The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with a Snapdragon SoC takes better photos than the Exynos model

DxOMark has published its detailed camera test of the Galaxy S21 Ultra with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, having already reviewed the Exynos 2100 edition. Principally, Samsung sells the Galaxy S21 Ultra with a Snapdragon SoC in China and North America, and the Exynos model in Europe. According to our database, the Exynos 2100 enjoys a 3% lead over the Snapdragon 888 in CPU and GPU benchmarks. However, DxOMark has demonstrated that it is the opposite way round when it comes to camera performance. 

As the screenshot below demonstrates, DxOMark considers the Snapdragon 888 model even so slightly superior to the Exynos 2100 one. It is worth noting that both models have the same camera hardware, which includes a 108 MP primary camera, dual 10 MP sensors and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. However, the SoCs have different image signal processors (ISP); Qualcomm calls its the Spectra 580, while Samsung only refers to its ISP as being 'advanced'.

Unfortunately for Samsung, the Snapdragon 888 model captures more detailed and less noisy images than the Exynos 2100 model does. These differences are most noticeable when zooming in on a shot taken with the 108 MP primary camera, but they can be seen in most low light test photos too. The Exynos 2100 gets a few bonus points for its autofocus, at least.

Overall, the Snapdragon 888 delivers better camera performance, but both models fall short of their flagship competition. The Snapdragon 888 version runs hotter too, which would be felt when shooting videos and taking photos. In short, the Mi 11 Ultra and Mate 40 Pro Plus remain two of the best smartphones out there.

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