmicky but fun for moon shots. The 3x lens is razor-sharp for portraits or wildlife. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s 3.3x optical zoom is solid for mid-range, with Hasselblad tuning ensuring color consistency. Beyond 10x, it relies on digital cropping, leading to softer details compared to the S21 Ultra. Android Authority’s shootout confirmed the S21 Ultra’s superiority in long-range quality androidauthority.com. In 2025, the S21 Ultra’s zoom rivals the SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G for everyday use, making it a photography beast.

Portrait and Selfie Performance

Portraits on the S21 Ultra use the 3x or 10x lenses for natural bokeh, with AI edge detection that’s mostly accurate—though busy backgrounds can confuse it. Skin tones are flattering, and 108MP mode allows fine-tuned edits. Selfies are detailed, with good low-light handling from the 40MP front cam. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s Hasselblad portraits mimic professional lenses, with precise subject separation and color-accurate backgrounds. Its ultra-wide aids group shots, and the 16MP selfie camera produces natural results without over-smoothing. Photography Blog lauded its portrait quality as excellent photographyblog.com. Both are strong, but the OnePlus feels more artistic for social media.

Video Recording: Smooth and Stable

Video is neck-and-neck. The S21 Ultra’s 8K@24fps offers future-proof resolution, with 4K@60fps stabilized via Super Steady mode—great for action. Colors pop, but autofocus can hunt in low light. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s 8K@30fps is smoother, with Hasselblad color grading for cinematic footage. OIS and EIS combine for gimbal-like stability, and audio is clear. DXOMARK gave it high marks for video exposure dxomark.com. In 2025, both suit vloggers, though neither matches the Google Pixel 9 Pro‘s Video Boost.

Software and AI Enhancements

Samsung’s One UI on the S21 Ultra includes Director’s View and Single Take for versatile clips. Updates through 2025 add AI tweaks like scene optimization. Oxygen OS on the OnePlus 9 Pro emphasizes natural processing, with Pro Mode for manual controls. Hasselblad filters enhance creativity. Both receive security patches, keeping them viable.

Real-World Use Cases and Battery Impact

For travel, the S21 Ultra’s zoom captures landmarks; for events, the OnePlus’s portraits shine. Battery-wise, the S21 Ultra’s 5000mAh lasts 10-12 hours of heavy shooting, while the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 4500mAh with 65W charging refuels faster. In tests, neither drains excessively during photo bursts.

Pros and Cons: Which Wins in 2025?

S21 Ultra Pros: Superior zoom, high-res detail, versatile lenses. Cons: Over-saturation, bulkier design.
OnePlus 9 Pro Pros: Natural colors, fast charging, compact. Cons: Limited zoom, smaller battery. Overall winner: S21 Ultra for versatility, OnePlus for purity. Both score high in 2025 longevity.

Alternatives and Upgrades in the Android Ecosystem

If upgrading, consider these from our Android lineup: List of Android Phones Mentioned in the Blog Post:

These options, available on Amazon US, cater to various budgets and needs.

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Conclusion: Timeless Picks for Photography Lovers

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs OnePlus 9 Pro camera performance comparison reveals two icons: the S21 Ultra for power users craving zoom and detail, and the OnePlus 9 Pro for those seeking natural, Hasselblad-tuned shots. In 2025, they’re bargains under $500 used, outperforming many mid-rangers. For the latest, upgrade to the SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Ultra. If you’re blogging about Android, this niche is ripe—join Wealthy Affiliate to make money while sharing expertise.

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